Whiteface is home to the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies, with 90 trails stretching over 25 miles and encompassing three peaks. Esther was our #46!!! Awesome day. However the mud was on another level - slowed us way down and took us longer than anticipated in order to avoid slipping and being completely drenched. Rock tower on which the Whiteface Memorial Highway is built … The journey to Esther and Whiteface begins at the base of a defunct ski resort, with a 1000 vertical foot march up an old t-bar line (left). June 2, 2018ADK Trip. Moosic Mountain; Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve; Nay Aug Gorge; My Gear; Whiteface and Esther Mountain Hike; Adirondack High Peaks. in the distance from the summit of Mount Esther. Many ADK 46ers make the trip to nearby Esther Mountainin order to hit two of the high peaks in one combined trip. Hiking stats at a glance: Trailhead: Atmospheric Science Research Center Miles Round trip: ~10 Total Elevation Gain: ~3,975 2 High Peaks: Whiteface (4,867 ft), Esther (4,239 ft) 1 Non-High Peak: Marble Mountain (2,753 ft) Weather: 40-50 Degrees, ~5 mph winds, Bluebird Day I climbed Whiteface and Esther for the first time in January 2015… From the summit of Lookout, you will descend for a while to a col between Lookout and Esther. Wilmington Reservoir Trail Head. Was on trail at about 6 … forget how much light we lose in late August, so first 20 minutes or so I was trying out my new headlamp. For the most part, the grade isn’t too steep but it is very steady. Once you hit the road, microspikes are needed - very slippery. Look for the plaque on the ground at esther! - From the summit I descended the Wilmington Trail down to the herd path junction for Esther Mountain. Recorded 13.1 miles, SO MUCH MUD. Little bit of wind on top but the sun was out and we had amazing views on Whiteface. Marble Mountain is rather steep and in the summer, if it's been dry, can have challenging footing. From the trailhead you descend a bit to a very long and steep climb up Marble Mountain. Strange request - I haven't done this hike but I believe someone has posted my phone number on a green electrical type box which I believe to be somewhere on this hike. This area is home to marked backcountry mountain biking trails, a rare sight in the high peaks region (right). The hike was just under 10 miles. It is almost all by itself, a lonely peak separated by the rest of the 46 peaks, with a world-famous ski resort on its’ eastern side. Beautiful gift of a nice weather day in November, gotta take off work to bag 9 and 10! Soon after, you'll pass a trail junction (marked by a massive cairn and orange post) with the trail to the summit of Esther Mountain (Esther Mountain Trail). This trip was very unique because there were opportunities to combine several forms of hiking and even skiing. Very cold but clear blue sky. In February 2019 I did my first winter hike and to say that I was "hooked" would be an understatement. If going toward Whiteface one will eventually pass the reamins of an old shed (at one time used to store tobogans) the trail to Esther is a few hundred meters past this. Posted on July 30, 2011. trail as many hikers forgo the trail altogether and come up the closed road. So, decided to start at Wilmington Reservoir up Marble Mountain. Esther is often climbed with Whiteface Mountain. This is the herd path to Esther Mountain, which has no official trail. Esther Whiteface Mtn. Wilmington Reservoir Trail Head. and Mt. We hiked along enjoing views of both Whiteface and Esther peaks in the brilliant sunshine. Of Mount Esther and falling the entire way up a short stop since was... I descended the Wilmington trail from the trailhead you will come to a very long steep! 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