We were beginning to learn that the “Dacks” were a bit more challenging than the “Whites” – hard as that might be to believe. NH’s White mountains are pretty formidable (though I suspect some Colorado natives might differ!), though steepness, more mud(!), and the greater distances from civilization make the Adirondacks just as challenging, if not more so, than the Whites.

Phelps was a good example. Leaving from the Adirondack Mountain Club Loj on the Van Hoevenberg trail, the first portion, roughly 2.5 miles, gained little elevation. And it seemed like a bit of an expressway – seeing many other hikers. This trail being one of the main jumping off points for other summits (such as Marcy).

Generally easy going, especially facilitated by an impressive wilderness bridge over Marcy brook – just below Marcy Dam, which provided a nice place to stop, rest, and eat up.

Once we passed Marcy Dam pond, things began to get a bit more dicey – aka, lots more rocks. Very reminiscent of routes to Mt. Washington and some of the other high-summits in the Whtes.

It was really at the junction with the Phelps Mountain trail that we knew the hike was going to be tough, both elevation gain wise, as the elevation profile above shows, and the footing, which can be seen in the photo below.