Adirondacks

The Adirondacks are a mountainous region in northeastern New York State that contains the Adirondack Mountains, a roughly circular, bedrock-dominated massif. The name Adirondack is of uncertain origin, commonly attributed to a Native American term. The area is known for its rugged scenery, numerous lakes and rivers, and a long history of conservation.

Geographically, the Adirondacks are not a simple linear range but a dissected uplifted block formed from ancient Precambrian rocks. Glaciation shaped its ridges, valleys, and hundreds of lakes. The highest point is Mount Marcy, at 5,343 feet (1,629 meters). The region includes the famed High Peaks, a group of 46 summits traditionally listed as over 4,000 feet, drawing hikers from around the world. The source of the Hudson River is associated with the Adirondacks via Lake Tear of the Clouds on Marcy.

Conservation and land management are central to the region. Adirondack Park, covering about 6 million acres (roughly 24,000 square kilometers), blends public and private land under a planning framework designed to protect ecosystems while sustaining rural character and development. The park rests under the Forever Wild clause of New York’s constitution, and land-use decisions are guided by the Adirondack Park Agency and related bodies.

Ecology and recreation are prominent features. The park hosts a mix of northern hardwood and boreal forests, numerous wetlands, and varied wildlife. It is a major destination for hiking, canoeing, camping, skiing, and other outdoor activities, with protected wilderness areas and a well-developed network of trails and waterways.