Adirondack Peeks Summer 2025

Snyder said the 46ers trailmasters program is “stronger than it’s ever been.” He attributed much of that to Simpson’s work in forging strong and collaborative relationships with the DEC and other organizations aligned with the 46ers’ mission. The Class of 2024 had 766 finishers, up from 723 in 2023. It is among the largest in the club’s history, though it’s still down from 2022 and 2021, which spiked above 800, fueled by a surge during the pandemic. Of those, 75 were in attendance at the meeting to receive their certificates of completion in person. The finishers represented a wide variety of ages—from young children to those well into their retirements—and locations. While many in-person were from the Tri-Lakes region, some came from neighboring states and Canada. Several families who finished together were recognized. One happened to be Megan Ellsworth, and her daughter, June, both of Saranac Lake— where Megan teaches sixth grade social studies. They started hiking when June was 3, beginning with the smaller peaks.

There were also numerous friend groups recognized at the ceremony. Some had known each other outside of hiking and others had met through the activity. One of those 46er finisher groups was composed of four hiking members—two humans and their furry friends.

Allison Defibaugh and Brittany Ferencik met through a dog hiking Facebook Group. Their respective canine companions, Emma and Ridge, were on hand to receive their finisher certificates as well. Although the 46ers doesn’t have a canine finishers program, they made sure to register Emma and Ridge as finishers with them. Defibaugh rescued Emma, now 11, when she was 2 years old. She’s a Border Collie, Boxer, Chow Chow, and Treeing Walker Coonhound mix. Defibaugh, who lives in Saratoga Springs, said Emma had tons of energy when she was a puppy, so hiking was an obvious choice to take up. Given their success in the rugged terrain, people have asked Defibaugh what makes for a good hiking dog. In addition to being a 46er, Emma is a Northeast 115er. “I never specify a breed,” Defibaugh said. “I always say look for a high-energy dog,” she said, adding that owners should always make sure their dog seems to be enjoying the activity, as Emma did, before going on another hike. The biggest applause came near the end of the evening, just before the new finishers gathered for a class photo. Adirondack 46er Iona Guindon, who lives in Ottawa, Ontario, addressed the crowd. She spoke, as a Canadian, to give thanks to everyone who helped with the search for Leo DuFour, the 22-year-old hiker from Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec who died while hiking Allen Mountain. DuFour was reported missing on Nov. 30, 2024, and his remains were found on May 10. After DuFour was reported missing, forest rangers and their law enforcement partners engaged in a nine Brittany Ferencik #16064 [left] and Allison Defibaugh #13245W with Ridge [left] and Emma at the club’s spring meeting in Lake Placid on Sunday. Photo credit: Chris Gaige, #13221

They first completed the Tupper Lake Triad that year. When June was 6, the duo had completed the Saranac Lake 6er. Later, the two moved right on to tackle the Lake Placid 9er. Standing atop Bear Den, June asked her mother if they could do the High Peaks next. It was a big undertaking and took a few years, but it was an experience they wouldn’t have had any other way. June said her favorite part of hiking was being outdoors. Megan said she loved being outdoors alongside her daughter. Living so close to the trails in Saranac Lake helped to make hiking a large part of their lives. “It’s perfection,” Megan said. “I mean you wake up everyday and it’s just the best place on Earth.” Up next, June said they are either going to do the 46 High Peaks again, or attempt the New Hampshire 48. June Ellsworth, #15752 [left] and Meghan Ellsworth, #15745. Photo credit: Chris Gaige, #13221

SUMMER 2025 | 49