The Great Range is arguably the most sought-after traverse in the Adirondack High Peaks. Backpacker Magazine, Apr 2005 / Feb 2017, rated it as one of the hardest day hikes in America. With close to 25 miles total distance, and over 10k elevation gain, this is, indeed, one tough day hike. The 10k+ elevation gain comes in the 1st 16 miles of hike, with relentless ups and downs, right from the start of the trailhead. Consider the last 7 miles as a rewarding cool-down as it’s a ‘gentle’ downhill to the end of the trail.

The traverse covers 8 of the Adirondack 46ers, namely:

• Lower Wolf Jaw (4,173 ft)
• Upper Wolf Jaw (4,203 ft)
• Armstrong Mountain (4,429 ft)
• Gothics (4,734 ft)
• Saddleback Mountain (4,528 ft)
• Basin Mountain (4,826 ft)
• Mount Haystack (4,961 ft)
• Mount Marcy (5,344 ft) – the highest peak in the Adirondack.

Marcy is not officially part of the the Great Range, but has been added to the traverse. Why? Why not! It’s already visible and within reach from Mt Haystack, the last peak in the range. And to make the hike more epic and rewarding.

The traverse is generally done from East to West, starting from the Rooster Comb trailhead. There are 2 possible endpoints on the traverse; at the Adirondack Loj trailhead, or at the Gardens traihead. Both approach require 2 cars, one at the starting point, and the other at the ending point (unless you do what I did).

Every peak of the Great Range provides amazing views, with the next peak always trumping the previous. Wait, I find Gothics as one of the peaks with amazing views – you can see the last 4 peaks to climbs, all within the view, all seem to be within reach!

I did the Great Range Traverse, one day in July, starting from the Rooster Comb trailhead, ending at the Gardens trailhead. AND THEN walking back to my car in Rooster Comb trailhead from the Gardens. This is an extra 2 miles after an already long and exhausting day.

Key points in doing this day hike.

• The 10k+ elevation gain is all on the 1st 16 miles of the hike. There are no breaks, except at the summits.
• Possible 1st water refill is at Haystack Brook, just before the climb to Mt Haystack, about 15 miles on the hike.
• Enjoy the descent on Gothics. This is where the steel cables are. (And if you’ll notice, some areas are covered with garden hose). You may not need to hold onto the cables if you are comfortable coming down on steep, slanted rock (the surface is sticky). When you reach the bottom, enjoy the view of the hikers going up.

• You will be descending the so-called Saddleback cliff. This may be quite intimidating. But as long as you have both hands and feet planted, you will be fine.

• Always look back. You’ll smile to see where you just came from.

• Don’t be fooled by the visible summit when climbing Haystack. This is just Little Haystack. Haystack is the next summit you’ll see while you are catching your breath at the summit of Little Haystack 🙂

• When you finally reach Marcy, breathe and be thankful. Not many people can do what you have just done.

• And if you’re a trail runner, wake up the trail runner in you on the last 7 miles to the end of this hike. A little hustle, here and there, with an Ozzy Osbourne tune in your head – Mama, I’m Coming Home.