Wanna get high? Here are the 10 tallest peaks you could climb in New England and New York
Ryan MercerWant to get really high this summer? (Well, high up in the air, we mean...)
Here's a list of the top 10 tallest peaks north of Boston that'll give you that natural high. Before you read further: BE WARNED. All of these peaks are pretty fun BUT tough challenges. Read to the bottom of this story for tips and resources on how to be safe when out hiking.
#10 Mount Lincoln
Height: 5,089 feet above sea level
Location: Franconia Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire
#9 Mount Algonquin
Height: 5,115 feel above sea level
Location: The High Peaks Region of the Adirondack Park in upstate New York near Lake Placid.
Noteworthy: Mount Algonquin offers a unique view of several high peaks in the Adirondacks including Mount Marcy, New York's tallest peak. But the area also experiences extremely high use so plan accordingly and brush up on Leave No Trace. Sections of the Algonquin Trail are rated as most difficult, so be prepared.
#8 Mount Lafayette
Height: 5,249 feet above sea level
Location: Franconia Range in the White Mountains in the town of Franconia, New Hampshire
Noteworthy: Lafayette made the New England Fifty Finest list because of its amazing 360 degree views and easy accessibility to the parking lot.
#7 Mount Katahdin
Height: 5,267 feet above sea level
Location: Northeast Piscataquis, Maine
Noteworthy: The name of this mountain that marks the northern end of the Appalachian Trail comes from the Penobscot Native Americans and means "The Greatest Mountain," according to The Maine Highlands.
#6 Mount Marcy
Height: 5,344 feet above sea level
Locations: Keene in Essex County, New York
#5 Mount Madison
Height: 5,367 feet above sea level
Location: northernmost peak in the Presidentials in Coös County, New Hampshire
Noteworthy: Hiking Madison, or any peak in the Presidential Range, offers spectacular views. But the hiking is hard. In bad weather, winds above treeline can easily exceed 100 miles per hour and hypothermia is a danger even in summer, according to the Dartmouth Outing Club. (Make sure you look at hiking safety tips at the bottom of this story!)
#4 Mount Monroe
Height: 5,372 feet above sea level
Location: Mount Washington in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, New Hampshire
Noteworthy: Named for President James Monroe, it's the fourth highest mountain on the 4,000 footers list for New Hampshire. (By the way, there are 48 peaks on that list!)
#3 Mount Jefferson
Height: 5,712 feet above sea level
Location: Coos County, New Hampshire
Noteworthy: This mountain, named after President Thomas Jefferson, is the third highest mountain in the state.
#2 Mount Adams
Height: 5,793 feet above sea level
Location: Thompson and Meserve's Purchase, New Hampshire
Noteworthy: Located in the northern Presidential Range, Mount Adams was named after John Adams, the second president. Oh, and the Township where Mount Adams is located, Thompson and Meserve's Purchase, has a population of zero.
#1 Mount Washington
Height: 6,288 feet above sea level
Location: Sargent's Purchase, New Hampshire
Noteworthy: This is the highest peak in the northeastern United States and the most topographically prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River. It's known for extreme and erratic weather. On April 12, 1934, the Mount Washington Observatory recorded a wind speed of 231 miles per hour at the summit, the world record from 1934 until 1996. The mountain still holds the record for highest measured wind speed outside of a tornado.
Be safe out there
Check out HikeSafe, created by folks at the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. It's a great place to get educated about how to prepare for that hike.
And while we are on the subject of preparing, we talked with Austin Borg at the Outdoor Gear Exchange in Burlington, Vermont. He really knows his stuff so we asked him about his favorite must-haves when he goes day hiking. Here are a few:
- Food (Obviously): Bring lots of snacks, jerky, nuts, peanut butter, apples, stuff with enough calories to get you through the day and then some. You can even check out something more fancy like O Meals.
Water (Another no brainer): Bring plenty of water and a way to make more on the trail if needed. Iodine pills are a simple low-cost, low-weight solution.
First aid kit: Borg's includes things like duct tape (great for blisters by the way) gause and a Leatherman multitool for starters. You can check here for more ideas.
Fire: a magnesium fire starter works great, but a lighter or waterproof matches are good too and can be very valuable in an emergency.
Headlamp: Even if you don't plan to be in the woods after dark, always bring one. They are light-weight and will save you a lot of trouble if you find yourself still on the trail at sunset.
Rain jacket: Getting soaked in the backcountry, even in weather you think is warm, can cause big problems.
Trail map: Borg also highly recommends learning how to use a compass and bring that too. In the backcountry, a cell phone won't save you.
Check out Borg's YouTube channel GuideYouOutdoors for more great tips.
Contact Ryan Mercer at rmercer@freepressmedia.com or at 802-343-4169. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmercer1 and facebook.com/ryan.mercer1.