These three peaks are the some of the more remote in the High Peaks. No official trails lead to their summits; it's all herd paths here. The three mountains are: Couchsachraga, (46th highest at 3820 ft.), Panther Peak, (18th highest at 4442 ft.), and Santanoni Peak (14th highest at 4607 ft.). Technically, Couchsachraga, is not one of the 46 highest peaks in NY, because it is under the 4000 foot requirement, but due to an early measuring mistake, it is still required to do to become a 46er. It's tradition! "Couchsachraga" is based on an Algonquin or Huron name for the area, meaning "dismal wilderness". It is known for swampy trails, so pick the right boots and stay on the herd path.

How to get there

From I-87, take exit 29 and follow the Blue Ridge Road (CR84) toward Newcomb. Continue for roughly 18-miles to the Tahawus Road (CR25) on the right. Follow this road 6.3 miles to a left marked by a sign for Mt. Marcy and the High Peaks. At 2.0 miles from this junction there is a parking lot on the left for the Santanoni Range.

Hiking

Hikers can enjoy a loop option when hiking this range or out-and-back; either way, it's a challenging hike over rugged terrain, but with spectacular views and tremendous rewards. We recommend purchasing a map and guide book before setting out on this hike. There are no trail markers for much of this trip; navigation by map and compass will be useful, but there is a herd path that traverses the range.

We'll start with what's known as the Santanoni Express Route. From the parking area this route follows a gravel road that leads to a private hunting camp. After 1.8 miles, a sharp and somewhat obscure right leads you along a foot trail. The first bridge is out and you will need to ford the branch of Santanoni Brook. The second bridge is in poor shape but can still be crossed. Be very careful as it is slippery and quite high off the ground. The handrail is missing and the stairs on the opposite side up the steep embankment are slightly angled and equally as slippery. This trail has been notorious for being the wettest trail in the Adirondacks and for good reason. However, work is in progress to remedy this. Several small re-routed sections have been developed, wet areas closed off, and stringers have been laid out for easier passage. There is still much work to be done, but this is a wonderful start. At 3.4 miles from the parking area, the trail comes close to the brook and some beautiful cascades. Just beyond the trail flattens out and there is a cairn at the end of the flat area marking this spot where the herd path begins on the left. A tiny way in there is a crossing of Santanoni Brook which can be complicated in wet weather. Past this point you will come to a beaver area where a re-routed path to the left has alleviated much of the wet situations. From here it gets a bit steeper and then very steep over eroded terrain. As you ascent higher, the steeper it seems to get and more eroded under foot. You will pop out on the ridge just north of the summit of Santanoni. On the ridge you will meet a T-intersection which is the ridge trail explained below. Take a left here and hike moderately for about 0.1 miles to the summit. Path right leads to Times Square and Panther Peak.

After leaving Santanoni, you'll arrive at Times Square, an affectionate name for the intersection with the herd path to Couchsachraga. Turning left on the Couchsachraga path, follow the herd path that consistently descends for quite some time to a shallow col. The descent isn’t too steep but it is long and you will lose a bunch of elevation that you will need to climb to get back to Times Square. There is one steep drop over a small ledge that brings you to the "Couchy Swamp." Caution: in long periods of rain, crossing this can be muddy. The climb on the opposite side is very mellow up to the final pitch that is steep and short. Once on the summit, you'll have to turn around and retrace your steps back to Times Square.

Once back at Times Square, continue down the herd path to Herald Square. This is where the trail to Panther Peak branches off. The views from Panther Peak are simply stunning and the summit is just a few minutes from the herd path (probably 15-20 minutes for the average hiker). From Herald Square, the trail to Panther goes right for 0.4 miles to Panther's summit.

From Panther, hikers can descend the way they came (up the Santanoni Express) or via Bradley Pond. A herd path will bring you just over a mile from where the Express branched off the main trail. From here, it's a easy walk back to the car.

Snowshoeing

For those who are working on their Winter 46, there is not too much different during the colder months. Due to terrain steepness, the trail may be icy, so snowshoes, microspikes, or crampons are highly recommended. Snowshoes are required when there is 12 or more inches of snow. This route would probably not make for a good ski due to terrain. Parking should not be an issue in the winter. 

