Giant Mountain
Region : High Peaks, Adirondacks (NY)
Start : At the foot of the mountain
Ascention : 930m (3050ft)
Elevation : 1411m (4627ft)
Height Rank : 12
Parking : Parking spot Along route 73
Trail Markings : Blue DEC marker
Annexe : List of trails
Warnings : For hiking times, calculate the same amount for ascent and descent.
Date of hike : September 30, 2013 (Richelle & Ben R.) via Zander Scott Trail
This ascent was a challenge for us. Doing #12 on the chart was pretty intimidating and we were right. If you are in good shape, the trail is fine but you have to be endurant because it is a long hike up and a long hike down.
We each brought a Camel back with lots of food & water, first aid kit,safty blankets, compass, whistle, sun protection &1 headlamp each.
We didn’t bring walking stick but were tempted to take them from passing hikers who looked more tired than us. Bring walking sticks!
It took us about 3 hours to ascend (taking breaks when necessary to enjoy the view and rest) and 3 hours to descend. This is a constant ascent so if you are not endurant, try some easier trails to start you off.
The trail head is pretty easy to find in the summer. It is along route 73 and there are many other trails starting at the same point. When you see many cars parked, assume that you are nearing the start. There are 2 parking spots close ot eachother, one going to Dix mountain wilderness and the other going to Giant mountain wilderness.
Giant Washbowl & Campsite
At 1.1km (0.7mi), you will find the Giant Washbowl. A little swamp along the road that you cross on a plank bridge. Soon after, you will find a campsite that you can use if ever you are in for the longer trails. There are no views at the campsite.
Up until the Campsite, you are mainly in the woods. There is one view point where you will have an amazing view of round mountain, Dix, Wolfjaw and many more. Later on, round mountain, which seemed pretty big at this point, will look like an ant!
To the summit!
For the rest of the mountain is a steep ascent. Many times you will see a summit but be confounded upon reaching it find seeing several more further on. Until you reach the summit, you will not see it.
Enjoy the views and if you can bring a compass and a map, there are several spots that give 180° views, try and identify all of the mountains around you. (this is probably why it took 3 hours….)
The summit, of course, was worth the work! We opened our can of local microbrew and enjoyed the view of Dix mountain wilderness to the SW and the High peaks wilderness to the W.
The descent
Take your time for the descent. Don’t run down. Because you went up for 3 hours, you have 3 hours left of steep downhill hiking. There are barely no flat zones in this hike. Brace yourselves!
All in all, we are very happy with our trail. We did in the fall and, on top of breathtaking views, got to enjoy the color show as well. With winter approaching and the days getting shorter, we only have small trails ahead. Because it takes about 3 hours to get there for us, we will return in the spring when we have more daylight time. Until then, we will wander in the Quebec wilderness, more close to home.
Happy hiking!!!
Richelle and Ben
Trail Descriptions
| Trail Name | Distance | Ascent | ADK No. | Done? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Mtn. via Zander Scott Trail | 4.8km | 930m | 48 | 2013-09-30 |
| Giant Mt. Via Roaring Brook Trail | 5.8km | 1411m | 47 |