ADK 46: Mount Marshall
Region: Adirondacks, High Peaks Wilderness
June 23, 2021 | near Newcomb, NY
The background: Mount Marshall is the 25th tallest Adirondack High Peak, remotely located with two (trail-less) approaches. While you can hike this with other peaks in a (long) given day, we decided to use this day to tackle solely Marshall - which made it SO enjoyable (read on below!)
Getting there: This trail will start from Upper Works Road in Newcomb. From I-87, take exit 29 and make a left onto Blue Ridge Road for about 17 miles. Then, turn right onto Tahawus Road for 6.4 miles and make the left onto Upper Works Road, where in about 3.4 miles, you will reach the designated lot (note below on this.) There is no fee to park, and a decent amount of space to park. Your vehicle should have no issues in 3-season weather getting down the road and to the lot.*
For reference: this is ~ 1 hour + 15 minutes from the Lake George region, and an hour and 30 minutes from the Lake Placid area (of course will vary based on exact location.)
Plan accordingly: you will not have any (AT&T) cell service in the lot or on the Calamity Brook trail; however, I did have AT&T service at the summit for this one (unlike Redfield.) You may have better luck with getting service if you have Verizon – but as always, don’t rely on it.
*Note: the parking lot has shifted slightly to the McNaughton Cottage– instead of previously driving to the end of the road, you will be making a right into a designated parking lot, which is before the end of the road (there will be a gate so you won’t miss it!) You will now have to walk just a little bit to the start of the trailhead – but don’t worry, this is not adding significant mileage to your overall trip. Now, you’ll actually get to see in-person some of the ruins from the ghost town, Tahawus (instead of just driving through) since you will be walking by them to sign in at the register.
The hike: Roughly 14 miles, out-and-back; marked trail to herd path.
Note: this is not the route with the site of the plane crash – many take the Cold Brook Pass Trail to see it and start from the Adirondack Loj. If you decide to go that route, know that it is apparently overgrown and a bit more challenging to navigate versus the trail that I describe.
The route: Upper Works -> Calamity Brook Trail -> cairn for Herbert Brook Trail -> herd path to the summit of Marshall.
It was the middle of the week, so we expected little crowds at this particular trail and no issues with parking. Despite the slight (but obvious) shift in parking this time, it was exactly as we expected, so we wasted no time – geared up and ready for the day ahead, we got on trail at 5:15AM.
We started towards the end of the road to the trail register. We were wondering how this new lot would affect our mileage, but it only added about 5 minutes of road walking to our journey.
We had taken this route a few weeks prior to Redfield, so moved at a good pace, knowing where we would turn at the cairn to make the left up to Marshall. Most of what I had heard about Marshall was “no view” “herd path” and “pretty trail.” And now, I was about to find out what it was all about.
We reached the Flowed Lands in what seemed like no time and made the trek a bit further until we reached the cairn at 7:56. It was go time. I decided to drop my pack and tuck it in the woods away from the trail, so I could try out a hydration vest and see if I liked it (spoiler alert: loved it.) The cairn will be hard to miss, so you should have no trouble finding it. If you see a lean-to on your right, you went too far.
We made our ascent through the gorgeous forest, as we were greeted by soft sunlight peeking through the trees and the serene trickling water. I could not get over how beautiful the waterfall area was- it felt like a mermaid lagoon. I definitely needed to spend more time here one day…
Since this is a herd path, it is wise to pay close attention in certain areas by the streams; it won’t be impossible since it is well-trodden, but this is where it may get confusing. After this initial water crossing, most of the trail will present itself to you in a clear way (but as always – be alert since there are no trail markers… and it’s so easy to get distracted on this amazingly beautiful hike.) The trail is about a mile and a half one way from the cairn, but we thoroughly enjoyed the gradual ascent through the mud and peaceful scenery, only seeing a handful of people. After navigating through the mud and enjoying the beautiful summer weather, we saw it – the summit sign! We had made it to our destination!
You can hop up on the rock to take a photo, but the best part of the hike is walking behind the sign to a short path that leads you to the most stunning view of the surrounding High Peaks. I had no idea about this – but what a treat! After snacking, laughing, and photo taking, we realized we had spent nearly an hour at the summit soaking in all that Marshall magic. Sadly, it was time to begin our descent. We backtracked through the mud, bidding adieu to the streams, and were soon greeted by the cairn where we started. My pack was just as a I left it (thankfully!) and we did a quick sock change before heading back out to Upper Works. With a steady pace and some good conversation, we were soon signing out and walking back down the road to the parking lot. With focus, positive energy, a joyful spirit, and teamwork, we did it – never underestimate the company you keep on the trail!
Conclusion: this is an underrated High Peaks trail in my opinion - it truly may have been one of my favorites. While there is no denying the Calamity Brook trail is lengthy, you are rewarded with stunning Adirondack beauty on the trail, with your efforts rewarded past the summit sign. But be sure to bring extra socks for this one! You may need them…
Some notes on an ideal day:
This is honestly a beautiful day on its own from the Calamity Brook trail. Despite its length, it is attainable – the toughest part for me, is the mental strength for the 4.5 mile walk back from the Flowed Lands to the trailhead.
You can plan an overnight in designated lean-to’s or tent camp, since there is access to many peaks from this trail – you could hike Redfield, Cliff,Skylight and Gray (so many different pairings/options in this area – but be prepared for long days!) If you are planning to camp, please review and understand all region-relevant regulations. There are many resources online, but you can start here.
As always, be sure to carry out what you carry in and be prepared for an emergency overnight (extra food, water or filter, electrolytes, rain gear, first aid kit, etc.)
One day, I would love to hike the other approach from the Cold Brook Pass Trail, passing the site of the plane crash; but until then, I can’t emphasize how beautiful and awesome of a day this was on the Calamity Brook trail!
Happy High Peaks Hiking!
