Tropical storms don’t often affect the Adirondacks. But, last summer rains from Tropical Storm Irene devastated a number of upstate areas, including the bridge over Marcy Dam. This bridge was part of one of the most popular hiking trails in the Adirondacks, and we are happy to announce that a new bridge has been constructed.
The bridge is part of the Van Hoevenberg Trail, a popular trail by Lake Placid. Hikers rejoiced as the new bridge was opened this Sunday. The dam itself is not repaired yet, as the DEC is still studying whether that is worth the effort.
After the rains washed away the bridge in August, it was at first unclear whether the state would replace the bridge or add a new bridge entirely. Deciding on the latter option, hikers can still cross the water, admiring the view of Marcy pond and the surrounding mountains, just 250 yards downstream of the original bridge.
Crossing this bridge is still the shortest way to get to the top of Mount Marcy, the highest peak in the Adirondacks. 45,000 people use the trail each year.
Will you be scrambling to hike up Mt. Marcy now that this new bridge is open? How else did Irene affect your Adirondack hikes?
