June 2020

Realizing this was my first post of the new year/decade, I wanted to talk about what I did besides running. Started summiting high peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. If you are not familiar with the area, there are 46 high peaks that are very hard to do for an average hiker. This month, I was able to reach the top of three peaks: Dix, Phelps, and Table Top.

Dix Mountain

June 7th, the first high peak I visited with other hikers was Dix Mountain. Dix is the sixth highest peak in the Adirondack Mountains at 4857'. Starting from Round Mountain Parking lot (Rt. 73 Keene Valley), it was 14.5 miles round trip. The first portion of the hike started out really nice. Once you reach the Big Slide section, it is a steep climb to the summit. Tough but very rewarding climb.  Gasping for air a couple times as the destination was in sight. Approximately 12 hours to complete the hike, starting at 7 AM and finishing around 7 PM.

Trail Maker along the water

Dix Mountain Summit Marker

Phelps Mountain
June 14th, traveled with another hiker to the second peak: Phelps Mountain. Parked the vehicle at Adirondack Loj and started our journey at 7 AM. The first few miles were very nice. Trails were nicely groomed, well marked, and easy on the feet. At the fork, take a left towards Phelps Mountain. The climb was not as bad compared to Dix. Once you arrive at the summit at 4161', the view is absolutely wonderful. Took us a little over three hours to reach the peak. I enjoyed hiking Dix Mountain but Phelps was a nice change. Hiking onward…

Approaching Phelps Mountain Summit

Phelps Mountain Summit. Photo: M.Z

Tabletop Mountain
After summiting Phelps Mountain at 10:15 AM, we talked about doing another peak. A couple fellow hikers at the summit said Tabletop can also be done. It is on the Mount Marcy trail along Phelps Brook. Coming down to the fork, we took a left to Marcy Brook. To get to Tabletop, 4427' of elevation, you have to climb at least a mile on a herd path (minimally maintained trail). Squeezing through trees and avoiding the mud patches. It was not a pleasant trek to the top. So far, not my favorite peak out of the Forty-Six. Maybe that will change as I take on more peaks. The views were not the best compared to Dix and Phelps. After our brief break at the top, it was time to head back to the car.

Overall, it was a very nice hike. Took 10-10.5 hours to complete the hike summiting two peaks. Started at 7 AM finishing at 5:30 PM. Where will the next hike take us? Who knows. Thank you very much for following me along on this journey.