Camping

Camping is available in a lean-to at Bradley Pond on a first come, first serve basis. Camping between 3,500 feet and 4,000 feet is limited to designated campsites. Camping above 4,000 feet is prohibited.

Hiking the five High Peaks in the Dix Range

The Dix Range is a serious, strenuous hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of the entire range involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. This range includes five of the 46 High Peaks: Macomb, Grace Peak, Carson Peak, Hough, and Dix Mountain. 

Key statistics

• Distance: 15 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 5,350 feet
• Dix is the 6th High Peak, at 4857 feet; Macomb is the 21st High Peak, at 4405 feet; Hough is the 23rd High Peak, at 4400 ft; Carson Peak (formally South Dix) is the 37th High Peak, at 4060 feet; Grace Peak (formerly East Dix) is the 42nd High Peak, at 4012 feet
• Based on going up Macomb, completing all 5 peaks, then descending via the Beckhorn Trail

Hiking the Dix Range

From the trailhead, follow a well used marked trail to the Slide Brook campsites and lean-to. After crossing Slide Brook, go right and up through a campsite to access the herd path that proceeds high above the brook before descending slightly to the base of the slide. The slide is mostly rubble, scree, and loose sand. It's steep making for even harder footing. The upper portion of the slide is a bit tough to exit but once you do, you will be back in the trees for a bit further to the summit. The views from Macomb are quite nice, but only in one direction back toward and over Elk Lake. The herd path to Carson heads over the summit area and down steeply, before climbing steeply over a large area of bare rock.

From Carson, the hike to Grace takes a rather straight line east. The summit of Grace is a near 360 degree view from a pointed rock. To continue the range, you'll make your way back to Carson, before starting a bumpy hike over to Hough (pronounced "huff"). Hough is one of the tougher sections in the range with tight herd-path conditions and rock scrambling.

From Hough, it's another steep climb to the summit of Dix, where hikers are greeted with open views of the surrounding area. From Dix, hikers can descent back to the Elk Lake parking lot via the Beckhorn Trail or Hunter's Pass. Hunter's Pass is a longer trail but slightly less steep than the Beckhorn. After a long day on the trail, most hikers prefer to take the Beckhorn Trail, which is marked, along with Hunter's Pass. Eventually the trail levels out, and hiking along a flatter section will be a welcomed break for your knees. Along the trail from the Elk Lake parking area, there are eight primitive campsites and the Slide Brook and Lillian Brook lean-tos, which are options for splitting up the long hike.

Dix Range in winter

The Dix Range is a challenging mountain link-up that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes or crampons are needed to climb the many exposed sections up high. 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. 

The lot at the end of Elk Lake Road is closed and hikers will need to park at Clear Pond, which is located 2-miles from the the trailhead, adding 4-miles round trip. 

History

Two mountains in this range have a very interesting history, and names to boot! East Dix was renamed to Grace Peak recently in commemoration of Grace Hudowalski, who was the first woman to climb the 46 High Peaks. Grace became Forty-Sixer #9 August 22, 1937 on Esther. She worked for New York State to promote tourism and devoted the rest of her time to advocate the importance of stewardship, of protecting the mountains and of maintaining trails adequately. She was a founding member of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers and served as the Club’s first President (1948-1951) and Historian until 1995. South Dix was renamed Carson Peak, in commemoration of Russell M.L. Carson, a charter member and past president of the Adirondack Mountain Club. He is the author of "Peaks and People of the Adirondacks," the first authoritative history of Adirondack mountains, their naming, and their climbing history.

How to get there

The following descriptions describe hiking the Dix Range from the Elk Lake trailhead. To get there, take Exit 29 on I-87 and follow Blue Ridge Road to the west, toward Newcomb. Continue for 4-miles to Elk Lake Road on the right. (There is a sign for the Elk Lake Lodge.) Follow this road to the hiker parking, near the end.

Hiking New York's 25th tallest peak

Mount Marshall is the 25th tallest of the Adirondack High Peaks. It is a steep, serious hike that requires significant preparation and navigational skill. A successful hike of Mount Marshall involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Marshall was named to honor Robert Marshall who, with his brother George, is one of the original ADK 46ers. 

