Hiker hiked Big Slide via the Brothers route on March 7, 2026, after a harrowing drive through black ice conditions on Blue Ridge Road. The trail featured packed snow with a supportive snow spine/monorail down the center, significant postholing on the sides, and a challenging stream crossing at Johns Brook Valley with a punched-through snow bridge. Conditions were sunny and warm, making for a pleasant snowshoe hike despite the difficult approach.

An evergreen trail guide describing Mount Van Hoevenberg as a well-maintained, accessible short hike near Lake Placid suitable for beginners and families, with open ledges providing views of the High Peaks.

A relentlessly steep but short out-and-back hike with three viewpoints. The trail features boardwalks, stone steps, and a ladder section with open rock terrain in the final half-mile; wet conditions could make rock slab sections tricky.

A 24-year-old hiker on Big Slide Mountain in Johns Brook Valley became overdue and was located by Forest Rangers after being reported missing at 9:50 p.m. on June 21. The hiker lacked adequate light and proper layers but was found safe at the Hopkins Trail junction and assisted back to the trailhead.