Hiking New York's 30th tallest peak
Lower Wolfjaw Mountain is the 30th highest of the Adirondack 46 High Peaks. It is a steep, serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Lower Wolfjaw involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. The Wolfjaws got their names because a painter, Alexander Wyant, said the deep col between them resembled a wolf's jaw.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
This hike is accessed through a conservation easement with the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). A parking reservation is needed from May 1 - October 31. Although it is called a “parking reservation,” everyone will need a reservation to access hikes leaving from AMR, whether you drove yourself, rode a bike, got dropped-off, or walked. These reservations can be made online via the AMR website. For more information, please read these FAQs or contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Key takeaways
- Elevation: 4,175 feet
- Elevation gain: Depends on which trail is taken. See below.
- Distance: Depends on which trail is taken. See below.
Hiking Lower Wolfjaw Mountain
The are many different approaches to Lower Wolfjaw. Described below are three options, with from the AMR being the most common. It is highly recommended you pick up a map and guidebook to learn more about each route.
From AMR
This is 4.4 miles, one way, with a moderate to steep ascent. From the parking lot you will initially have to follow a dirt road to a paved road. At 1/2 mile from the parking area and just before reaching the main club house, turn left and down between two tennis courts on Lake Road Way to get to the gate into the AMR. The AMR is a private property area with recreational easements, special rules apply to use and those are posted at the gate.
Following the West River Trail, the footpath starts right behind the gatehouse. It follows the bank of the Ausable River, featuring views of distant mountains and river pools. 2 miles from the parking lot, you reach the Wedge Brook Trail. From here, the trail climbs steeply to a primitive campsite 3.2 miles from the parking lot. Once again, the trail starts climbing steeply to a cut off with the State Range Trail which leads to Upper Wolfjaw. Follow the trail to the right to climb very steeply to the summit of Lower Wolfjaw.
- Distance: 8.8 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 3,070 feet
How to get there: Leave Lake Placid on Route 73, follow Route 73 through Keene and Keene Valley and into Saint Huberts. Parking is across the road from the Roaring Brook Falls Trailhead for Giant Mountain. This approach is on private land of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). Dogs are absolutely prohibited in this preserve.
From the Garden
This is a 5.3 mile hike, one way. From the Garden, the trail is mostly flat with gentle climbs past an intersection with the Southside Trial (not maintained) at 0.5 miles. Continuing straight you will be hiking along a portion of rolling hills until you drop steeply into Johns Brook Valley with a trail register at the junction. Johns Brook Lodge is to the right, but the most direct route to Lower Wolfjaw goes left past the DEC Interior Outpost to a bridge over Johns Brook. Stay straight immediately after the bridge and begin the climb up to the ADK Range Trail.
From the Outpost, you'll climb steady and pass by two campsites within 0.4 and 0.6 miles. Around one mile from the Outpost, cross over a debris field from a slide. The trail climbs moderately from here until it reaches the intersection of the trail coming from AMR 2 miles from the Outpost. Follow the trail to the left to climb very steeply to the summit of Lower Wolfjaw.
- Distance: 10.7 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 3,000 feet
How to get there: Parking is limited and fills up early most weekend mornings. Leave Lake Placid on Route 73, continue through Keene and into Keene Valley and turn right at the sign for the High Peaks at the Ausable Inn and follow Adirondack St. to Johns Brook Lane. It is 1.6 miles from Rt. 73 to the Garden with the last 0.2 miles on a narrow dirt road. There is a parking fee at the trailhead.
From Rooster Comb
This is a 4.4 mile, one way hike. From the Rooster Comb parking area, cross the long bridge over the beaver dam and sign in at the trail register. You will hike past a small pond to your right and start a moderate climb. The climb will remain moderate to the junction with the trail to the summit of Rooster Comb at 2.0 miles.
Past this junction, the climbing is steep to the treed summit of Hedgehog Mountain. A short descent will bring you to a junction with the W.A. White Trail at 3.3 miles. Turn right to continue the climb up to a false summit. The descent off this false summit is very steep which brings you into a deep valley where an exceedingly steep climb brings you up LWJ.
- Distance: 8.8 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 4,080 feet
How to get there: Leave Lake Placid on Route 73, follow Route 73 toward Keene. Continue through Keene and to the outskirts of Keene Valley and look for the trailhead for Rooster Comb on the right.
Lower Wolfjaw in the winter
Lower Wolfjaw is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and microspikes or crampons are needed to climb the typically icy upper sections above the col. The most common route to do in the winter is from the AMR, and it is likely the other two will not be broken out. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being at least 20 degrees colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency. Turning around is always an option.
Find your perfect trail near Keene Valley
Does Lower Wolfjaw sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? No need to stress, with over 2000 miles of hiking trails in the Adirondacks we are sure we can find the perfect hike for you.