Key statistics

• Distance: 13 miles round trip
• Elevation: 4,360 feet
• Elevation gain: 2,515 feet
• Hike involves unmarked trails, water crossings, and trail junctions
• Based on a hike from the Upper Works trailhead

Hiking Marshall from Upper Works

There are two herd paths that lead to the summit of Mount Marshall, the route below describes a hike of Marshall via the Herbert Brook herd path from Upper Works. There is also the option of hiking Marshall via the Adirondack Loj, which is a longer hike with more elevation gain. Please be aware that for most of this hike you will be on a marked trail, but the final ascent to the summit will be on an unmarked path. There are many worn paths around Marshall; it's critical you know which one to follow, and do your research before you go.

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. From Flowed Lands you will hike its perimeter along a difficult trail to the herd-path along Herbert Brook; a cairn marks the herd-path on your left after crossing a small stream. The route is now much narrower and follows along the brook to your left. The terrain starts out moderate with a couple steep ascent sections, and soon you will be crossing the brook several times. Once the herd-path leaves the brook, the terrain steepens. There is one excellent viewing area along the summit ridge before you reach the treed summit to your left.

*Another way to reach Mount Marshall from the Adirondack Loj is via Cold Brook Pass.If you are interested in taking this route, particularly to view the historic plane wreckage, do your research and consult with the experienced staff at the High Peaks Information Center. 

Marshall in the winter

Mount Marshall is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes are needed to climb the upper reaches of the peak and around the icy sections by the brook. 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. You will cross Herbert Brook several times. These crossings can be especially dangerous during the beginning and end of winter. Always use caution at water crossings. Turning around is always an option. 

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. From here, you can follow the marked trail to Flowed Lands, eventually picking up the herd path to Mount Marshall.

Hiking New York's 44th highest mountain

Cliff Mountain is one of the most challenging High Peaks, with a hike up the cliff face that is extremely steep and in many situations slippery. While, due to tradition, this is a 46er peak, it does not crest 4000’ in elevation. Cliff is often climbed with in conjunction with Mount Redfield. Cliff is a long, serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles.

By the numbers

• Distance: 15.5 miles round trip
• Elevation: 3960 feet
• Elevation gain: 3,450 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions, unmarked trail, bridges, and ladders
• Based on an out and back ascent from the Adirondack Loj via Lake Arnold

Hiking Cliff via Calamity Brook

Cliff is often climbed with Mount Redfield. Below is a description of the approach via Upper Works and the Calamity Brook Trail. Cliff via the Adirondack Loj is the other main way to approach this mountain.

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 you reach this area you will see a small cairn on the right side which marks the start of the trail from Redfield and Cliff.

The Cliff Route is slightly up the joined herd-path and leaves right. If you decide to include Redfield on your hike, it will tack on 2.4 miles and 1,300 feet of elevation gain round trip.

After navigating through the muck and mire to the base of the cliff, take care going up the steep rock. Once over the cliffs, don’t be fooled into stopping at the next highest point, this is a false summit. Drop a bit and finish the climb to the true summit (with a wooden sign). Views are a bit lacking from the summit, so take in the nice ones along the steep climb.

Cliff Mountain in the winter

Cliff is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and microspikes or crampons are needed to climb the steep cliffs on Cliff. 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. The water crossings on the hike can be especially dangerous during the beginning and end of winter. Always use caution at water crossings. Turning around is always an option. Only cross Flowed Lands when conditions dictate. 

Getting 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.

Hiking Blake Peak

Blake Peak, while one of the shorter Adirondack High Peaks, is still a serious undertaking with significant elevation gain and mileage. A successful ascent of Blake requires research, prior experience hiking in the High Peaks, physical fitness, proper gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Key takeaways

• Elevation: 3,960 feet
• Elevation gain: 5,200 feet round trip
• Distance: 8.7 miles (17.5 miles round trip)
• Hike includes multiple water crossings, steep ladders, steep rocky sections, and trail junctions
• Based on the approach from Elk Lake

Hiking Blake Peak from Elk Lake

The approach described here is not the typical way to hike Blake. It involves more miles hiked and more elevation gain than the approach from the AMR. If you are looking for the most popular way up Blake, check out the approach from the AMR over Colvin.

