Mount Marcy
| Mount Marcy | |
|---|---|
| Elevation: | 5,344 ft (1,629 m) |
| Latitude: | 44° 06′ 45″ N |
| Longitude: | 73° 55′ 26″ W |
| Location: | New York, United States>USA |
| Topo map: | USGS Mount Marcy |
| Range: | Adirondacks |
| First ascent: | 1837 |
| Easiest route: | hike |
Mount Marcy, located within Adirondack State Park, is the highest mountain in New York. The mountain is named after former governor William L. Marcy, who authorized the environmental survey that explored the area. It was formerly called Tawahus -- an Indian name for "the cloud splitter".
The first recorded ascent of Mount Marcy was in 1837. Today the ascent is easier due to existing trails that require no technical skills, allowing ascent and descent to be made in a day. The popularity of climbing this mountain rather assures that there will be no solitary contemplation of nature at the peak during the summer season. At the foot of the mountain is the source of the Hudson River.
Mount Marcy is one of the High Peaks of the Adirondack State Park. The majority of the mountain is forested, although the final few hundred feet are above tree line. The peak is dominated by rocky outcrops, lichens, and alpine shrubs.
Mount Marcy is in the town of Keene in Essex County.