The Hudson River flows for approximately 315 miles through New York State. Its journey begins in a remote wilderness area before widening dramatically into a tidal estuary that reaches the Atlantic Ocean at New York Harbor. The precise origin of the river often surprises people, as the first drops begin their descent from a small, high-altitude body of water in the mountains.
Lake Tear of the Clouds
The highest source of the Hudson River is Lake Tear of the Clouds, a small, shallow alpine tarn formed in a mountain depression. Located at an elevation of 4,293 feet on the southwest slope of Mount Marcy, it is considered the highest permanent body of water in New York State. The tarn is only about three feet deep at its maximum.
The picturesque name, bestowed by surveyor Verplanck Colvin in 1872, reflects its misty, high-altitude setting, suggesting a drop of liquid from the clouds. The water is fed by snowmelt and rainwater runoff from the surrounding high peaks, representing the initial collection point for the extensive Hudson River system.
The Initial Course and Feeder Streams
The waters flow out of Lake Tear of the Clouds through Feldspar Brook, a narrow channel that begins the steep descent down the mountainside. Feldspar Brook quickly merges with the Opalescent River, which significantly increases the volume of water. This combination of mountain streams forms a recognizable flowing system.
The Opalescent River then flows into the Flowed Lands, an area where the water collects before continuing toward the valley floor. The officially named Hudson River begins several miles downstream, near the outlet of Henderson Lake. At this point, the flow has been further augmented by other tributaries, including Calamity Brook.
Geographic Context of the High Peaks
The source of the Hudson River is located deep within the Adirondack High Peaks region. Lake Tear of the Clouds sits within a col, nestled between Mount Marcy and Mount Skylight. The surrounding topography is characterized by a remote, subalpine environment of rocky slopes and dense conifer forests. This high-elevation setting makes the source difficult to access.
Reaching the tarn typically requires a strenuous, multi-day hike covering over 17 miles round trip with a substantial elevation gain. The protected nature of the Adirondack Park ensures that the river’s headwaters remain shielded from development. The extreme weather conditions mean the water originates from a watershed dominated by snowpack and cold-tolerant vegetation.