America’s Best Huts: Camp Peggy O’Brien
Adirondacks Park, New York
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It’s not cheating; it’s strategy. Instead of tackling the 25-mile Great Range Trail in its entirety (roughly 10,000 feet of gain), cherry-pick the best parts of the famous traverse from Camp Peggy O’Brien. Your knees will appreciate the change of pace, and we bet you’ll eat a lot better, too.
Situated inside the “V” of the Great Range Trail, Camp Peggy O’Brien is best accessed on a 3.5-mile trip along the Johns Brook Trail. At the 12-person shelter, peakbagging is the name of the game. Head south from the hut to tackle the Gothics, where 3.8 miles of relatively easy climbing land you atop the 4,734-foot summit for spin-around vistas. Or, nab the state’s high point by continuing southwest on the Johns Brook Trail to 5,344-foot Mt. Marcy, roughly 4.7 miles away. You can also link both peaks together into a 13.3-mile loop door-to-door. Back at Camp Peggy O’Brien, survey your handiwork from—fittingly—Adirondack chairs on the front porch.
Trailhead The Garden Season Year-round Amenities Bunks with mattresses; two-burner stove (propane provided); cookware Reservation Starting at $60/night; reserve online Contact
