Background of the Club

Updated 8 May 2010

 

 

So, You Want to Climb the Adirondack 46?

    Who Are the Adirondack Forty-Sixers?
 

The People

 

The Adirondack Forty-Sixers Inc. is a membership organization which recognizes those who have climbed the 46 High Peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. Robert and George Marshall, along with their friend and guide Herbert Clark, identified 46 mountains in northern New York State with an elevation of 4,000 feet or higher. They were the first to ascend all 46 peaks, which they did between 1918 and 1925. Robert Marshall recounted their climbs in The High Peaks of the Adirondacks, which was published in 1922. The publication in 1927 of Peaks and People of the Adirondacks by Russell M.L. Carson provided an additional incentive for others to take up the challenge of climbing the 46. We continue that tradition today. While subsequent geological surveys have indicated that four of the 46 High Peaks are less than 4,000 feet, the original listing is still used as the basis for membership.

 

 

 

 

The Organization

 

            In 1937, a church school class from Grace Methodist Church in Troy, New York, formed the Forty-Sixers of Troy, an informal club whose purpose was to bring together mountain climbing enthusiasts. From this group came the current organization, the Adirondack Forty-Sixers, which was created on May 30, 1948. Starting as a small group of hikers whose common bond was having climbed the 46 High Peaks, the Adirondack Forty-Sixers now plays an active role in conservation efforts in the High Peaks Region.

           

The Club's mission is to educate the public on responsible wilderness use and to encourage stewardship in the High Peaks Region. We sponsor programs to promote safe hiking and preservation of the wilderness so hikers will be able to enjoy the region for generations to come.

           

The Adirondack Forty-Sixers is not part of the Adirondack Mountain Club, although many climbers belong to both organizations.

 

    What are the purposes of the Forty-Sixers?
The purposes of the organization are the fostering and protection of the natural resources within the Adirondack Forest Preserve of the State of New York and the preservation of the wilderness character of the region.

These purposes include, without excluding other appropriate means, educating the public by inspiring interest, encouragement, information and examples to those who engage in wilderness endeavor so they may be prepared to carry on their activities in a manner adapted to secure fullest enjoyment, safety and preservation of the wilderness.

 

    What Are the Membership Privileges?

Recorded climbers are entitled to wear "ADK 46R " patches and emblems.  Only active members, i.e., those who have paid dues, may vote on club matters and purchase pins, decals and other Forty-Sixer merchandise.  Active members receive the club's semi-annual publication, Adirondack Peeks (click for subscription form), in addition to newsletters and announcements of upcoming events. The club holds two meetings yearly, which are open to the public. The spring meeting is held Memorial Day weekend and the fall meeting is in early October, both in the High Peaks area. These weekends include environmental projects (including trail maintenance and litter pick up), a business meeting, a dinner and an evening presentation (in the fall).

 

    How Can I Help the Forty-Sixers?
If you believe in "giving something back" to the mountains that have given you such pleasure, you are welcome to join us in our volunteer trail program. Several day-long and weekend projects are planned each summer in cooperation with the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Projects range from trail clearing and general maintenance to lean-to restoration. You don't have to be an experienced trail maintainer or a Forty-Sixer to participate.  You can find a work project schedule and signup form on the Forty-Sixer website, www.adk46r.org

    What is "Leave No Trace?"
The Forty-Sixers believe in the principles of “leave no trace”.

  • Plan ahead and prepare.
  • Camp and travel on durable surfaces.
  • Pack it in, pack it out.
  • Properly dispose of what you can't pack out.
  • Leave what you find.
  • Minimize the use and impact of fires.
  • Respect wildlife.
  • Be considerate of other visitors.


    What are the Registers?
The Department of Environmental Conservation ( DEC ) maintains registers at main trailheads and other locations.  For your safety, sign in, stick to your destination and sign out when you leave. The registers are also used to compile statistics about wilderness use and, thereby, help determine where and how the DEC allocates funds.  Some sections of the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness Area require Visitor User Permits. These are available at trailhead registers.

