A year ago when I turned 30, I set out to complete a self- created “mountain challenge” with my husband, Jesse, and my dog Charlie. Charlie has climbed every single mountain with us and has loved every minute! He has no fear and will climb up any rock scramble and elevation without hesitation, it is incredible to watch him!
We have hiked mountains in NJ, NY, PA, and Maine during the challenge. The hikes have ranged from 10-40 minutes from our home to 8 hours in Acadia National Park. We have hiked anywhere from 2-10 miles each hike and from 1,100 to 4,200 square feet high mountains. These hikes have taken anywhere from 1-7 hours and have been completed through sun shine, rain, and snow. The last year has been a blast! I found it difficult at first to find these hikes and to know where exactly to go that was fun and safe, especially hiking with a dog. I hope this article helps with some fun options for couples and families on the east coast to get outside and enjoy nature for all its peace and beauty.
If you are taking the time to read this, you are probably wondering why in the world would you want to do this or what is the point? Well, sit back, relax, and let me take you on my hiking journey.
Since my first visit to Lake Placid, NY, just before the pandemic in 2020, I fell in love with the serene beauty and peace of the mountains. I had never known such a beautiful place existed, only 4.5 hours from home! I have found hiking to be the most rewarding pleasure. It is amazing that such a gift to the mind, body, and soul could be free.
After one of our first breath-taking hikes in Lake Placid, Mount Van Hoevenberg,
about 4 miles and just under 3,000 ft in the air - I asked my husband Jesse what his favorite part about the hike was. I was so sure that he would say the summit, of course, I almost didn’t ask him. His answer surprised me. Without hesitation he said the summit was great, but that he enjoyed the hike to and from the summit. I think about this comment on every hike we take and even in other areas of life. What a unique and rare perspective that the journey was better or equally as important as the final view. Just like the doctor Seuss book, we are in the waiting place, “waiting for a train to go, or a bus to come, or a plane to go, or the mail to come, or the rain to go, or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or a No, or waiting for their hair to grow”. We cannot always wait for the summit to enjoy our journey of life. We have to learn how important it is to enjoy and appreciate every step of the way.
On this particular hike, we met a kind older man at the summit who was also enjoying the hike. He told us he was 86 years old and loved hiking. He had just completed the same hike we did! I found this hike extremely difficult so was very surprised to hear this. Jesse and I asked him about this and his life and he told us that if you stop moving, this is when you truly get old. Hiking these high peaks kept him young, vibrant, and healthy. He is truly an amazing inspiration to us all.
The Ascent
The Ascent is the most challenging part of the hike. Many hikes we have completed in Lake Placid have been near complete vertical climbs. This part is technical and fun! Technical means multiple “rocky scrambles” where we are walking uphill across multiple rocks. Sometimes we even need to even use our hands to climb up.
During this part we have to be extremely careful to watch every step not to fall. Hiking boots are essential - my favorite hiking boots are my Merell boots with Vibram soles. Jesse’s favorite boots Vivobarefoot hiking boots. We always need to pack plenty of water, usually by bringing a water back pack each. I would suggest a high protein meal before embarking on a long hike. I also pack snacks, an extra dog leash incase ours breaks, safety gear like a knife and bear spray, dog treats, collapsible bowl, and an emergency dog air lift carrier. The dog lift carrier is extremely important because it would be very difficult to lift a 70 lb dog by hand for 5-10 miles in an emergency. We bought the Fido Pro Airlift. Each state has emergency park ranger numbers which should be stored in your phone. Phone batteries must be charged to 100% before hiking or carry an emergency battery back up. Hiking with a spouse, friend, or family member is much safer than hiking alone. Someone should always know where you are going and what time you will start and finish.
The Ascent is hard work just like any other goal in life. It takes strength, persistence, and resilience. During this part I find it helpful to have a playlist and headphones for motivation. Many times during the ascent we have encountered beautiful surprises like waterfalls, wild flowers, lakes, and rivers. It’s nice at times to take the headphones off and listen to the sounds of nature or even the silence. Hiking is a total body and mind workout. You get the physical benefits of increased heart rate and endurance, while allowing the mind to be in a mediative state because of the beauty of nature that surrounds you.
There may be many times on the trail where the trail splits and we have to decide which way to go. This is just like life, we have to make educated choices and see where the path takes us. If it doesn’t end up being the right path, then we pivot and make changes to head in the right direction. There may also be times where we feel we cannot continue to climb because the ascent works every muscle in your body. This is the time when we need dig deep inside and keep going. It is always okay to take breaks, but we can never give up!
The Summit
The view at the top is always worth the challenge of the ascent. The summit does not let us down. We have encountered some spectacular 360 degree panoramic views the past year. Take a look at all the photos, though they give the views no justice. It is peaceful to take a break at summit. We have encountered many people who bring lunch and enjoy the views. There is even time for a quick kiss, if your spouse is agreeable! The summit is a great place for a photo-op or selfie. I mean we do live in the digital era.
The summit is a great opportunity to take a few minutes to reflect on the ascent and journey. To think of how we got to where we are now and how we feel about that. In this day of constant instant access to phones, internet, social media, it is peaceful to take a few moments to just be still and enjoy the moment.
The Descent
The hard trek of the Ascent has paid off and we have reached the summit. The best part is the hike is not yet over. We continue to enjoy the nature views as we start descending down the mountain. The goal has been reached and we are proud and content, we made it! But there are still goals to be conquered and life to be lived. It’s time to appreciate the achievement, but continue on to the next goal to continue to learn and grow.
