Fifth Peak, Snow Shoeing day trip

Day trip snowshoeing hike up Fifth Peak Mt from the trail head on RT 9N north of Bolton on Lake George. This was one of my first hikes in the Adirondacks almost 20 years ago, I’ve done it over a dozen times during every part of the year and it’s still one of my favorites. It is a climb up to a mountain top in the middle of the Tongue Mountain Range in the Middle of Lake George, from the top there are excellent views of the Lake, to the West you can even see Gore and the High Peaks and to the East good views of Vermont. Total distance is around 5 miles with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain, the trail is mostly a steady climb interspersed with flat areas allowing us to catch our breath. Starting this one a little earlier than normal to allow extra time to eat lunch and get off the trail before it gets dark. Bring a lunch to eat at the top, there is a lean-to, we aren’t camping but it’s a good spot to stop and rest.

Difficulty: Hard, as far as Adirondack trails go this is relatively mild, but everything gets harder in the snow. In the past getting down has been a problem when the snow hardens to ice.

Safety: Snowshoes are absolutely required, if you don’t have a pair and want to go let me know, I have extra. Additional traction (I.e. crampons or micro spikes) isn’t required but is a good idea to have, mostly for the way down in case the trail has frozen over. Be sure to dress in layers, it’s not just important to stay warm you need to maintain a constant body temp, if you start to sweat and it cools it can sap heat. Avoid cotton clothing, cotton kills. Be sure you bring enough water, assume there will not be an opportunity to refill on the trail. A headlamp is an important safety device in case we get delayed and the sun goes down. If you need to borrow gear or need help packing please let me know. Precipitation and/or fridged temps will cancel the trip.