In September of 2014, I went on my first backpacking trip. I had traveled to the west coast and dreamed of leaving New Jersey where I had spent the first nineteen years of my life, but then I found the Adirondacks. Backpacking mid-September meant there was perfect weather and that the leaves were warm, vibrant colors.

On this trip, we were destined for the top of Mount Marcy, the highest peak in the Adirondacks, and New York as a whole. Mount Marcy was originally given the name Tahawus which means cloud splitter. It’s at an elevation of 5,344 feet. The Adirondacks themselves have 46 peaks that are over 4,000 feet in elevation, and this was going to be the first one I conquered.

Hiking a total of 26 miles, sleeping in a lean-to beneath countless stars, reaching the summit where a thick forest turns into alpine terrain, and seeing the clear water from Lake Tear of the Clouds were just some highlights of my trip. While I set out only to hike Mount Marcy, I was able to conquer two of the Eastern High Peaks the Second being Skylight which gave me a breathtaking view of Marcy and the other Peaks in the Adirondacks.

This trip marked a change in me. It was the longest I had ever hiked. It was my first genuine adventure. I was immersed in nature the entire time and rediscovered my love for it here.  All of the trips I had done before this had led up to the discoveries I would make here. Reflecting among the landscapes, here I found peace.

Photos were taken on my phone in the Eastern High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains.