I had an amazing idea for a hike. I want to do something for suicide awareness, and there's a charity that tries to organize mountain hikes the week of Labor Day. I think I could do the highest four peaks in New York in one day. I counted 21.5 miles today, which is a lot for me. I haven't counted elevation gain, but I assume it's 10,000'. Summits 1, 3, and 4 are near each other. Summit 2 means dropping and regaining about 3000'. But it would be something that might capture the attention of potential donors.
If you do do it, send me some details. That sounds like a great worthwhile endeavor.
If you're curious, and I'm sure you are, the route would be: Follow the pink line here from the Adirondack Loj toward Marcy. Just before the summit there's a spur leading to Haystack. There's about 800' of descent here. Ugh. Then back the same way to the Marcy summit and drop off the southwest side toward Skylight. Skylight is a wonderful climb, just an even steady gain. Then it's west to Feldspar, Uphill, and Lake Colden. There are obvious bail points here if I'm beat. The Avalanche Pass route is rugged but gorgeous. Going out via Feldspar is a pain in the ass, I hear. Shorter but some elevation gain and an underwater trail. Heading up from Lake Colden to Algonquin is a consistently steep trail. The worst day I had hiking was coming down that with an overnight pack. Never again. Up with a day pack wouldn't be as bad. Then it's a nice hike down from the summit. I estimated today by squinting at contour lines 8000' of gain. With a minor gains and losses it would probably be over 9000'. I'll keep you and hubski informed if I do it.