Gothics Mountain is the 10th-highest of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks, with an elevation of 4,736 ft.
Depending on the chosen route, the hike can be 15 miles round-trip, and can take up to 10 hours to complete. Gothics is not recommended for children or inexperienced hikers.
The primary trailhead is located at the St. Huberts Parking Area on the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). Note that dogs are not allowed on this private property.
The trail will lead you to Beaver Meadow Falls before it continues up a ladder to a steady incline with some steep spots. Several other ladders follow before the Range Trail junction where Gothics branches off to the left and Armstrong to the right.
The secondary route begins at The Garden in Keene Valley.
How did Gothics get its name? Gothics Mountain is covered with rock slides, resembling Gothic architecture, a style that flouished duirng the medieval times.
A unique aspect of this mountain is that there are large fixed cables and ladders at certain points throughout the mountain. Take advantage of these points to avoid sliding down the mountain.
A little known fact about Gothics Mountain is that at the top, there is a hidden cave. Hike Gothics mountain and find it for yourself.
Note: From May 1 to October 31, a free parking reservation is required for single-day and overnight access to the parking lot, trailheads, and trails located on the privately owned Adirondack Mountain Reserve. Visit the official website to book your reservation: https://www.hikeamr.org/