US-18 Adirondacks Pop
Overview
The Great Range Traverse is one of the most iconic and demanding mountain routes in the East — a 20–25‑mile odyssey across the Adirondack High Peaks. Starting in Keene Valley, the route climbs a rugged chain of summits including Lower and Upper Wolfjaw, Armstrong, Gothics, Saddleback, Basin, and finally Mount Marcy, the highest point in New York. Expect steep scrambles, ladders, exposed slabs, and nonstop elevation gain as you move along the rooftop of the Adirondacks. It’s raw, wild, and spectacular — a true high‑peak epic that delivers some of the most dramatic terrain in the Northeast.
Quick Stats
• Location: Keene Valley, New York
• Distance: 22 miles
• Elevation Gain: 8,753 ft
• Estimated Time: 12 - 18 hours
• Route Type: Point-to-Point
When to Hike
The best time to hike the Great Range Traverse is June through October, when the Adirondack High Peaks are mostly dry, the ladders and slabs are safer, and daylight is long enough for a 12–18‑hour push. Early summer still carries some mud and lingering ice in shaded gullies, but conditions improve quickly. July–September offers the most reliable footing, though humidity and storms are common. Fall brings crisp air and peak foliage — arguably the most spectacular window of the year. Winter turns the route into a full mountaineering objective. For most hikers, mid‑summer through mid‑fall is the prime season for this legendary traverse.
