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| Partial views from Table Top summit |
On our July trip to the Adirondacks, I did a fair amount of hiking. But they were shorter, early morning hikes with the dog. The reason: It was HOT... 95, 96 degrees. And HUMID... 98-100%. And the heat wave didn't last a day or two. It was the whole week. Hiking weather it was not. So when we made a second trip later in the season, I figured I was long overdue to add a peak to my 46er list. Since my hiking day of choice had a forecast of summits in the clouds, I chose a peak not really known for its views - Table Top.
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| The old bridge at Marcy Dam... still under construction? |
The hike to Table Top is a very straightforward ascent, rising over fairly moderate gain from the ADK Loj on the trail that goes to Mount Marcy. I hit the trail at 7 AM and made it to Marcy Dam in 45 minutes. From there, the trail follows Phelps Brook for a long stretch, crosses it, and then rises to the turn off for Table Top. I saw a few groups of hikers throughout the day, but all were headed to Marcy.
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| Phelps Brook foot bridge |
The trail to the summit of Table Top is one of those unmaintained ADK "herd paths" but is easy to follow. I stowed my pack in the woods and did a quick up and back to the top. Sure enough, the summit was in and out of the clouds, offering only partial views.
But at least I had it all to myself.
Peak: Table Top Mountain
Elevation: 4,427 feet (Gain: 2,270 feet)
Distance: 9.8 miles round trip, trail time: 4 hours 30 minutes.
Route: Up and back, Van Hoevenberg Trail from ADK Loj to Table Top herd path
Condition: Partly cloudy, 85 degrees F
