Elk Lake - Marcy Trail

Adirondack Park, New York, United States

17.7 miles (28.5 km) · 3,379 ft elevation gain · Loop · trail · Route

Elk Lake - Marcy Trail is a 17.7-mile loop route in Adirondack Park, New York, United States, gaining 3,379 feet of elevation. The route follows a up-and-over elevation profile. The terrain breaks into 4 distinct sections including 2 significant climbs. The longest climb covers 8.8 miles gaining 2,489 feet at an average 6.6% grade. About 52% of the terrain is runnable, with significant hiking sections. The route opens with a climb and finishes with a descent.

Route facts

Distance	17.7 mi (28.5 km)
Elevation gain	3,379 ft (1,030 m)
Average gain	191 ft per mile (36 m per km)
Longest climb	8.8 mi, 2,352 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	34.6%
Runnable	52% of the route
Climbs / descents	2 climbs, 2 descents
Profile shape	Up, then down
Difficulty score	10.9 of 100
Surface	trail
Route shape	Loop
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	36%
Mild uphill	6%
Moderate uphill	8%
Steep uphill	15%
Mild downhill	6%
Moderate downhill	4%
Steep downhill	26%

Questions about Elk Lake - Marcy Trail

How much elevation gain does Elk Lake - Marcy Trail have?

Elk Lake - Marcy Trail has 3,379 ft (1,030 m) of elevation gain over 17.7 miles (28.5 km). That averages 191 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Elk Lake - Marcy Trail?

The difficulty score for Elk Lake - Marcy Trail is 10.9 of 100. That is harder than 72.8% of routes at a similar distance. About 52% of the route is runnable at typical trail effort; the rest is steep enough that most runners hike.

What is the longest climb on Elk Lake - Marcy Trail?

The longest climb on Elk Lake - Marcy Trail runs 8.8 miles (14.2 km) and gains 2,352 ft (717 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 34.6%.