Interview with Annie Tilden: Two-Time 46er
We joined Adirondack resident and accomplished hiker Annie Tilden to discuss her adventures here in the park. Annie is an Adirondack 46er, meaning she hiked all 46 “high peaks” in the Adirondack State Park. An Adirondack “high peak” is defined as a mountain over 4,000 feet. Many of these mountains have unmarked trails, river crossings, and rock fields. They are often over 10 miles, located in remote areas, and require a well-prepared hiker. Annie was able to finish this challenge in 3 years, while being a full time college student. After graduating and finding a job in the Adirondacks, she decided to take on this feat again. This time, her goal was to hike the high peaks during one winter season. She succeeded, summiting the mountains in sleet and snow while spending five days a week at her job as a school social worker. We sat down with Annie over a bowl of Stewart’s ice cream to talk about her achievements.
Lily + Aaron: How did you decide which peaks to start with vs save until the end?
Annie: Because I had done the peaks before, I knew which ones were my least favorite and decided that it would be best to get the worst ones out of the way in the beginning. I saved the ones I loved for the end. We had a schedule, but we changed it up based off of weather forecasts.
Lily + Aaron: What is a mountain you continue to hike and what is one you will never do again?
Annie: So many I would hike again! Algonquin, Marcy, Skylight, the Lower Great Range, Giant, Rocky Ridge, and the Dix Range (if I don’t have to break trail). Hopefully I will never have to do Allen again! Or the Seward Range.
Lily + Aaron: Tell us about the differences between planning/hiking the high peaks over a few years vs in one winter season
Annie: When you have a general 46 goal with no time frame, you can pick and choose which peaks you do without any sense of urgency. You can also take shorter days and only summit one peak without it being a problem. With the goal of one winter season, I often combined lots of peaks together in one day. I got to bag more than one peak, but it made for longer days in the mountains. Plus we had to have back up plans. If we had to bail on a peak one day, we needed to figure out when we could hike it again. It was hard to keep a schedule while making safe, smart decisions in the backcountry. We wanted to push ourselves physically and mentally without effecting our safety.
Lily + Aaron: What is a piece of gear you loved? What is a piece of gear you were surprised you didn’t need?
Annie: My external shell! I love my EMS bright orange shell. I wore it on almost every summit and it kept me nice and warm. Surprisingly I never put on my puffy. The shell worked really well on summits but because we were moving fast, we never stopped in a place long enough to get cold and need my puffy. Of course I always brought it for emergencies though. I also brought my ice axe with me but only used it once or twice. I refer to it as my best friend.
Lily + Aaron: What is your next hiking or outdoor goal?
Annie: Good question. I've tossed around the idea of the Winter 115. I’ve also been creating more hiking and running loops in the Adirondacks. I don’t have any big goal set in stone yet. I’ve been enjoying just getting outside and having fun!
