Guidebook to hiking trails of the Adirondack High Peaks region

In the tradition of Eiger Dreams, In the Zone: Epic Survival Stories from the Mountaineering World, and Not Without Peril, comes a new book that examines the thrills and perils of outdoor adventure in the “East’s greatest wilderness,” the Adirondacks.

This official book published with the Adirondack Mountain Club celebrates America's original hiking destination through breathtaking contemporary photography, maps, rarely seen archival photos, and a text that brings the history of the trails to life. The Adirondack Park is home to the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 states--six million acres including more than 10,000 lakes, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, and thousands of miles of hiking trails running from mountain summits through a wide variety of habitats including wetlands and old-growth forests. How better to view this wilderness than afoot on the many trails, many leading to some of the most picturesque summits in North America. There are trails for everyone in the Adirondacks. Today, thousands enjoy hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing trails to backcountry destinations all around the park while others aspire to climb all 46 peaks. Water trails include the historic Fulton Chain of Lakes, Raquette River, and Saranac River routes, in addition to more intimate paddles across wild lakes and waters that meander through towering mountains and verdant forests. Every season has its own charm, all portrayed here in this one of a kind volume of history and photography along Adirondack trails. This is a book for anyone who enjoys travelling through the Adirondack backcountry and includes unique and picturesque destinations throughout the Adirondack Park in addition to a comprehensive history on hiking in the Adirondacks. From the dramatic beauty of the Lake George Wild Forest, to numerous fire tower summits and open ledges and mountaintops scattered around the park, and the rugged splendor of the High Peaks and bucolic beauty of the Champlain Valley, this book covers it all.

The first history of the region by a native Adirondacker.

Panther Gorge explores the history one of the most remote regions in New York's Adirondack High Peak region. Two thousand feet deep and riddled with sheer cliffs, the chasm lies between Mts. Marcy and Haystack, the state's first and third highest points. A surprisingly rich history begins on a pathless landscape and includes visits by the earliest Adirondack pioneers including surveyor Verplanck Colvin, guides O.S. Phelps and Jim Goodwin, author Alfred B. Street, and a host of others. Panther Gorge also documents the author's explorations into the region during the period from 2009-2018 to pioneer new rock and ice climbs. Detailed narratives, over 170 color photographs, maps, and route plates allow the reader to vicariously experience one of the most mysterious places in the Adirondack high country.

Eighty-six true tales by more than 75 hikers including Forty-Sixers and members of the Adirondack Mountain Club about the dangers, challenges, and joys of all-season hiking and backpacking in the Adirondacks. Included are unforgettable climbs, extreme weather, animal encounters, getting lost, accidents, injuries, rescues, inspirations and enchantments in an awe-inspiring wilderness. Book jacket.