Region: Adirondacks, High Peaks Wilderness

July 26, 2021 | Keene Valley, NY

Note: this route requires a parking reservation between May 1- October 31. More details below.

The background: This day was one of my favorites from the summer. But how could it not be? These peaks are part of an unbelievable range in undeniably, one of the most scenic areas of the park. I did not name this post “Lower Great Range” since I hiked 3 out of 4 in the range (I had accidentally hiked Lower Wolf Jaw 3 years ago…long story saved here.) But you can certainly add it on from the route I describe below if your aim is to hike all the peaks in the range together. The beauty of this section of the High Peaks is that you can approach the summits differently and divvy them up into separate days without having to retrace your exact steps. This won’t be such a bad idea once you see the amazing scenery, but I also understand if you’re up for the challenge of completing this classic loop in one day!

Getting there: from the Northway take exit 30. Make a left and follow the signs for NY-73 W for 5.4 miles. Make a left onto Ausable Road, where you’ll see the lot on your left (and will be stopped at attendant booth if going during the season that utilizes the reservation system.)

You will not pass a gas station or any establishments from the exit to the trailhead.

AMR parking reservation system: From a logistics perspective, the website is intuitive and easy to use. My qualm with it (as of when I used it - maybe they made updates since) is that I was unable to cancel within a 48 hour window. There was no penalty that I’m aware of, but I would have liked to release my spot that I wasn’t going to use that day. There are no fees associated with the reservation system.

As someone who has been here BRR (before reservation requirement) I can’t say I’m too mad about having a reserved parking spot and one less thing to worry about when driving to the trailhead. That said, it is interesting that even if you are being dropped off and not parking, you still need a reservation. Not sure how I feel about that piece of it…there are some other articles written on this topic online which I encourage you to read to learn more about the agreement with the state and the history.

Other notes: Dogs are not permitted anywhere on the property - there are signs as well as people on property enforcing this (for canines aiming to complete all 46 peaks, there are other approaches, since the summits are technically all on state land - just certain trails leading to them are on private property, like from this approach.)

You may have some cell service (I think they just put more cell towers nearby) in the lot and when walking down part of the road- but you won’t for the entire trek. Have your map and route ready ahead of time.

There is a road walk for some of the route I took (and many of them in this trail network on the property.) IF you have extra space in your pack, perhaps throw in a pair of trail runners or shoes that you could use if your feet tend to swell and struggle in boots during longer miles (I’ve personally done this on prior hikes here and it has SAVED me.)

My route: counter-clockwise loop from AMR lot-