The High Peaks Wilderness is the largest designated wilderness area in New York State, surrounding Lake Placid on three sides. The 46 Adirondack High Peaks — summits above 4,000 feet — have been a hiking challenge since the late 19th century, and the "46ers" (people who have climbed all of them) form one of hiking's longest-running membership organisations. Mount Marcy, the highest at 5,344 feet, is a 14-mile round trip from the nearest trailhead at Adirondack Loj, about 10 miles from Lake Placid village.
The terrain is varied: some peaks are rocky and bare above the treeline, with views that on clear days extend to Vermont and Canada; others are more wooded and require navigation by compass. The trails are well-maintained but can be muddy in spring. The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) operates the Adirondack Loj at the trailhead, which has a lodge, camping, and a helpful trip-planning service. High Peaks hiking is serious enough to require preparation: weather changes quickly, trails are strenuous, and black flies are ferocious from late May to mid-July.