ADK Recreation Interactive Trail Map and Trip Planner
Menu

Map out your next Adirondack adventure

ADK Recreation Interactive Trail Map and Trip Planner

The Gothics

Scenic and Destination Hikes Adirondack High Peaks

Trail Head:
John Brooks (Garden parking area)

Length: 14 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Difficult

Activities: hiking



ADKTrailMap.com map of The Gothics hiking trail in the Adirondack Mountains ADKTrailMap.com map of The Gothics hiking trail in the Adirondack Mountains Static Trail Map
ADKTrailMap.com elevation profile of The Gothics hiking trail in the Adirondack Mountains ADKTrailMap.com elevation profile of The Gothics hiking trail in the Adirondack Mountains Elevation Profile

Elevation: 4,734 ft. Elevation change: 3111 ft.

Gothics got its name due to its resemblance to Gothic architecture. The summit has some amazing 360 views, which combined with its location in the High Peaks Region, gives splendid views of the Adirondacks.1

Gothics is the tenth highest mountain in the Adirondacks and one that offers the most challenging “climb” in that there are large fixed cables as well as ladders at strategic points on the mountain. The peak itself can best be described as the most dramatic in the Adirondacks after Marcy and Whiteface. There are at least five areas of open rock surrounding the peak giving it a somewhat alpine look. It has three distinct summit bumps along its summit ridge, the highest being the last. There is also a very distinct cirque between it and the nearby Panther Peak. 2

Marcy may be the tallest mountain in the Adirondacks, but Gothics, at 4,736 feet, is definitely a tough climb for any hiker. There are tricky sections where you’ll need to maneuver around washouts, do some class-two scrambling and latch on to a fixed cable system. Once you’ve conquered the first peak, you’ve still got to hop over two more before you can head back down to the car (and hopefully a hearty dinner).3


1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothics
2 http://www.summitpost.org/gothics/150554
3 http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/outposts/post/challenge-yourself-on-a-summer-adirondacks-hike-to-gothics-peak/