Phelps Mountain

"After yesterday’s 19 mile trek of Skylight and Marcy the three knuckleheads chose to do an easier out and back of Tabletop and Phelps. The Van Hoe trail seemed to be a bit drier and the water level in the brooks receded overnight. What started out as a blue sky sunny day, begging for shorts and t-shirt to be worn, turned to overcast by noon. On Phelps, our second peak, light rain and strong wind was added to the mix. After taking in the diminished view we retreated into the trees to be more comfortable for our late lunch. Earlier in the day we got a fine view near the summit of Tabletop after making our way through the mud and water hazards on the herd path." — Nimblefoot • Oct 24, 2019

"Excellent weather and conditions. Clearest views ever, so far, on my hiking adventures. This was my daughters first 46er and I think I’ve gotten her hooked! Was nice to take our time today." — suzannerunciman • Aug 25, 2019

"Was a beautiful sunny morning at the summits of Phelps and Tabletop Mountains from the LOJ trail Via Marcy Dam,, Trails were well packed and the views on both summits were amazing,, Found Tabletop a might bit of a slog but with a little determination made it to the summit for my very first Solo winter 46ers,, Excellent Day!" — ramjet1963 • Mar 2, 2019

"Hiked from the Loj with Tom. Met a nice Canadian woman on the way up and shared the summit with her. Hiked back to the loj quickly after summiting. Overall a nice day for a short hike. " — Kim-Stilson • Jan 5, 2019

"Hiked with Kim. We started later in the morning, just after 9am. Took our time to Marcy Dam and then made our way to the Phelps junction. The last mile to the summit was slow paced. Trails were a little mushy on the way down as it was a warm day for January in the high peaks. Bare booted until the last mile, where we put on microspikes. Carried snowshoes all day, but they were never necessary. No trails had more than 8" of snow and almost nobody was wearing snowshoes. Quick hike down and back to the Loj. " — LGH-Tom • Jan 5, 2019

"We started out wanting hike Street and Nye but the water crossing was not passable so we turned around and went for Phelps. At just under 9 miles RT and 2300 ' of gain to the summit of 4160', Phelps is one of the easier ADK high peak hikes and on a 20 degree day with bright sun and lovely ice flows it was a lot of fun. We took our time as we had a newer hiker along with us and enjoyed a great lunch on the summit." — deb-and-rob • Dec 9, 2017

"Phelps was the easiest of the three high peaks I've climbed so far. It was still difficult...just easier than the other two! The first several miles along the Van Hoevenberg trail are relatively easy. The last mile to the summit is a bitch! The view from the top is worth it though! " — jennifermurphy • Sep 23, 2017

"Solo. First High peaks post-back injury/surgery. Camped out at South Meadows. Out of climbing shape due to muscle loss. Still made it. harder on my legs than it was on my back." — ndru-virus • Aug 27, 2017

"Headed out Today for 46ers #'s 6&7. Phelps was first on the list. This was our first high peak since late 2015. Beautiful day to be in the mountains, great views from the top. The trail was not as steep as what I expected. A great one for people starting off the 46ers to try, as it gives you an idea of what to expect trail wise. 40 more to go from this point." — UK-Ranger • Jul 29, 2017

"High Peak #6 - Done with Tabletop, wearing a borrowed pair of two-sizes-too-big Vans due to accidentally leaving my boots at home! A successful summit however. Perfect weather and no bugs made this a great hike, with a clear view of the surrounding high peaks." — RangersApprentice • Jul 29, 2017