ADK 46 Finish: Allen Mountain
Finish date: June 11, 2022
Believe it or not, I’ve had the skeleton of this post with the photos drafted for almost a year. Since that time, I’ve been working to complete my MBA a year early (which I somehow accomplished) as well as travel, continue to hike as much as I can, and navigate a non-stop full-time job.
[Excuses, excuses.]
So, here we are, almost one year later to the date, but I suppose better late than never…
I always pondered what I would say about this day. To rewind a bit, the journey began for me in August 2018. I had decided to spend a long weekend in the High Peaks + Central Adirondack region on a whim, solo, having only visited Old Forge a year prior and spending (very early) childhood summers staying at a neighbor’s home on Lake George. It was as simple as me taking a few days off from work, getting in my car, booking accommodations (The Cobble Mountain Lodge, where I often still stay today!) and just going for it. Something pulled me to the Adirondack mountains; and I had no idea what I was in for. Despite hiking casually in the Hudson Valley and traveling the world solo occasionally, to say I was unprepared is an understatement (you can read more of my stories here in Trail Notes.) Whether I was lost, dehydrated, poorly dressed for the weather, or without the essentials (ahem head lamp), my unwavering determination and willingness to learn from my mistakes is what pulled me through. When people ask me where my favorite place in the world is, the Adirondacks is top 2 (…along with Alberta, CA.) It is where I’ve learned by doing the last several years. I’ve also combed through every book I can get my hands on and even taken Wilderness First Aid to continue my education. I’ve met countless individuals on the trail, some who are still good friends today. It has been a constant source of joy for me during times of chaos and uncertainty in my life. There is a sense of peace and wonder (not to be confused with “easy” - you work for these mountains!) that is unmatched anywhere else. ANYWAY… about the hike!
But first: WHY FINISH ON ALLEN?
To be honest, it was a logistics game at the end. I could sit here and write that I intended to finish on this insanely remote, unpopular peak, but that would simply not be true. When it got down to some of my final few peaks, the plan was to hike Allen before Colden, and have a magical finish atop Colden in 2021. Due to the impassible Opalescent water crossing (the bridge was washed out years ago, and now it must be crossed by foot to get to Allen) it was not safe to attempt it, and therefore, postponed my goal of becoming a 46 finisher to 2022 (I should add that Colden was still magical in the November snow with hardly anyone else on trail. It just wasn’t my final peak. But lesson learned - go with the flow and embrace all that mother nature throws at you! You can read about that day here.)
The hike: ~ 18 miles (28.9 km) round-trip, approximately 3,500 feet (1,066 m) of elevation gain. Partially trailed in the beginning, then is trail-less to the summit. This is not considered a bushwhack and the path should be clear to you at most times, but definitely keep an eye out and have a map with you to stay on track.
Watch-outs: this is a very remote section of the High Peaks and you will not have cell service until select areas on the summit (as always, don’t rely on it!) Despite a few water-crossings, there is one major one (as I mentioned in the intro) that you will have to walk through, as the bridge has not been replaced. Unfortunately, this is about 4 miles into the hike, so it is best to check conditions ahead of time if water levels are expected to be high. I have heard of many hikers turning around because it was simply too dangerous to cross with the water moving fast at a high level. There is also said to be a red “slime” on the approach to the summit. It didn’t really affect our hike too much, and I did not see a need for microspikes (although some have suggested it in the past.)
Getting to the trailhead: this is the same lot for the Mount Adams fire tower. It is past the trailhead for the Santanoni Range (which will be on your left) and before the Upper Works lot. If you drive to the end of a road and see a large lot with a dead end, you went too far.
There is no fee to park and the lot is quite small; however, you can most likely park alongside the road leading into the lot. This trailhead is less frequented than many of the other High Peaks’ trailheads, and you’ll most likely be starting early, so you shouldn’t have any issues here.
How it went: I was accompanied by 2 friends who had hiked with me on several High Peaks before and I couldn’t be more grateful for their guidance and encouragement this day and every other hike.
We were fortunate that the weather predicted was accurate (sunshine, moderate temperatures) and the black flies were not as bad as expected from what I recall. Despite the elements working in our favor, it was still a very long, tiring day that required a ton of energy. We were boots on trail around 4:45AM, having woken up around 2AM to get ready and make the drive over. Limited sleep and anticipation always makes these days tougher in my opinion, but the energy was high and we had a clear mission to accomplish.
To be honest, Allen was kind of what I expected: long, mostly flat miles as you make your way to the base of the summit, and a steep, branch-grabbing, using all fours finish to the top. What I did not expect, was actually enjoying the hike in to the base. It is a beautiful, peaceful trail that is less trafficked than others and has this wonder about it.
We were the first ones on trail for the day that we could tell and would not encounter anyone until our descent later on. The hike was uneventful in most ways (despite a dropped phone in a water crossing and somehow magically scooping it up a mere 5 or so minutes after the fact) and thankfully, the Opalescent was not dangerous to cross (although we did have to cross barefoot knee-deep or so, but I found it refreshing!) The girls had tackled Allen before, so knew the way well and therefore had no issues navigating. With the exception of the final climb to the summit and a few other trail stretches, you are mostly covered by trees and not exposed to the elements. Despite no stellar view at the summit sign, I found the view right before the sign and slightly past it to be a nice treat. But perhaps I am biased because it was my final peak! 😧
While Allen was a long, tough day, I felt like all of the other 45 peaks prepared me for this moment, and it certainly was not impossible. It may be a test to your mental strength more than physical, so staying in the game and remaining positive will be key. Preparedness will be absolutely vital as I mentioned, because of how long you’ll be out there coupled with the remoteness of the area. This would not be a hike to under-pack for, especially if you want to change socks/clothes after any of the water crossings, depending on the day. A headlamp and back-up headlamp will also be key since there are many uncontrollable factors in a day that could cause you to be out for longer than anticipated.
After the hike, we had every intention of getting Baxter Mountain Tavern burgers to celebrate - but sadly, it was under renovation and temporarily closed! Instead, we stopped in Elizabethtown, grabbed burgers and sat on the dock to relax and revel in all the work we had done that day.
So, that’s it! But is it?
Although I have now completed hiking all 46 mountains, I can confidently state this is truly only the beginning of my lifelong commitment to these mountains and I look forward to giving back any way I can. I’m energized by what the future holds and can’t wait to revisit most of the peaks in due time (although if I can avoid Cliff again, I would…)
I will end by saying this: remember, nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it, continue to keep an open mind, learn, and stay curious. People might not always agree with you, but you must stay the course and trust yourself. Continue to stay committed to your vision and goals, even when they seem distant and unattainable. Just know that sometimes the path takes unexpected twists and turns, forcing you to pivot. In those moments, it is best to embrace it instead of fight it.
See you on the trail! (Or at the trailhead!)
