Mount Colden: Forest Trails and Adirondack Views

After spending 12 hours on the trails summiting of Algonquin, Iroquois, and Wright, I was in need of a bit of an easier summit and opted for Mount Colden via the Van Hoevenberg trail. The hike turned out to be one of my favourite of the 46 High Peaks. It offers a gradual climb through the forest with the reward of impressive summit views. At 20 km (12.4 miles) , it is still a full day, the elevation and gradual climb make it an easer hike.

Approaching the summit, the trail opens up to a false summit with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. A little further on and the peak itself also offer impressive Adirondack views, including the familiar peaks of Algonquin Peak, Iroquois Peak, and Wright in the McIntyre Range. The relatively easier hike meant I had more time to sit and soak up the views before heading back down, a luxury I often don’t have with long hiking days.

Mushrooms of the Adirondacks

I was surprised to come across so many different mushrooms throughout the forest. There was an abundance of different varieties of mushrooms sprouting all over the place. The Adirondack forest provides an ideal environment for mushrooms. The combination of cool, damp conditions, abundant rainfall, thick layers of organic matter, and fallen and decaying trees creates the perfect habitat for mushrooms to thrive, especially at this time of year, toward the end of August. Mushrooms are an important part of the Adirondack ecosystem. They help break down fallen trees and other organic material, returning nutrients to the forest.

Hike Details

• Trailhead: Adirondak Loj

• Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)

• Elevation Gain: 874 m (2,867 ft)

• Time on Trail: 10 hours