Esther and Whiteface Mountain Trip Report.

3 logged Esther hikers.

Juliann and John Kraveo
Russ Latour
Joann Domville

Back to the Dacks after 14 years. Last hiked up here in 1986. My goal is the 46 peaks.

Completed Marcy, Gray, Haystack, Algonquin, Wright and Big Slide.

Started at the base area of the former ski area on Marble Mountain. Followed the T-bar trail straight up to the junction with the Wilmington trail. The trail sign said that it was unmarked/unmaintained but it was very easy to follow. Hit the junction near Lookout Mountain for the trail to Esther, Cairn in place but could not find the old sign mentioned in the guide book. Already in the clouds, so no views. The Esther trail was a well defined heard path with many blow downs in the way, especially difficult navigating with my external frame pack. Lots of that black Adirondack mud, I ended up staining my socks.

Rejoined the Wilmington trail and headed to Whiteface. Trail up was wet but not as muddy as the Esther side trip. Wish I could see the views but although it is brightening there are not any breaks in the cloud cover. Some blow downs along the upper section of the trail. Checked out the summit buildings, ate lunch and started my return trip. Since the guide book warned that the Marble side trail was easy to miss I hit a slab on the way down to get my bearings. I was above the cut off and found that my landmarks were easily located on the way down.

Not very much evidence left of the former ski area. Concrete foundations from the lift towers, a counter weight concrete block on the summit and some rotting wood.