Adirondack Ascent

05/28/2026

Whiteface is one of those mountains that gives you options, and honestly, I love that.

You can hike it from the bottom and earn every single rock, view, and “why do I do this to myself?” moment on the way up.

You can start from ASRC and take the Marble Mountain/Wilmington Trail route for a solid Adirondack hike with history, elevation, and those classic Whiteface views. Or Connery Pond/Whiteface Landing Trail for a longer, spicier route.

You can also drive the Veterans’ Memorial Highway, park near the top, and still experience the summit, the ridge, the stonework, the wind, and that big mountain feeling without committing to a full hike.

And that matters.

Because not every mountain day has to look the same.

Some days are for pushing your body and testing your grit.
Some days are for sharing the summit with family.
Some days are for introducing someone to the Adirondacks in a way that feels accessible.
Some days are for soaking in the views without turning it into a sufferfest.

Whiteface gives you all of that.

Whether you hike it, drive it, take the stairs, explore the summit, or simply stand there getting humbled by the wind, you are still getting to experience one of the most iconic mountains in the Adirondacks.

There is no “less than” way to appreciate these places when you show up with respect, curiosity, and gratitude.

The mountains meet us where we are.
Whiteface just happens to give us a few different doors in.

05/26/2026

Big Slide will always hold a special place in my heart.

What once felt massive, intimidating, and mentally overwhelming has become one of those mountains that now feels like coming home. But that’s the beautiful thing about growth in the Adirondacks. The mountains themselves don’t change. We do.

One of the things I love most about guiding and coaching is watching people discover they are capable of far more than they thought possible. Sometimes confidence is built on big summit moments. Sometimes it’s built one uncomfortable step at a time.

Either way, the mountains have a way of changing you if you let them.

04/15/2026

There are a few ways to take on the Lower Great Range, and none of them are easy. That’s kind of the point.

You can string it all together in one big, rugged push. Or you can break it up and savor each piece. Either way, this stretch of the Adirondacks doesn’t give anything away for free and that’s exactly why we love it.

We went for it as a loop: Sawteeth → (HELLO Pyramid… if I ever go missing, just start there) → Gothics → Armstrong.

Up the Weld Trail, which is just a steady, honest climb that gets you right into the heart of it. And then down Beaver Meadow… which, I’ll be real, is a tough way to end the day. Steep, relentless, and the kind of descent that reminds you your legs had a limit all along. And yes, in true Adirondack fashion, there is A LOT of up to go down.

But that’s the magic of this range.
Big views. Big effort. Big reward.

Moments where you’re locked in, moving over rock, fully present. Moments where you question your life choices. And then moments where you stop, look around, and realize there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.

If you’re thinking about tackling the Lower Great Range:
Take your time.
Know your route.
Respect the terrain.
And don’t forget to look up… Pyramid might just steal the whole show.

04/14/2026

Macomb Mountain via the slide is one of the most unique and humbling climbs in the Adirondacks.

Starting from Slide Brook before sunrise, the trail lulls you into a sense of calm before you step out onto something completely different. A massive open slide of loose rock rising straight up the mountain.

This is not your typical High Peak hike.

Every step on the slide requires attention. The footing shifts. You gain ground and lose a little at the same time. Route finding matters. Most experienced hikers will stick to the sides where the rock is more stable and avoid heading too far into the center.

It can feel intimidating, especially if you have never been on a slide before.

And that is exactly what makes it such a powerful experience.

Somewhere along the way, many hikers find a rhythm. You stop fighting the movement of the mountain and start working with it. Step by step, confidence builds. What felt uncertain at the bottom starts to feel manageable, even enjoyable, as you climb higher.

A few tips if Macomb is on your list:
• Start early, especially in warmer weather
• Bring more water than you think you need
• Take your time and choose your footing carefully
• Do your research and know where to exit the slide to rejoin the trail
• If you are unsure, do not hesitate to hike with others or turn around

Macomb is often combined with the rest of the Dix Range or parts of it, making for a long and rewarding day, but the slide itself is an experience that stands on its own.

It is not just a climb. It is a mental game, a physical challenge, and for many, a moment of growth on the mountain.

If you have climbed Macomb, what was your experience like on the slide?

03/30/2026

I’ve been writing about my experiences in the wilderness for a few years now, and recently I finally started putting my work out there.

This is my second article published in the Adirondack Explorer, and honestly, I’m just really grateful.

This story is about a journey I never saw coming. The kind that challenges you in ways you didn’t think you were ready for. The kind that makes you question yourself… and then surprises you with what you’re actually capable of.

But more than anything, it’s about the people.

The friends who stand beside you on the trail. The ones that believe in you when you’re not so sure. The ones who turn hard moments into meaningful ones.

These are the moments that stay with me long after I leave the mountains.

Hiking Haystack, Basin and Saddleback in the Adirondack High Peaks is a significant challenge, particularly all in one day.