The trail starts across from the parking area at the Elk Lake Trailhead, which leads to Panther Gorge and Mount Marcy. You will drop to cross The Branch before starting a flat approach to the beginning of a wet hike to the shoulder of Pinnacle Ridge, reahed at 3.5 miles. A couple more small ups and downs, then you drop slightly to the Pinnacle Ridge Trail on your right. From this point the trail is very demanding and encompasses several smaller peaks with no official names. After 6.6 total miles, you'll reach a spur trail that leads right to the summit of Pinnacle, which has some views of Elk Lake. Turning left at this junction marks the start of the bumpy ridge to Blake. If you have the option of a second car, and can leave it at the AMR trailhead, that is recommended as it saves you mileage and elevation gain. If you cannot do this, once the summit of Blake is reached at roughly 8.7 miles in (which is wooded), you will have to go back the way you came up. 

Keep in mind, there is also no water along the Pinnacle Ridge. Being a long day, bring a water filter, and fill up before you start the serious ascent up Blake.

Blake Peak in the winter

Blake is a challenging peak in the winter, and best approached via the AMR. Approaching via Elk Lake is not recommended in the winter, unless you are an experienced hiker. In the winter, plan for an extra 3.5 miles round trip due to the gate at Clear Pond being closed, which accesses Elk Lake. Be prepared with microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes. 

How to get there

Elk Lake Trailhead: Leave Lake Placid following Rte 73 to Interstate 87. Get off at exit 29 and follow the Blue Ridge Road toward Newcomb. Look for Elk Lake Road on the right in about 4-5 miles; follow it to its end.

Hiking New York's 39th tallest mountain

Colvin is the 39th tallest of the Adirondack 46 High Peaks. It is a steep, serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Mount Colvin involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. Colvin was named after Verplanck Colvin, the great surveyor of the Adirondack Park, and is often climbed with Blake Peak.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

This hike is accessed through a conservation easement with the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). A parking reservation is needed from May 1 - October 31. Although it is called a “parking reservation,” everyone will need a reservation to access hikes leaving from AMR, whether you drove yourself, rode a bike, got dropped-off, or walked. These reservations can be made online via the AMR website. For more information, please read these FAQs or contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Key takeaways

• Elevation: 4,507 feet
• Elevation gain: 6,400 feet
• Distance: 20 miles round trip
• Hike includes trail junctions, steep rock slab, and ladders

Hiking Colvin

The primary way to hike Colvin is via the AMR. Hiking via Elk Lake, described below, is seldom done. It is a strenuous hike with serious elevation gain that leads over Pinnacle Ridge and Blake.

Starting along the trail to Panther Gorge and Mount Marcy from Elk Lake you will drop to cross The Branch. After that, you'll start a flat approach to the beginning of a wet hike to the shoulder of the Pinnacle Ridge. At around 3.7 miles there is a newer lean-to. Drop down to the Pinnacle Ridge Trail. From this point the trail, after a flat section, is very demanding and encompasses several smaller peaks with no official names. There is a spur trail to the summit of Pinnacle, which is recommended for outstanding views. Blake will be at the end of the ridge.

From Blake you drop down very steeply through a highly eroded area where footing is difficult. From the col you will pass the trail down to Warden's Camp, and then start an equally steep ascent up Colvin. There are a couple excellent viewing areas along the ridge to enjoy along the way. It is recommended to continue the traverse over Colvin and out to the AMR and a second car. Unless an overnight is planned this round-trip outing would be too demanding for most hikers. 

Colvin in the winter

It is recommended to hike Colvin via the AMR in the winter, as this way in the winter will be unbroken and sees very little traffic.

How to get there

Get off at exit 29 on the Northway and follow the Blue Ridge Road toward Newcomb. Look for Elk Lake Road on the right in about 4-5 miles; follow it to its end.

Hiking New York's 26th tallest mountain

Allen Mountain is a long, steep, and serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Allen involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Key statistics

• Elevation: 4,340 feet
• Elevation gain: 3,700 feet
• Distance: 18 miles, roundtrip
• Hike includes water crossings, unmarked trail, steep rock slab, bridge, and trail junctions

Hiking Allen Mountain

From the trailhead you will descend a bit to a bridge crossing of the Hudson River. After a short walk through an attractive forest you will come to Lake Jimmy and a sharp left turn for a new bypass that avoids the not-so-good floating bridge. Much of the hike will bring you along a state trail that follows not only foot trails but old woods roads and even a gravel road or two. The bridge over the Opalescent River was destroyed in a storm in October 2019. At this time, there is no plan to replace it.

