The Adirondacks are located in the northeast region of New York State, and reach about the same surface area as Vermont. The Adirondacks are uniquely configured in a dome formation. This is distinctive over the usual linear ranges such as the Appalachian and Rocky mountains. There are numerous interesting facts about this area, some of which can be found on the internet, while others are shared by locals.
The Adirondacks are the closest mountain range to travel to in New York State, so most long weekends and outdoor trips are spent there with my friends, family, and Luna. After various trips to the Adirondacks, local store owners and residents have shared a lot of great stories and facts about the area. This article provides the top 13 unique facts about the Adirondack Mountains you probably didn’t know.
- The Hudson River originates in the Adirondacks
The Hudson River flows into the famous New York Harbor, which surrounds the Statue of Liberty. This river is 315 miles long and retreats all the way into the Adirondack Mountains. The river begins as a lake, then transforms into Calamity brook, Feldspar brook, the Opalescent river, and many other small streams. Originating at Lake Tear of the Clouds located on Mount Marcy and concluding at the Atlantic Ocean, a portion of the Hudson contains saltwater species due to the saltwater mixing with the freshwater; which is referred to as an estuary.
- Speak softly, and Carry a Big Stick
There is a trail in the Adirondacks called the Roosevelt-Marcy Trail. This trail is named after the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. In 1901, Vice President Roosevelt was having a picnic on Mount Marcy when he received word that President McKinley was in ill condition following an assassination attempt. He quickly rushed by stagecoach to North Creek Train Station during the night to be with McKinley. McKinley passed away the night of this journey. Therefore, Roosevelt became the 26th president of the United States on this midnight stagecoach ride through the Adirondack mountains.
- Native American History
The name “Adirondacks” is derived from the term “barkeaters”. This region was previously inhabited by the Mohawk and Algonquin tribes who are said to have argued over water sources such as Lake George and Lake Champlain. The history states that the other tribes would use the term “Adirondack” as a degrading phrase against the Algonquin when they resorted to eating bark during the winter, when food was scarce. In 1838, a pioneer named Ebenezer Emmons was credited with officially naming the area “The Adirondacks”.
- The ADK is Colossal
This region totals 6.1 million acres of land, which exceeds the size of Glacier, Everglades, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks combined. This makes the Adirondacks the largest state park in the United States. Almost half of the 6.1 million acres is public land. This region contains a mix of public and privately owned land throughout. This region is also forbidden to be tamed. The Adirondacks are protected by the constitution to remain as wild and natural as possible under the “forever wild” clause. This states that the forest preserve will remain as untouched by humans as possible aside from visitors and rangers. This allows the ecosystem to remain natural. The Adirondacks are not considered a national park due to the nature of state regulation and private ownership of the land.
- Arctic Alpine Plant Zones
Many of the high peaks of the Adirondacks are home to endangered plant species called arctic alpine plants. These plants are accustomed to growing in high altitude conditions, including high ultraviolet radiation, low carbon dioxide, cold temperatures, high winds, etc. Due to the extreme conditions, these plants grow exceptionally slow compared to other species and remain low to the ground. Since this flora has a very specific environment to grow, global warming is threatening their extinction. When hiking toward the peaks, there are many warnings to refrain from coming in contact with them. These species are so fragile that walking or sitting on them will kill them. Keep an eye out for arctic alpine plants on your next hike!
- Mt. Esther
Mount Esther is the 28th highest peak of 46 in the Adirondack Mountain range. This peak was discovered by accident! Esther McComb was a female hiker ascending Whiteface Mountain in 1839. After getting lost on the trail, she discovered another peak, to later be named after her. She is the first recorded person to summit this mountain at only 15 years old! Mount Esther is recorded to be 4,239 feet in elevation, located in Essex county, New York.
- 4th of July From the Summit
Cascade mountain is the 36th highest peak in the ADK located in Essex County, New York. This hike is 2.4 miles to the summit, reaching 4,098 feet in elevation. On the fourth of July, locals hike up to the peak to have a birds eye view of the surrounding towns. When the towns set off their fireworks, Cascade hikers get a 360 degree view of the illuminations.
- Glaciers
The Adirondack mountain range was created over 1 million years ago. During the ice age, glaciers moved throughout the region carving out the peaks and valleys we see today. There is evidence of this throughout the ADK due to rocks that aren’t consistent with the surrounding area being present. The glaciers would freeze large rocks and carry them along their path until finally melting enough to drop off the boulders in a location miles away from its start. Evidence of glaciers is also left behind with lakes. As glaciers melted, they would drop off large ice blocks that sunk into the earth and slowly melted creating kettle ponds; which can be found all throughout the Adirondacks.
- The Peaks are Rising
There is evidence to show that the peaks in the Adirondacks get taller every year. The reason for this is due to erosion and rocks beneath the peaks becoming exposed. Scientists state that the peaks rise a few millimeters each year, resulting in an increase of about 1 foot of elevation per century. If this rate continues for the next million years, the Adirondack mountain range is expected to be the tallest in the world.
- The Olympics
In 1932, the winter olympic games was held in Lake Placid, New York. This was the first occurrence of the games being held in the Adirondacks. Lake Placid is home to many high peaks of the Adirondack range, and hosted the games twice in history thus far. The second occurrence was in 1980, where the United States hockey team won over the Soviet team, who held the record for 10 years prior.
- Home to 50% of New York’s Black Bears
The Adirondacks also house over half of the state’s black bear population. New York State is said to inhabit up to 8000 black bears. If I was a bear that’s where I’d be hanging out too. The bear population is so substantial that the park requires all overnight visitors to use a bear canister to store their food and other scented items 8 months out of the year!
- Inventor of the “Vacation”
The term “vacation” is said to have originated in the Adirondacks. Before the phrase “vacation” was developed, most people would describe a get-away as “going on holiday”. In the early 1900’s, people living in large cities would vacate the area to spend their summers in the wilderness away from the urban life. Most would vacate to the Adirondack mountains, and eventually the term was referred to as a “vacation”.
- More Tourism than The Grand Canyon
It is reported that between 7 and 12 million people visit the Adirondack region each year. The residential population year round for the area is reported at just 132,000 people, while an additional 200,000 people reside in the area seasonally. It is reported that the ADK receives more tourism each year than the Grand Canyon! It is estimated that there are over 2,000 ponds, 1,500 miles of rivers, and 30,000 miles of brooks and streams in the Adirondacks.
The Adirondack mountains are full of interesting history and scientific facts, some of which were detailed in this article. There are many more facts to be discovered! Like any area, there are common facts that almost everyone knows, but the more time you spend in an area will provide you with unique, fascinating information that you wouldn’t have known unless you took an adventure.
Hiking is a great way to learn new things. In life, the purpose is to learn as much as you can and never stop learning. Spending time in nature is a great hobby to have, but the initial growth starts with motivation to take an adventure. The most exciting and interesting adventures happen when you take a leap and explore what the world has to offer. Trying new things will always teach you something. Traveling to a different place will always give you a different perspective. These facts are a microscopic percentage of what the world has to offer, so be open to new experiences, say yes to travel, and enjoy life.
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