03/25/2026

Spring in the Adirondacks is here, which means we are officially in mud season… with a side of lingering snow and ice.

This time of year keeps us on our toes. One minute it’s soft mud, the next you’re postholing through snow in the shade.

The New York State DEC typically recommends staying below 2,500 feet in elevation during mud season to protect higher elevation trails that are especially vulnerable right now.

But getting outside is still very much on the table. We just adjust.

Here are some great lower elevation options to enjoy right now:

**Lake George Wild Forest**
Rolling terrain, great views, and more forgiving conditions.

**Hadley Mountain Fire Tower**
Short, sweet, and a big view payoff.

**Shelving Rock Falls & Summit (Shelving Rock Mountain)**
Waterfalls are ripping this time of year.

**Moreau Lake State Park (Moreau Lake State Park)**
Trail systems that hold up better in shoulder season.

**Buck Mountain (Lake George)**
A solid climb that stays within that safer elevation range.

**What to expect right now:**
• Mud. Lots of it.
• Patches of snow, especially in shaded areas
• Ice in the mornings or higher on trails
• Wet feet are basically guaranteed

**Pro tips:**
• Microspikes can still be useful and should be carried
• Waterproof boots (never truly waterproof) and extra socks go a long way
• Walk THROUGH mud, not around it
• Be ready to turn around if conditions get rough

Mud season is about respect. For the trails, for the mountains, and honestly, for the unpredictability of spring.

And there is something pretty special about this time of year… quieter trails, rushing water, and that feeling that everything is waking back up.

If you want help choosing the right trail or learning how to move safely through these conditions, Adirondack Ascent has you covered.

See you out there!

(Photo: Court Hamilton celebrating his 6th climb for the Lake Placid 9'er on Baxter March 2025)

03/19/2026

You don’t need to be ready.

Most people think they need to feel ready before they start hiking.

Stronger. More in shape. Better gear. More time.

Truth? You don’t.

You just need to start.

Every strong hiker you see on the trail started exactly where you are. Unsure. A little uncomfortable. Figuring it out as they went.

The mountains don’t ask if you’re ready. They just ask if you’re willing.

👉 What’s one hike you’ve been putting off?

03/17/2026

Whiteface has always been a mountain I love. It was the first mountain I ever set foot on in New York back in 2007.

I’ve ridden up the toll road.
I’ve climbed it from the base.
I rode my motorcycle up it on my first ride.
I’ve celebrated friends finishing their 46 on its summit.
I’ve also had the privilege of bringing friends, loved ones, and clients up this mountain.

Now I’m learning it on skis.

Same mountain. Different way of moving through it.

Trying new things as an adult can feel awkward. There’s falling. Moments where you wonder why you thought this was a good idea.

But that’s usually where the good stuff lives.

Turns out the mountains we love can still surprise us when we’re brave enough to experience them in a new way.

03/04/2026

The Adirondack summer hiking season is built right now.

The goals you set.
The miles you train.
The mountains you decide to go after.

Whether it is starting a challenge, finishing one, or exploring peaks you have not been to yet, a little planning goes a long way.

Adirondack Ascent offers private and small group guided hikes to help you reach your summer goals in the mountains.

(Photo: Rochelle Casey and Court Hamilton descending the south side trail of Seward Mountain Summer 2025)

03/03/2026

I’m honored to share that my first article about my journey in the Adirondacks has officially been published.

The mountains have shaped me in more ways than I can count. What started as a personal goal to pursue becoming a 46er journey turned into something much deeper. Lessons in preparation. Humility. Strategy. Trust. Growth that only comes when you step into the woods and carry everything you need on your back.

To have that journey put into words and shared feels incredibly meaningful.

Adirondack Ascent was built from these experiences. From early mornings at trailheads. From hard climbs. From the quiet confidence that comes when someone realizes they are stronger than they thought.

I am grateful for the mountains.
I am grateful for every client who trusts me to guide them.
And I am grateful for the opportunity to share the story behind it all.

Here’s to continuing the climb.

~Jess
Adirondack Ascent

Jessica heck shares her experience becoming more confident in the backcountry and trusting herself on the way to becoming a 46er.

02/24/2026

There is a different quality to the mountains midweek.

Less noise.
More focus.
Better decisions.

This winter and spring, Adirondack Ascent is offering curated weekday hiking experiences designed for hikers who value skill, strategy, and intentional growth.

Two options are available:

Private Guiding
A fully customized mountain day built around your goals, pace, and progression.

Limited Small Group Experiences
Thoughtfully capped groups for those who want refinement, not chaos.

These weekday hikes emphasize:
• Winter systems and layering strategy
• Technical movement in snow
• Intelligent shoulder-season trail selection
• Sustainable endurance development

This is not volume hiking.
It is progression.

Weekday mountain time is limited by design.

If you are interested in a private experience or a small-group placement, please send a direct message or visit the booking link to inquire.

Elevate your season.