Jay Mountain

"Took a bunch of friends from our Hiking club to one of my favourite peaks in the Adirondacks. Jay Mountain is an absolute gem of a peak. A good challenge is spots, numerous "peaks" before the true summit, and gorgeous views the whole way. " — UK-Ranger • Oct 19, 2019

"Journée hiking avec le groupe à Marie-Soleil. Assez froid mais correct. En haut, certains d'entre-nous on fait l'erreur d'enlever nos raquettes. Ce fut une grossière erreur que je ne vais plus répéter! " — fsoucy76 • Jan 26, 2019

"We orphaned Jay Central and Main peaks back in April due to conditions. Today we headed back down to the Adirondacks to try again and see the beautiful Autumn colours. The views did not disappoint. Third time on the Lookout and Western, Second time on Central and Jay Mtn main summit." — UK-Ranger • Oct 13, 2018

"“Bump 4,” hahahaha. Solo, 29er finish!! I usually avoid hiking on weekends as it is a major pain, but I wanted to finish this list since I hit #28 on Bald Peak yesterday. I read trip reports that a new trail had been cut ~6 years ago, and there were only 5 parking spots at the trailhead. With that in mind, I got up early to try to snag one of those spots, which I did. In fact, at 730am, I was the only damned person there. The log book for this trail needs to be replaced. It has way too many pages, and it seems as though each page has 1-2 people logged on it in different months (& also years!) what a mess. In terms of weather, it was ~50 degrees and fairly clear out. PERFECT. Wow, wow, wow! What a great hike. This trail is fantastic. In fact, it is so fantastic, that I actually jogged it on my way out with no issues. Flat, steady, well-maintained, long switchbacks, no BS. Just wonderful! I took a quick peak out on Jay Lookout then continued on, and quickly noticed a lack of trail markers. When I got the ridges, I kept thinking of all the whiners on AllTrails claiming how criminal it was that there aren’t paint marks on the rocks or cairns. Welllllllll. It’s kind of dumb to ex..." — kellieirene • Sep 8, 2018

"Wasn't happening Today. The trail was covered in ice and snow and couldn't be located (Herdpath). Also, there was so much melting slushy snow and ice on the open rock, it was too dangerous even with microspikes. Crampons and an Ice Axe may have helped, but we thought it was best to leave this for another day. Been here once before anyway, and the views from the other nearby peaks, were simply stunning." — UK-Ranger • Apr 21, 2018

"Up, down, up, down, up, down... This was quite a long and challenging hike! But definitely worth it. Some of the best views in the Adirondacks thanks to the 1.5 miles of open ridge. " — RangersApprentice • May 27, 2017

"Beautiful day for hiking in the Adirondacks Today, Jay had been on our radar for quite some time, and given the fact it had a 1.5 mile ridge, we thought it best to saved for a clear day. The views certainly did not disappoint. The climb itself was tougher than we first thought. Not overly difficult, but long, and some tricky steep sections to negotiate. The mountain itself has 3 prominent peaks. After hitting a ledge at the end of the marked trail, we headed down and took a left (right if you don't climb up to the ledge). From here it's all cairns and herdpaths along the ridge line. Jay West Peak (Jay Mtn on the map) is what you hit first before moving down and along the rest of the ridge. The next prominent feature, is the Grassy Notch. We saw many people up here, and spoke to some who actually thought the Grassy Notch was the actual summit of Jay. The actual summit of Jay is further along yet. Heading down the steep eastern side of the Grassy notch, we headed up to Jay's true summit. A long tough hike, but, given the absolutely amazing views, very much worth every ounce of effort." — UK-Ranger • May 27, 2017

"DEC's new reroute is much better than the old & the almost constant views of the High Peaks from the summit ridge is second to none. Didn't wear a hat & sunburned my head pretty good...doh!!" — billsussdorff • Jun 22, 2016

"One of our favorite hikes in the Adirondacks. We enjoyed this hike on a hot, dry day with our son, our friends and their 2 pups. The new trail really makes this an easy, enjoyable stroll. We started off around 9 am and made the easy 2.5 mile walk to the initial look-out (only the last 0.5 miles has any real topo to get your heart pumping a bit). The lookout today was crystal clear - we could see the Hurricane, Giant and most of the Eastern HP's through Marcy, Big Slide, Colden, Algonquin and even Whiteface was clear today. We could also see clearly to the east including Poke-O-Moonshine and Lake Champlain. We made our way along the ridge past Grassy Knoll for another 1.5 and followed the cairns to the actual summit stopping often to enjoy the views and the many fun cols. A very enjoyable hike.<br><br>Be prepared with enough water - no water available on trail." — deb-and-rob • Aug 29, 2015

"Awesome hike! The new trail is a nice easy stroll up the mountain with only the last 0.5 or so having any topo to get you heart pumping. After about 2.5 miles you reach the first overlook (just a short 100 feet or so from the junction) and you can enjoy 360 degree views through the High Peaks and over to Lake Champlain. Even on the overcast day that we chose it was beautiful. From there you hike another 1.5 miles or so to the peak of Jay - can't remember how many col's we climbed in and out of but the ridge hike is beautiful and well worth it. The peak of Jay has a very large cairn on it (you will have already passed one large cairn on a previous summit). We explored a little further and added about 0.5 miles on but had to head back so we could make it off the ridge and back to the woodline by dark. Enjoyed a peaceful descent through the woods by headlamp. We started late (2:30) and after about 8.6 miles we were back at the car by 7." — deb-and-rob • Oct 10, 2014

"This ridge is a treasure, plus the new trail with all the switchbacks make it great. You can walk the ridge for almost 9 miles and hit a bunch of mountain peaks. We summited Jay and then sat on the ridge and ate a snack." — hbotc • Jul 6, 2014

"Took the herd path up and back. Temp in the 20's but felt colder with the wind chill. Jay mountain has a great summit ridge with great views. See more pictures and my trip report at: http://www.offonadventure.com/2011/12/jay-mountain-122511.html" — Telemarkmike • Dec 25, 2011