Peaks and Ponds

Peaks and Ponds is a collaborative work written by Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) staff members in honor of ADK’s centennial, 1922 to 2022. The organization was founded by a group of people who recognized the need to protect and preserve the Great North Woods of the Adirondacks.

This guidebook introduces lesser-known trails and locales in the Adirondacks in order to encourage exploration throughout the seemingly boundless park. The treks were selected to provide a wilderness experience for all hikers, whether new or seasoned. The book is also a call to action. While adventuring on these trails, the authors picked up and carried out trash, dismantled inappropriate fire rings, dug plentiful catholes and did their utmost to minimize their own unavoidable impacts on the landscape. To protect this place and preserve it for the next 100 years, it’s important to be good stewards of the land and waters.

Following is a sampling from the guidebook. Learn more about Peaks and Ponds at www.adk.org.

Mount Gilligan

New Russia, near Elizabethtown

Round-trip: 2.2 mi (3.5 km)

Elevation change: 670 ft (204 m)

Summit elevation: 1420 ft (433 m)

Difficulty: Moderate+ (short, but includes several steep stretches)

Maps: ADK High Peaks: H9 / TI 742: Y28; CATS Central Champlain Valley Map: A3

GPS coordinates: 44.134830, -73.640125 (parking area)

This trail goes through a public easement on private land owned by a hunting club, so please stay on the designated