Hiking New York's 28th tallest mountain

Esther Mountain is the 28th tallest of the Adirondack 46 High Peaks. It is a steep, serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Esther involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. Esther is often climbed with Whiteface Mountain.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 6.3 miles round trip
• Elevation: 4,240 feet
• Elevation gain: 2,750 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions
• Based on the trail up Marble Mountain from the Atmospheric Science and Research Center (ASRC)

Hiking Esther Mountain

Via the ASRC

This approach is the shortest of the two main options for hiking Esther.

From the trailhead you descend a bit before the start of a steep climb up Marble Mountain. The Marble Mountain section used to be an old ski slope and you will be able to see the old cement footers that still line the trail. This section has loose rock, and when dry in the summer the footing can be quite difficult.

From the top of Marble Mountain you will come to an intersection, left is the secondary trail outlined below. Right is the route you will want. After a short break on a flatter section you will start a demanding climb through a tight evergreen forest that opens up a few views along the way. After about 2.5 miles you will come to a large cairn at a trail intersection. This is the herd path to Esther Mountain, which has no official trail. Making a right onto the herd-path you will climb a bit to the summit of Lookout Mountain where you will have some views to the north. From the summit of Lookout, you will descend for a while to a col between Lookout and Esther. Be sure to not stop at the false summit prior to final push, this can be easy to do when visibility is poor. There is a plaque on the summit in commemoration of Esther McComb, for whom the mountain is named after.

Via the Reservoir 

The approach intersects the trail the ASRC; the only difference is it is a bit longer. This route is used as often as the primary trail and offers a slightly easier grade, but more elevation gain.

From the trailhead you will hike through an open forest along a well-trodden foot trail for 1.2 miles. For the most part, the grade isn’t too steep, but it is very steady. It remains steady until the trail then swings right and up steeply to just below the summit of Marble Mountain at the intersection with the primary trail above. Read more on the primary trail above. Taking this way round trip for Esther is 8.6 miles round trip with 3,225 feet of elevation gain.

Esther in the winter

Esther is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and microspikes crampons are needed to climb the steeper reaches of the peak. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being at least 20 degrees colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency.

How to get there

ASRC: From the four-way stop sign in Wilmington, take the turn onto Route 431 (Whiteface Mountain Road) toward the Toll Road. Follow here, go 2.4 miles to the Atmospheric Science Research Center Road on the left. Follow this road around the one-way roundabout to the trail and parking on the right, just past a dirt road that descends into the woods. The trail is not labeled with a DEC sign.

Reservoir: From the four-way stop sign in Wilmington, take the turn onto Route 431 (Whiteface Mountain Road) toward the Toll Road. Go 0.6 miles to Reservoir Road on the left, drive to the end and park