 

  Forest Preserve Camping Regulations

If you desire to camp within 150 feet of a road, trail or water supply, you must camp in a location designated as a camping area by DEC. If you want to get away from the crowds and commonly used camping areas, you can camp where you like if you are over 150 feet from trails and/or water. In order to protect the fragile environment of our summits, camping is prohibited above 4000 feet in elevation in the Adirondacks except from December 15th to April 30th. This permits the serious winter camper a chance to enjoy the summits and still do minimal damage.

Adirondack leantos (open camps) are located along the trails and are on a first come - first serve basis and up to capacity, which varies from six to ten persons. Be ready to share your leanto with others. The intelligent camper does not count on finding a leanto empty, or even available, but takes his/her own shelter.  Leantos have been removed in many areas. Check before your trip.

·         Groups planning to camp in the High Peaks Wilderness Area are limited to no more than eight people per group.

·         Camping is allowed at any location below 3,500 feet in elevation, provided the site is at least 150 feet away from any road, trail or water source and except where prohibited by a DEC sign. Within 150 feet of a road, trail or water source, you may camp only at a DEC designated site. These sites are marked by a yellow DEC disk.

·         Between 3,500 and 4,000 feet, camping is allowed at designated sites only. These sites are marked by a yellow DEC disk.

·         Camping is prohibited above 4,000 feet at any time of the year.

·         Many access points in the High Peaks Region are on private property. Camping is not allowed anywhere on these lands. You are responsible for confirming that you are on Forest Preserve Land before establishing a campsite. Continued public access to private property is assured only if we comply with the landowners' wishes.

·         Careless campers are a significant problem in the High Peaks. Bear canisters constructed of solid, non-pliable material specifically made to resist access by bears are required for overnight camping in the Eastern High Peaks Zone from April 1 to November 30. Even in other areas, you are responsible for keeping your food from bears.

·         Adirondack lean-tos (open camps) located along trails are available first-come, first-serve up to their capacity, which varies from six to ten persons, and are meant to be shared. Many lean-tos have been removed. It is best not to depend on finding a lean-to with room, but to pack in a tent.

 

   Group Size Limits and Other Regulations

 

.           Day hiking groups are limited to no more than 15 people in the High Peaks Wilderness Area.

            .           Camping groups may not be larger than eight people.

            .           Dogs must be leashed in many High Peaks locations.

            .           Glass containers are prohibited in the High Peaks Wilderness Area.

            .           The DEC webpage, www.dec.state.ny.us, has up-to-date regulations for the area.

    How About Fires?
Open fires are not permitted in the Eastern Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness Area.  In other areas, they are not recommended, but they are allowed without a permit in most of the Forest Preserve. We recommend using lightweight stoves and discourage open fires. Stoves are more dependable in inclement weather and cause less damage to the environment.

    …and Drinking Water?
The DEC recommends treating water from any backcountry source by one of the following methods: an appropriate filter, chemicals or a timed, rolling boil of at least two minutes. Never put anything in or near water that you would not want to drink yourself.

    …and Trash?
Trash visibly destroys the quality of the wilderness. Be guided by the ethic: If you carry it in, carry it out. That includes food waste. The forest critters have survived remarkably well without you to feed them. Your trash is your responsibility. Do not burn it. Burying anything other than human waste is prohibited. If less considerate people have littered, please do more than your share and pack out their trash, too. 

   Where can I get help in an emergency?

You may meet forest rangers or other DEC personnel on the trails. They will be glad to help you with search and rescue or with law enforcement. Most hikers you meet are also willing to offer information and help.

If you need emergency help, the Park-Wide Emergency Dispatch telephone number is (518) 891-0235. Do not count on cellular telephone reception in the High Peaks. With any emergency in a remote area, you will have to rely on what is at hand, mostly your brain and what you have in your pack. We recommend that you take a workshop in wilderness first aid. Workshops are offered by Wilderness Medical Associates (wildmed.com), SOLO (soloschools.com), the American Red Cross (redcross.org) and hiking organizations such as the ADK.

