Mount Colden, New York hiking , Adirondacks, New York, United States

Why choose a trail at Mount Colden, New York?

Mount Colden is the eleventh highest peak in the High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, New York, United States. The peak is named after David S. Colden, an investor in the McIntyre Iron Works, in 1836. The peak was briefly renamed "Mount McMartin" the next year, but the older name persisted. The mountain is known for its distinctive Trap Dike, a large crevice running up the center of the mountain, which can clearly be seen from Avalanche Lake. There are two maintained trails up Mount Colden. The first, which approaches from the northeast, passes by Lake Arnold before ascending the summit after crossing over several false summits. This trail was laid out in 1966 to replace a steeper trail which ascended the southeast face of the mountain and which was abandoned by 1975.[3] The second trail, which is steeper, approaches from the southwest, starting from Lake Colden. Both approaches can reached from the popular Adirondak Loj trailhead. After hiking from the Loj to the Avalanche Lean-Tos, climbers can head southwest through Avalanche Pass and past Avalanche Lake to reach Lake Colden and the trail to Colden from the southwest. Alternatively, they can head southeast to reach Lake Arnold and the northeast approach. Lake Colden and the southwest approach can also be reached from the Upper Works trailhead. Finally, the summit of Mount Colden can be reached by climbing the Trap Dike from Avalanche Lake. This approach leads to a long slide and a short bushwhack to the summit. This last approach does not follow a maintained trail, is extremely steep in places, and should be used with caution.

The High Peaks Information Center serves as an excellent resource for hikers exploring this region of New York's Adirondacks. It provides valuable insights into various trails and conditions around Mount Colden and other peaks within this majestic range.

Historically significant figures such as Ebenezer Emmons have contributed to our understanding of this area’s geology and natural beauty. Emmons was instrumental in naming many features within these mountains during his explorations.

The MacIntyre Range offers breathtaking views that include not only Mount Colden but also other prominent peaks like Algonquin Peak and Iroquois Peak. These vistas are particularly stunning when viewed from vantage points near Lake Placid or along certain sections of hiking trails.

Alexander Ralph played a crucial role in documenting early expeditions throughout these rugged terrains while promoting conservation efforts aimed at preserving their pristine environments for future generations.