Hiking in the Adirondack Mountains (NY) - Giant Mountain Wilderness [Giant Mountain & Rocky Peak Ridge]


Where is the Giant Mountain Wilderness?

The Giant Mountain Wilderness is located in Essex County, in northeastern New York. It is part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve and is adjacent to the High Peaks Wilderness.

Why visit the Giant Mountain Wilderness?

The 23,100-acre Giant Mountain Wilderness is home to two of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks -- Giant Mountain and Rocky Peak. Other notable natural features in the Giant Mountain Wilderness include Giant Washbowl, Giant's Nubble, Hopkins Mountain, and Roaring Brook Falls.

What should one expect on the trails in the Giant Mountain Wilderness?

The three main routes to the summit of Giant Mountain are the North Trail, the Roaring Brook Trail, and the Zander Scott/Ridge Trail. It is an additional 3-mile round trip between the summit of Giant Mountain and the high point on Rocky Peak Ridge. Alternatively, it is possible to summit Rocky Peak first, via the East Trail, or to take one of several trails to Hopkins Mountain, before joining the North Trail.

All three of the main routes to Giant Mountain feature over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The trails are rather steep and strenuous, so this is probably not an ideal route for beginning hikers.With that said, it is not necessary to hike all the way to the summit for scenic views. Highlights on the Ridge Trail include Giant Washbowl and Giant Nubble, while Roaring Brook Falls is a highlight of the Roaring Brook Trail.

These trails are heavily used, and a free shuttle to the trailheads is offered on weekends.

See the "Helpful Links" section for a trail map.


Is there camping in the Giant Mountain Wilderness?

There are 16 designated primitive tent sites and one lean-to located within the Giant Mountain Wilderness. All are available on a first-come-first served basis, and reservations are not accepted.

See the NY DEC page, under "Helpful Links," for additional details.

Are pets allowed in the Giant Mountain Wilderness?

Dogs are allowed in the Giant Mountain Wilderness but must be leashed.


Is there a fee to hike in the Giant Mountain Wilderness?

There are no parking fees, admission fees, nor trail usage fees required to hike in the Giant Mountain Wilderness. Additionally, due to heavy volumes of visitors, a free shuttle to the Ridge Trail and Roaring Brook Trail is offered on weekends.

 

Helpful Links:

NY Dept of Environmental Conservation - Giant Mtn Wilderness 

Giant Mountain Wilderness Map 

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