Mount Skylight is the fourth tallest mountain in New York and offers an excellent view of over 30 other peaks in the region. Of course, to enjoy such views, hikers will have to tackle one of the most longest hikes of the 46 High Peaks. With its challenging terrain and extensive hiking distance, Skylight is not an appropriate day hike for less experienced hikers.
Distance: 8.5 miles to the summit, thus 17 mile round trip
Ascent: feet
Elevation: 4,926 feet
Primary Trailhead: The shortest and most popular route leaves from the High Peaks Information Center parking lot, near Adirondak Loj. There is a parking fee ($10 for full day, $5 after 1 p.m.) to use this large lot. This lot fills quickly so plan an early start to your hike if you hope to nab a coveted parking spot. To reach this lot from Lake Placid on Route 73, turn right on Adirondack Loj Road, and follow it to its end. Pay the fee at the booth, even if no one is inside.
Trail Route: Starting from the Adirondack Loj parking lot, the first 2.3 miles of the Van Hoevenberg Trail are easy to moderate as the trail approaches the Marcy Dam site. The dam was damaged by Hurricane Irene and never repaired, thus eliminating the famous and picturesque Marcy Dam Pond. Nonetheless, hikers are still treated to superb views of Mount Colden, Avalanche Mountain, and Wright Peak from this vantage point.
From Marcy Dam, follow the trail to Avalanche Pass. You will pass by Avalanche Camp, where you begin to climb. Take a left and head toward Lake Arnold. You will climb steeply up the shoulder of Mount Colden and eventually be at Lake Arnold. At Lake Arnold you will stay left and continue to climb to the top of the pass and descend for a bit into the valley. After a sometimes wet hike through the valley over log bridges and around beaver activity you will pass by Feldspar Lean-to. 0.1 miles past the lean-to is a major T-intersection. Right leads down to Lake Colden. Follow the trail to your left and continue an aggressive climb up to Lake-Tear-of-the-Clouds.
You will hike near the shore of the lake and end up at Four-Corners, a major intersection on the south side of Marcy. (Trail left here is the optional return over Marcy.) At this point take a right and climb up the shoulder of Skylight. This section tends to be a bit wet and slippery in spots. This final approach is the steepest section of the entire hike. On the summit you will see the rather enormous rock pile that superstitious hikers have built.
History: Mount Skylight is famously distinguished by two large cairns that have grown on either end of the summit over the years, as hiking lore has it that carrying a rock up and placing it on them will ensure good weather.
Location: Mount Skylight is located in the Town of Keene, in Essex County, in the Northern region of New York State.