Skip to main content
Round Trip
16 miles
25.7 kilometers

Elevation
The height of the summit or destination, from sea level.
4926 feet
1,501.4 meters

Elevation Gain
The total amount of vertical ascent (uphill climbing) on a hike. This is cumulative gain, totalling the elevation change of the uphill segments from a round-trip hike.
5100 feet
1,554.5 meters

Route Type
A hiking trail may be classified as a Loop, Out and Back, Point to Point, Bushwhack, or Multi-day Thru Hike, with some destinations having more than one of these ways as a hiking option.
  • Out and Back
Round Trip
16 miles
25.7 kilometers

Route Type
A hiking trail may be classified as a Loop, Out and Back, Point to Point, Bushwhack, or Multi-day Thru Hike, with some destinations having more than one of these ways as a hiking option
  • Out and Back
Elevation
The height of the summit or destination, from sea level.
4926 feet
1,501.4 meters

Elevation Gain
The total amount of vertical ascent (uphill climbing) on a hike. This is cumulative gain, totalling the elevation change of the uphill segments from a round-trip hike.
5100 feet
1,554.5 meters

Round Trip
16 miles
25.7 kilometers

Route Type
A hiking trail may be classified as a Loop, Out and Back, Point to Point, Bushwhack, or Multi-day Thru Hike, with some destinations having more than one of these ways as a hiking option
  • Out and Back
Elevation
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Phasellus cursus malesuada tincidunt placerat non maecenas. Viverra morbi aliquam neque id nibh lorem massa quam non.
4926 feet
1,501.4 meters

Elevation Gain
The total amount of vertical ascent (uphill climbing) on a hike. This is cumulative gain, totalling the elevation change of the uphill segments from a round-trip hike.
4926 feet
1,554.5 meters

The people are in the lower right hand corner because Skylight is that big.
View all photos
trail highlights
trail features
trail category
Trail Junctions
Steep Rock Slab
Exposed Summit
Bridge
Multi-Day Hike
High Peak 46er

About

Hiking New York state's fourth highest peak

Mount Skylight is the fourth tallest of the Adirondack High Peaks. It is a steep, serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Mount Skylight involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles

Key takeaways

  • Elevation: 4,926 feet
  • Elevation gain: 5,100 feet
  • Distance: 8 miles, one way
  • Hike includes water crossings, steep rock slab, and trail junctions
  • Based on taking the Van Hoevenberg Trail over Mount Marcy to Skylight

Hiking Skylight

There are multiple trails to the summit of Mount Skylight. Information on this page describes the out-and-back route taken from the High Peaks Information Center (HPIC), over Mount Marcy, to Skylight, and back. Information on the southern approach from Upper Works can be found here. This peak is often climbed in conjunction with Mount Marcy and Gray Peak. The Adirondack Mountain Club is asking that people stop carrying rocks to the summit as it can damage alpine vegetation and create hazards for hikers and the Summit Stewards.

The route requires hikers climb Mount Marcy, then descend down the backside to Four Corners. Please consult a map and guideline for information on how to access Mount Marcy. From the summit of Marcy, you will descend off the south side toward Four Corners. The descent is short, but steep. It is 0.8 miles to the intersection; head straight across to access Mount Skylight. It is about 0.5 miles to the top of Mount Skylight from Four Corners. Once you summit, you'll return down to Four Corners, then have the option to go back the way you came over Mount Marcy, or add Gray Peak, then hike back to the HPIC via Lake Arnold.

Mount Skylight in winter

Mount Skylight is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes or crampons are needed to climb the exposed upper 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. Mount Skylight has two main water crossings at Phelps and Marcy Brooks. These crossings can be especially dangerous during the beginning and end of winter. Always use caution at water crossings. Turning around is always an option. 

Find your perfect trail near Lake Placid

Does Mount Skylight sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? No need to stress, with over 2000 miles of hiking trails in the Adirondacks we are sure we can find the perfect hike for you

How to get there

Leave Lake Placid on Route 73 and follow toward Keene. Continue for about 3 miles to Adirondack Loj Road on the right. Follow Adirondack Loj Road to its end at Heart Lake. A parking fee is required. 

Emergency Information
If you get lost or injured, remain calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call 911 or the DEC Forest Ranger Dispatch, 833-NYS-RANGERS (833-697-7264).
 
Plan ahead and hike smart. Bring a map, extra food, water, and warm clothing, and check the weather before you go. Stay aware of your surroundings and landmarks. If you get turned around, don’t panic—stop, think, and stay where you are. Let someone know your route and expected return time.