The authors hiked Giant Mountain via the Ridge Trail on Route 73 during a surprise spring snowstorm, encountering steep rocky terrain, exposed ridge walking, and challenging winter conditions that made the normally difficult High Peaks climb significantly more serious.

First-person account of a bushwhack ascent of Nippletop via Walker Brook on April 7, 2026, involving a waist-deep cold river crossing, deep snow with supportive conditions, significant cliff-finding challenges in the col between the two summits, and exposed icy terrain near the summit with strong winds.

Two hikers completed a winter ascent of Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge on March 21, 2026, finding unexpectedly limited snowpack, bare patches, and mostly cloudy views. Microspikes sufficed for most of the day, though crampons were required or strongly preferred for the steep ascent and descent of the "problem ledge" on the way back up Giant. Afternoon warming and stream flow created increasingly slushy conditions on the lower trail.

Winter ascent of Nippletop and Dial on 1/17/26 with snowshoeing on a 3-6 inch fresh snow base, including trail breaking on steep sections with windier summits and a bushwhack descent via Gill Brook drainage.

Two young hikers became lost on Giant Mountain in the evening without adequate supplies (food, water, layers, headlamps), and were located and guided to a lean-to by ranger phone support, then escorted out by Forest Rangers after midnight.

This is an evergreen trail guide for the Marble Mountain/Wilmington Trail route to Whiteface Mountain, describing a steep 3,400-foot climb via a direct ridge approach. The author mentions winter conditions (early March, bitter cold, 40+ mph winds) but the guide itself is not dated and covers general route characteristics and hazards year-round.

A lollipop route via Roaring Brook trail to Giant's Nubble and Washbowl in early March, with deep snow at higher elevations requiring snowshoes. The report documents the locations and status of designated campsites in the Giant Mountain Wilderness area.

A bushwhacking trip on November 18 to Table Top Mountain (4427') and its Middle peak (4306'), undertaken in fresh snow with excellent visibility. The hiker found deep drifts, thick vegetation, and cliff bands with icicles, but manageable terrain and safe workarounds throughout the off-trail ascent and descent.

A traverse of Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge on October 1st featuring excellent fall foliage and open slab climbing with views of 36 High Peaks. The day included additional climbing of several smaller peaks and ridgeline walking before finishing a 6.7-mile descent. A follow-up hike of Mount Jo the next morning provided views of colorful leaves reflecting in Heart Lake.

Roaring Brook Falls is a waterfall accessible via an easy 0.3-mile trail near Keene Valley on Route 73, with an option to reach the summit via Giant Mountain. The base-level trail is well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, with a short scramble over stones at the final approach; the area near the falls can be slick and requires proper footwear.

Noonmark Mountain is a 3,556-foot summit featuring steep rocky terrain with scrambles near the top, offering expansive views of the High Peaks including Giant and Dix. The round-trip is about 4.8 miles and typically takes 4-6 hours; reservations required May 1-October 31 for access via AMR trailhead.

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.

Giant Mountain is a steep, challenging 8-mile loop with 3,600 feet of elevation gain, featuring rock slab sections and boulder scrambles that are treacherous when wet. The trail is relentlessly steep with stunning views above 3,000 feet and includes a stream crossing and wooden ladder. Best attempted on dry conditions; not recommended after rain due to extensive exposed rock sections.

A popular short hike to a scenic waterfall in the Adirondacks with views of the High Peaks. The lower falls section is very easy with dipping pools, while the upper falls route requires more care and involves some stream-bed scrambling. Parking is extremely limited and competition for spaces is intense in peak season.

A scenic out-and-back route to Giant's Nubble with optional side-trip to Roaring Brook Falls. The trail is steep with rugged sections but no technical scrambles, offering views of Giant Mountain, Noonmark, the Dix Range, and surrounding peaks from open rocky summit.

Two young hikers became lost on Giant Mountain in the evening with inadequate supplies (no food, water, warm layers, or headlamps). Forest Rangers located them at a lean-to and provided assistance, escorting them safely back to their vehicle by 3 a.m.

Two hikers fell on Giant Mountain on March 16, sustaining a wrist injury and facial injuries. Forest Ranger Bowler assisted both hikers to the trailhead, where they were met by EMS.