On the southwest slope of Mount Marcy sits Lake Tear of the Clouds. It's famous for many reasons, including its role in a presidency. A successful hike of Lake Tear of the Clouds involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 17.4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 3,175 feet
- Hike includes trail junctions and bridges
- Based on a hike from Upper Works
Hiking Lake Tear of the Clouds
From the Upper Works parking area and historic MacNaughton Cottage, follow a long and somewhat flat approach which initially starts along an old woods road. As the route narrows back to a foot trail you will follow along some attractive waterways and eventually climb modestly to the shore of Flowed Lands. You'll hand left around Flowed Lands, and in around 1 mile you'll cross Lake Colden and the dam. From there head towards Uphill lean-to. Once there, bear left towards the Feldspar lean-to, where there will be a T-intersection. Go straight (do not go left towards Lake Arnold), and steadily ascend around 1,000 feet to Lake Tear of the Clouds. Return the way you came.
Lake Tear can also be hiked from the Adirondack Loj.
Lake Tear in the winter
Hiking Lake Tear of the Clouds in the winter should only be attempted by experienced hikers, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and microspikes are often needed to climb the steeper sections. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being at least 20 degrees colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency. Turning around is always an option. Do not attempt to go onto Flowed Lands and Lake Colden during the shoulders seasons and during bouts of warmer weather.
History
On September 14, 1901, then-US Vice President Teddy Roosevelt was at Lake Tear of the Clouds after returning from a hike to Mount Marcy. While there, he received a message informing him that President William McKinley had taken a turn for the worse after being shot two weeks earlier. McKinley was originally expected to survive the gunshot. Roosevelt hiked from Lake Tear of the Clouds back down to Tahawus where he began his infamous 40-mile midnight stage coach ride to the railroad station in North Creek. It was in North Creek that Roosevelt learned McKinley had died and on the train to Buffalo, Roosevelt was sworn in as President.
Lake Tear of the Clouds is also cited as the source of the Hudson River, which begins its 315-mile journey to New York City in the Adirondack Mountains.
Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub
Does Lake Tear of the Clouds sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!
How to get there
From exit 29 off I-87, turn west onto Blue Ridge Road (CR 84) toward Newcomb. Follow this route for 17.4 miles to an intersection with Tahawus Road (CR 25). Turn right on Tahawus Road and stay on it for 6.3 miles then turn left at a sign for High Peaks trails. Pass by the old blast furnace at 2.8 miles up this road. From the blast furnace, it is less than one mile to your destination. The road dead ends at the Upper Works parking lot.
