Algonquin Peak is located in the Adirondacks' MacIntyre Range in the town of North Elba, NY. Algonquin is the second-highest mountain in New York State, and is one of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks.
Algonquin Peak boasts an elevation of 5,114', and the 8.6 mile round-trip hike to and from its summit is steep and challenging.
The primary trailhead for Algonquin Peak is located off of Route 73 in North Elba. Take Route 73 south out of Lake Placid, and continue until you reach Adirondack Loj Road (34) on your right. Follow Adirondack Loj Road all the way to the end, and you'll reach the Adirondack Loj & Heart Lake Program Center and parking area. Multiple trails begin at this point, so be sure to carefully follow markers for Algonquin.
Aspiring 46ers should note that trails for Wright Peak and Iroquois Peak branch off of the Algonquin trail, enabling expert hikers to summit all three in one day.
The last mile of the Algonquin Peak ascent is the most challenging, but hikers are rewarded with brilliant views from the open-rock summit. Be prepared for exposure to the elements, as the summit offers no protection above the tree line.