Location and surroundings
Blake Peak belongs to the broad chain North America Plains > Canadian Shield > Adirondack Mountains > Adirondack High Peaks > Colvin Range. It is in the United States, in New York, and administratively in the Town of Keene, Essex County. By elevation it is the 56th highest of New York’s named peaks, and within the Colvin Range it sits in the upper group but below the range’s highest summit.
The mountain rises in a classic Adirondack setting of wooded ridges, steep slopes and closely spaced peaks. Its northwest side drains toward the East Branch of the Ausable River, while the southeast side drains toward Elk Lake and then the Hudson River system. That split drainage reflects the broken terrain around the Colvin Range and the nearby high peaks.
Neighbouring peaks
- Colvin Range — 1,235 m, 1.6 km NE
- Mount Colvin — 1,235 m, 1.7 km NE
- Nippletop — 1,393 m, 2.4 km E
- Pinnacle — 1,020 m, 3.0 km SW
- Sawteeth-Southeast Peak — 1,252 m, 3.3 km N
- Sawteeth — 1,260 m, 3.7 km N
- Indian Head — 813 m, 4.0 km NE
- Dix Mountain — 1,473 m, 4.7 km E
Blake Peak sits among higher and lower neighbours in a compact high-country cluster. The nearest higher summit is the Colvin Range point listed to the northeast, and the most prominent nearby giant is Nippletop to the east. Pinnacle lies to the southwest, showing how Blake Peak is set between the main Colvin ridgeline and the lower terrain beyond it.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest peaks include several of the best-known Adirondack summits. To the northwest are Mount Marcy at 1,629 m, Mount Haystack at 1,498 m, Basin Mountain at 1,468 m, Mount Colden at 1,436 m, and Algonquin Peak at 1,555 m. To the east is Beck-horn at 1,455 m. These peaks define the wider skyline around Blake Peak.
From a clear summit day, the surrounding view is shaped by the Adirondack High Peaks rather than by distant lowlands. The nearest major high point is Nippletop, about 2 km to the east, while the higher western summits mark the main Adirondack spine. The terrain and forest cover mean that views depend strongly on weather and season.
The range
Blake Peak is part of the Colvin Range, which contains 15 named peaks. The highest peak in that range is Nippletop at 1,393 m, about 2 km east of Blake Peak. Blake Peak ranks 5th highest in the range, so it is one of the more elevated summits in this compact Adirondack subrange.
The Colvin Range lies within the broader Adirondack High Peaks of New York. Blake Peak’s position in the range places it among a cluster of closely spaced summits rather than as an isolated mountain. That setting is typical of the Adirondack High Peaks, where ridges, cols and neighbouring summits are often only a short distance apart.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is cold for much of the year. The warmest month is July, at about 14 °C, and the coldest is January, at about -11 °C. Mean temperatures above freezing at the summit are expected in April, May, June, July, August, September and October.
Precipitation in the surrounding area is about 1,100 mm a year. The wettest month is June, at about 130 mm, and the driest is January, at about 60 mm. In the Adirondacks, weather can change quickly, with cold rain, fog, wind, snow patches at higher elevations and icy rock in shoulder seasons.
Best time to visit
The most practical months for a visit are usually the period when the summit is above freezing: April through October. In that window, late spring, summer and early autumn are generally the most comfortable for hiking in the Adirondacks, though wet ground and insects can be part of the season. Higher, shaded slopes may still hold snow early in the year.
For drier conditions, January is the driest month on average, but it is also the coldest and least suitable for casual hiking. Summer offers the warmest summit temperatures, while early autumn often gives cooler air and more stable conditions. Even then, mountain weather in this region can shift fast, so layers and rain protection are sensible.
Nature and wildlife
The slopes around Blake Peak are part of the Adirondack forest zone, with mixed northern hardwoods at lower elevations and more coniferous forest higher up. The terrain is steep and rocky in places, and the summit area sits in a cool, wet mountain climate that supports mosses, lichens and stunted trees near exposed ground. In winter, snow and ice shape the landscape for long periods.
Typical wildlife in this part of New York includes deer, black bear, smaller mammals and a range of forest birds. In the higher Adirondacks, hikers should also expect muddy tread, slick roots and occasional blowdown.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Blake Peak, a certified guide is usually not required for fit hikers, but it can be useful for people who are new to Adirondack terrain, winter travel or route-finding in poor visibility. In the United States, the main professional body is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club.
Examples of established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions in Washington and Exum Mountain Guides in Wyoming. A guided ascent usually depends on the number of days, group size, hut or camp nights, and equipment needs.
Safety and preparation
Blake Peak is a modestly high Adirondack summit, but the terrain still demands preparation: sturdy footwear, navigation skills, warm layers, rain protection and enough food and water for a full day. Wet rock, mud, ice and sudden weather changes are common hazards in this region, especially outside midsummer. In winter, snowshoes or traction may be needed depending on conditions.
For emergencies in the United States, the mountain rescue number is 911. Dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually through the county sheriff or a national park system. Mobile coverage in the hills can be unreliable, so it is wise to download maps before setting out and to tell someone your plan.
History and name
Blake Peak is also known as Blake Mountain. It was named for Mills Blake, who died in 1930 and served as Verplanck Colvin’s chief assistant during the Adirondack Survey. That survey helped document and map the Adirondack High Peaks in the late 19th century.
The mountain was once believed to rise to at least 4,000 ft, which is why it was included among the classic 46 Adirondack High Peaks. Later surveys showed that Blake Peak and three other summits fell slightly short of that mark, but they remained on the list. That history is part of why the mountain still has a place in Adirondack climbing culture.
Interesting facts
Blake Peak is the 5th highest of the 15 named peaks in the Colvin Range. It is also the 56th highest of New York’s 3,474 named peaks. The nearest higher peak is the Colvin Range summit listed 1.6 km to the northeast, and the range high point, Nippletop, is about 2 km to the east.
The mountain has a split drainage pattern: one side feeds the East Branch of the Ausable River, the other the Hudson River system through Elk Lake. That makes Blake Peak part of two major watershed systems in the Adirondacks. Its position between Mount Colvin and Pinnacle also gives it a clear place in the Colvin Range chain.
FAQ
How high is Blake Peak? Blake Peak has an elevation of 1,212 m.
Where is Blake Peak located? It is in Essex County, within the Town of Keene in New York, United States, in the Adirondack High Peaks.
What range is Blake Peak part of? It belongs to the Colvin Range, a subrange of the Adirondack High Peaks.
What are the nearest peaks to Blake Peak? The closest listed neighbours are Colvin Range and Mount Colvin to the northeast, Nippletop to the east, and Pinnacle to the southwest.
Is there water on the way to Blake Peak? The mountain drains toward the East Branch of the Ausable River and toward Elk Lake, but on the hike itself you should plan to carry your own supply. For a day outing, bring about 1.5 to 3 litres depending on heat and route length.
What is the best time to visit Blake Peak? The summit is usually above freezing from April to October, which is the most practical hiking window. Summer is warmest, while early autumn often gives cooler, steadier conditions.
Will my mobile phone work on Blake Peak? Coverage in the hills is often patchy and depends on the operator. On open ground a signal may be more likely, but in valleys and behind ridges it can fail. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before you go.