 

The Division of Lands and Forest of the DEC at Raybrook, NY, 12977, manages State land in the Adirondack Park. Write or phone them at (518) 897-1200. If they do not have the information you want, they can direct you to someone who does.  The DEC is updating management plans for many areas in the Forest Preserve. For current regulations, check the DEC webpage, www.dec.state.ny.us , or contact the DEC by phone before you begin your trip.

    The 46 in Winter
Hikers who have climbed the 46 peaks in winter (December 21-March 21) and who have recorded their ascents with the Office of the Historian receive winter recognition and are entitled to wear the Winter 46-R rocker patch. Only those who are in excellent physical condition, properly equipped and skilled in winter techniques should attempt this, as winter climbing can be demanding and exhausting. Parents should be particularly careful in assessing the abilities of their children. Winter climbers should be familiar with the peaks, weather and seasonal hazards. To learn the skills and equipment needed for a safe winter outing, attend the ADK 's  Winter Mountaineering School, winterschool.org.  After each climb or at least at the end of each winter season, record your climbing experiences with us as described under “How do I become an Adirondack Forty-Sixer?”

    And Finally…
The Adirondack High Peaks are beautiful and unique. The vegetation is as fragile as the rock is durable. Treat the area with care and respect so that future generations can enjoy it as you do. On all summits, travel on worn paths and bare rock so as not to trample vegetation. Whether or not you aspire to climb all of the 46 High Peaks, we invite you to participate in one of our stewardship programs to "give something back" to the mountains. Help us preserve this wonderful place.

 

            "We Forty-Sixers can take pride in our dual role of creative conservationists, of both helping new people experience the high summits and of helping them learn to preserve the high country through volunteer work and via responsible woodsmanship." -- E.H. Ketchledge, #507

 

            "The hikers you meet are friendly people. Speak to them. The Forty-Sixers are a friendly group, on a first-name basis. Many lifelong friendships are made here. We hope that you join the Forty-Sixers in a growing stewardship for the High Peaks. May you have many enjoyable, safe, and responsible trips in these mountains. Good climbing!" -- Grace Hudowalski, #9

   Books, Maps, Publications and Webpages

Adirondack Forty-Sixers, Inc.

P.O. Box 180

Cadyville, NY  12918

ADIRONDACK PEEKS. Semi-annual magazine: news, activities, and projects of the Forty-Sixers. Please write for subscription rates. Sample copies are $3.50 each.

OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP. A hiking and camping skills workshop taught by experienced outdoor leaders and held at the ADK Loj at Heart Lake in early May.

Website: www.adk46r.org

 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

50 Wolf Road

Albany, NY   12233

The following brochures are available free:

NORTHVILLE-PLACID TRAIL

PUBLIC USE OF NYS LANDS

TRAILS IN THE HIGH PEAKS (with map)

NORDIC SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING IN THE NY FOREST PRESERVE

Website: www.dec.state.ny.us

 

USGS Information Services

P.O. Box 25286

Denver, CO   80225

TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPS (also available at many book and camping stores)

Website: http://store.usgs.gov/

Phone: 1-800-HELPMAP

 

Adirondack Mountain Club, Inc. (ADK)

814 Goggins Road

Lake George, NY   12845-4117

Please write for current listing of publications and prices. Of special interest:

GUIDE TO THE ADIRONDACK TRAILS: HIGH PEAKS REGION.  Includes topographical trail map of the High Peaks.

GUIDE TO THE NORTHVILLE-PLACID TRAIL.  With page maps for each section plus a topographical map.

WINTERWISE.  "How-to" guide covering winter hiking and camping.

Website: www.adk.org

 

Adirondack Regional Tourism Council

P.O. Box 2149

Plattsburgh, NY   12901-2149

ADIRONDACK GREAT WALKS AND DAY HIKES.

Website: www.adirondacks.org

 

Leave No Trace

Phone: 1-800-332-4100

Website: www.1nt.org

Good climbing!

 

Please Email additions and corrections.

Information presented on this website is copyright protected and may be downloaded or copied only for personal, noncommercial use. It remains the intellectual property of the Adirondack Forty-sixers, Inc. and may not be otherwise reproduced or published without their express permission.

 

This page updated 8 May 2010