At 5 miles go right on an obvious, but unmarked, trail. As you approach the top and start following Allen Brook the terrain gets much steeper. Along Allen Brook there is a slide that can be climbed, but care is needed as it is very slippery – a rough herd path on the side will avoid the exposed rock. The summit is treed but off to the side there is an opening or two to take in excellent views of the area.

Allen Mountain in the winter

Allen is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes or crampons are needed to climb the steep upper sections of the peak. 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. Crossing the Opalescent River can be extremely dangerous in the winter. Do your research, and do not attempt to cross during the beginning or end of winter, or after warm weather. Always use caution at water crossings. Turning around is always an option. 

How to get there

Use the North Hudson exit on the I-87 (exit 29) and follow the Blue Ridge Road (CR 84) toward Newcomb. Continue for roughly 18 miles to the Tahawus Road (CR25) on the right. Follow this road for 6.3 miles and then left at a junction for another 3 miles to a trailhead on the right.

Hiking New York's 15th highest peak

Redfield is the 15th tallest of the Adirondack 46 High Peaks. It is a long, serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Mount Redfield involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles.

Redfield was named for Professor William C. Redfield: meteorologist, organizer of, and participant in, the first recorded ascent of Mount Marcy.

Key statistics

• Elevation: 4,606 feet
• Distance: 16.8 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 3,400 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions, unmarked trail, bridges, and ladders
• Based on an out and back ascent from Upper Works via the Calamity Brook Trail

Hiking Redfield via Calamity Brook

Mount Redfield is often climbed with Cliff Mountain. Below is a description of the approach via Upper Works and the Calamity Brook Trail. Redfield via the Adirondack Loj is the other main way to approach this mountain.

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 you reach this area you will see a small cairn on the right side which marks the start of the trail from Redfield and Cliff. Follow this trail to a second cairn.

The Redfield route is the main one and continues straight, right goes to Cliff. If you choose to tack on Cliff, expect to add 1.8 miles and 875 feet of elevation gain round trip.  From here you will hike along a gorgeous brook and at times in it. Be sure to take time to look back every now and then to enjoy the views as they open up. There are many attractive small waterfalls along the way as well. The summit of Redfield is a large boulder, offering nice views.

Redfield in the winter

Redfield is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and microspikes or crampons are needed to climb some of the steeper sections, particularly if you add on Cliff Mountain. 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. The water crossings on the hike can be especially dangerous during the beginning and end of winter. Always use caution at water crossings. Turning around is always an option. 

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.

Hiking New York's 7th tallest peak

Gray Peak is the 7th tallest of the Adirondack High Peaks. It is a steep, long, and serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Gray involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Key statistics

• Distance: 18 miles round trip
• Elevation: 4,480 feet
• Elevation gain: 3,655 feet
• Based on hiking from Upper Works
• Hike includes steep rock slab, trail junctions, and unmarked trail

Hiking Gray Peak

Gray sits right off the west shoulder of Mount Marcy, and can be approached from a few different directions. A hike of Gray via the Adirondack Loj is also a typical way to summit Gray Peak, by climbing over Mount Marcy and descending to Four Corners. There are great camping opportunities at Uphill and Feldspar lean-tos if you wanted to make a weekend of the hike. Described below is the hike from Upper Works.

From Upper Works follow the trail to Flowed Lands and Lake Colden. The trails around Flowed Lands and Lake Colden have ups and downs, which will slow you down a little as you climb over boulders. Continue past Uphill lean-to, and just before reaching Feldspar lean-to, continue a steady hike up towards Lake Tear of the Clouds and Four Corners. A couple hundred feet before Lake Tear of the Clouds will be an obvious, yet unmarked, trail that leads for just under a half mile to the mostly-treed summit of Gray. 

Gray Peak in the winter

Gray Peak is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes or crampons are needed to climb some of the steeper sections of the peak. 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.

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.