Table Top & Phelps: Where the Real Hiking Begins

I had an early morning start, leaving home at 4:15 a.m. for the 2.5-hour drive with the hopes of getting a coveted parking spot at the Adirondak Loj to avoid the dreaded extra 4 km (2 km each way) of walking along the road from overflow parking. I arrived at 6:45 a.m. and was relieved to get one of the last spots. 

Table Top and Phelps is where the real hiking begins for me. I spent close to 11 hours on the trail, covering 24 km of steep trails. I reached Table Top, my first peak, in good time and felt great. After the summit, I did a small detour to the Indian Falls lookout which was a beautiful spot. I didn’t know what was ahead of me.

Then came Phelps. By this point in the day, I was starting to lose steam. It was a steep ascent over boulders and I was moving at a snail’s pace. I kept checking the distance to be shocked each time at how little I had advanced. Apparently steep climbs will do that to you. But I made it. Both summits delivered enjoyable hikes and beautiful views of the surrounding area.

The descent was slow and long since I was so tired by this point. But reaching the end and signing out of the trail register, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. It felt great to have peaks 5 and 6 in the books less than a month after starting challenge. Although it has left me wondering how much harder the hiking will get…!

Hike Details:

• Trailhead: Adirondak Loj

• Distance: 24 km (14.9 miles)

• Elevation Gain: 1,214 m (3,983 feet)

• Time on Trail: 10h45