Jesse, Charlie, and I love to run down the descent of the mountain. I feel it increases the challenge because you need to carefully watch every step you take. I will be honest, I have taken a few falls because I was not careful enough. Running down the mountain is thrilling and adds to the work out endurance. Usually on the way down, I notice different terrain, trees, flowers versus on the ascent. Sometimes it feels like a different hike, but I wonder is this because of a change in perspective?
Arriving at the end for me is bitter sweet. It is exciting the hike is completed, but often I am nostalgic that this journey has ended. I reflect on the quality time spent with Jesse and Charlie. I appreciate that I can never get this time back, but wow, what a magnificent memory and journey each hike.
After hiking, we are tired and starving. It is always fun to get dinner at a local restaurant and explore the towns.
The Journey
Many people ask me how do I find all these hikes?!
The best app out there I have found is the All Trails App. During the challenge, I upgraded to the premium version for only $30 per year. I upgraded after we got lost on one of our 12 mile hikes, causing us to hike an additional mile and risk being stuck with dropping temperatures and the sun-setting. Upgrading added an extra sense of comfort and safety while hiking. The app allows you to download the map and your location can be accessed at all times, even with no wifi or LTE service. The app is how I found all the hikes- you put in what location you would like to hike and it gives you many options for hiking trails. I usually use filters of dog friendly and the mileage I desire. I usually create lists and save the possible hiking trail options for each location. It has been helpful to have a back up incase a trail is closed or plans change.
Hiking my 30 mountain challenge has been a true pleasure. I have enjoyed every minute of the journey. I have always had a love for physical activity, nature, and family time. This experience was the perfect way to combine these. As I get older, I realize that it is easy to become stagnant and complacent as life gets busier. I believe it is so important to take the time to do things you love, to continue to challenge yourself to do things you don’t think you can handle, and most importantly to spend quality time with people you love. One of my favorite quotes that has motivated and inspired me throughout my life has been “Push yourself until you cannot push anymore, then push ten times harder.” When we feel we have had enough and can push past difficult times, that is when we grow as a person and we realize our true strength. Find your why, your mountain, and never ever give up!
30 mountains, 107.7 miles, in 1 year down, but a lifetime of mountains and adventures to go!
Thank you for reading my journey, Rock on adventurers!
*Since my mountain challenge ended, Jesse, Charlie, and I have traveled back to Lake Placid twice and are continuing to conquer more mountains!
Mountains in Challenge:
Mount Tammany, NJ/PA border, 3.6 miles, 1,526 ft, elev gain 1,243 ft
Haystacks Mountain, ADK- Lake Placid, 5.3 miles, 2, 864 ft, elev gain 997 ft
Cascade Mountain- ADK- Lake Placid, 4.5 miles, 4,072 ft, elev gain 1,906 ft
Baker Mountain- ADK - Lake Placid, 1.6 miles, 2, 441 ft, elev gain 885 ft
Acadia Mountain & Man O War Trail- Acadia, ME, 2.5 miles, 682, ft, elev gain 708 ft
Gorham Mountain - Acadia, ME, 3.0 miles, 525 ft, elev gain 583 ft
Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail- Acadia, ME, 4.2 miles, 1529 ft, elev gain 1,128 ft
Champlain Mountain- North Ridge Trail- Acadia, ME, 1.9 miles, 1,060 ft, elev gain 862 ft
Pyramid Mountain- NJ, 4.1 miles, 929 ft, elev gain 541 ft
Ampersand Mountain - ADK- Lake Placid, 5.0 miles, 3,353 ft, elev gain 1,765 ft
Snow Mountain - ADK- Lake Placid, 3.0 miles, 2,362 ft, elev gain 1,266 ft
The Brothers & Big Slide - ADK- Lake Placid, 10.0 miles, 4,200 ft, elev gain 3, 103 ft
Stairway to Heaven - NJ - 2.6 miles, 1312 ft, elev gain 889 ft
Bear Mountain- NY- 4.9 miles, 5,906 ft, elev gain 2,024 ft
Black Mountain- NY - 4.1 miles, 1,165 ft, elev gain 738 ft - 18,638
Schooley’s Mountain- NJ - 2.6 miles, 656 ft, elev gain 646 ft
Panther Mountain- NY- 4.8 miles, 1096 ft, elev gain 1,026 ft
Ramapo Mountain- NY - 1,040ft ** completed with Panther Mountain
Mount Minsi- PA - 4.8 miles, 1,453 ft, elev gain 1,036 ft
Sunrise Mountain- NJ- 5.4 miles, 1,312 ft, elev gain 839 ft
Chikahoki Falls, Carris Hill - NJ - 4.0 miles, 1,384 ft, elev gain 1,007 ft
Windbeam Mountain- NJ- 2.0 miles, 984 ft, elev gain 718 ft
Ilgenstein Rock & High Mountain - NJ - 5.3 miles, 1,106 ft, elev gain 872 ft
Torne Mountain - NJ- 2.6 miles, 984 ft, elev gain 728 ft
Mountainside Park Mountain - NJ- 2.2 miles, 656 ft, elev gain 639 ft
Panther Mountain- ADK- Saranac Lake, 0.9 miles, 2133 ft, elev gain 482 ft
Big Crow Mountain- ADK- Lake Placid, 1.3 miles, 2812 ft, elev gain 603 ft
Nubble Mountain- ADK- Lake Placid, 5.3 miles, 2743 ft, elev gain 2,693 ft
Mount Jo- ADK- Lake Placid, 2.0 miles, 869 ft, elev gain 698 ft
Mt. Van Hoevenberg- ADK- Lake Placid, 4.2 miles, 2936 ft, elev gain 885 ft
Total Mileage: 107.7 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 32,550 ft
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