Essex County Highpoint Trip Report

Mount Marcy (5,344 feet)

Date: June 2, 2008
Author: Adam Helman

This effort was part of a larger journey collecting state, national park, and Canadian provincial highpoints in June 2008.

Early June trail conditions - Van Hoevenburg Route

Early June is not the optimal time for climbing Mount Marcy owing to snowmelt that results in streams of water flowing down the rocks and boulders high on the trail. These conditions are a perfect set-up for slipping, especially on descent.

There were also snow patches that slowed progress - seemingly, and disconcertingly, located only along the trail.

I enjoyed the summit all to myself, having lunch sheltered from north winds while enjoying a glorious view of nearby mountainous terrain.

Mosquitoes and black flies were not a major issue - however at the trailhead the previous evening I was compelled to eat supper seated on the rental's back seats - one which, as a hatchback, did not have a trunk atop which food and utensils could be placed.

Hike statistics: 14.8 miles round-trip; 3.9 hours up and 3.8 hours down.