Hey folks!!!

Many of you have heard of such Adirondack peaks as Mt. Marcy and Whiteface. But ask the experts for their favorite peak, and you may very well hear "Gothics".

Gothics? What is Gothics?

No we're not talking Bauhaus or Sisters of Mercy.

Gothics, the 10th highest peak in New York, offers a "must experience it to believe it" hike to an extraordinary peak.

James R. Burnside, in his seminal work, "Exploring the 46 Adirondack High Peaks" rated the view from Gothics as the best view of all the 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks. Why? As one website describes:

"Gothics offers stellar views of many peaks including the rest of the Great Range, the Colvin Range, the Dixes, and Marcy.  This is in addition to Gothics being probably the most awe-inspiring peak in the Adirondacks.  [Nearby] Armstrong and Upper and the Wolf Jaws pale in comparison, lacking the panoramic quality of Gothics and the massive bare rock surfaces."

What is the hike like?

In typical JOC style, we'll conquer this peak with the most fun possible. We'll be taking the Ore Bed Brook Trail to get to the top, a trail that involves ladders, cables, and lots of fun scrambling.

From one person's description: (READ THIS BEFORE SIGNING UP!)

"The Ore Bed Brook Trail is beautiful and climbs at a fairly leisurely pace for the first hour or so of hiking.  At a certain point, however, the trail markers are no longer on the trees in front of you, but on trees above you – trees that appear to be growing out of solid rock.  So you climb and climb and climb.  The final portion of this trail is basically a vertical hand over hand pull-up, using tree roots and branches to make progress. And that’s just to reach the base of the shoulder between Gothics and its neighbor, Saddleback!  From that point on, the world turns completely vertical.  Everyone at the lodge had advised us to take this route because the final ascent of Gothics is basically a climb up sheer rock.  To assist hikers, the Adirondack Mountain Club has embedded steel posts in the rocks linked by a cable.  Our fellow hikers assured us we would be happier going up this cable than trying to come down it.  I have to admit they were right.  Personally, I liked being able to use my arms to pull myself up the side of Gothics and to give my legs and feet a rest.  But to be honest, the view was so spectacular I probably could have pulled myself up by my fingernails and still been happy! "

Sound like your kind of hike?

What is the itinerary?

We will leave Tuesday, June 29th, early evening, for the 5 hour drive from the city (Googlemaps says it is 4:39 from Teaneck). We will stay at a cheap motel in the Lake Placid area, and start hiking early next morning (Wednesday), planning to be done early evening. We will then drive back home and sleep really well on the car ride back (well, hopefully not the driver).  Please note: That Tuesday is the fast day of Shiva Asar Betamuz. If are fasting and you do not feel comfortable driving, then please do not offer your car (or offer it, but not as a driver)

Hike Beta?

Approximately 13 miles, 3,500 ft of vertical climb - roughly 10-12 hours.

Why is this a weekday trip?

A) Given the drive, it isn't practical to leave on Saturday night- we would get in far too late to be awake for the hike the next day.

B) This is a fairly popular hike, especially this time of year, and by doing it on a weekday, we are more likely to have some solitude at the top.

C) This particular day of the week works really well with my own schedule.

What is the cost of the trip?

Cheap! The cost of the trip is $55, which includes overnight lodging, breakfast and lunch and a kick #$% time. Transportation will be via carpool, and transportation reimbursement will be paid directly to drivers.

Must I be in good shape?

A definitive yes! In This is appropriate for most fit, experienced hikers, and not appropriate for slow or inexperienced hikers. No, it is not a race, and we will certainly take some time to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us, but we also have a specific destination to reach in a timely fashion. In addition to fitness, one should be comfortable on the aforementioned ladders, cables, and exposed scrambling. Please read the above description carefully if you only skimmed it.

If you are unsure if you are an appropriate candidate for this trip, please do not sign up.

How much room is there?

There is room for 15 people in total. Priority will be given to drivers, as needed.

How do I sign up?

Please answer the following questions by email:

1) What is your name?

2) What is your cell phone number?

3) What is your email address? (please retype it even though it appears in my inbox -- it is much easier for me)

4) Do you have a car? If so, leaving from where at about what time, with how much room for passengers?

5) Do you have strenuous hiking experience? Please elaborate. (Not to be obnoxious, but I don't want persons who are not up to the challenge to ruin the adventure for others)

AND

Please send the $55 via paypal to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Please note that registration is only complete with payment.

What is the deadline?

Wednesday, June 23rd. Please note that the trip is first come, first served, and the last two Adirondacks trips I organized (Mt Marcy, Algonquin), both filled, despite being on a weekday.

Refund Policy?

No refunds after June 24th.

What if it rains?

In the event of light to moderate rain, we will take a different route up the mountain - one that would not involve hazardous scrambling on wet rock.

In the event of a downpour or thunderstorms, we'll enjoy the day in Lake Placid other ways.

Thanks, and hope you can join us!

-Alon