Mount Colden Trap Dike

Trap Dike in Mount Colden (Adirondack Explorer)

Located in the Adirondacks, Mount Colden is well known for its Trap Dike which is a large crevice that runs up the center of the mountain. The dike takes around an hour or two to complete and has an ascent of two thousand feet. It can be seen by many hikers across the water on Avalanche Lake's west shore. However, hikers tend to avoid this path altogether due to some unstable areas. It is one of the more easier non-technical routes in the Adirondacks which means it does not require the use of ropes, harnesses, or helmets but for those who dare to climb the dike, some still bring gear to ascend. Once at the top, the view can be pretty amazing.

(46climbs)

While the dike can be accomplished without proper equipment, it can still be dangerous and even fatal. A student that attended Binghamton University died in late 2011 after slipping and falling head-first to a crux section of the climb. Matthew Potel was 22 at the time when he attempted to climb the Trap Dike with seven other members of the school's outdoors club. Potel was able to make it across a slippery gorge but there were two students who had trouble getting over. So as an outdoor educator and the one who planned the trip, Potel tried to help the students get across but tragically slipped and fell to his death. He was an experienced climber but he did not account for how slippery the Dike was going to be after Hurricane Irene.

Sources:

• http://www.adirondackexplorer.org/outtakes/climber-dies-in-trap-dike
• http://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/trapdike
• https://www.mountainproject.com/v/trap-dike-summer/106066142
• http://46climbs.com/fun-trip-adirondack-trapdike/
• http://nypost.com/2011/10/03/hiker-dies-a-hero/