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.

A 10.5-hour hike combining Lower Wolfjaw and Noonmark from AMR parking, covering 14.3 miles with ~5000 feet of elevation gain. Conditions were dry on the trail itself, but stones and roots were slippery and greasy, with low water levels and cloud cover on LWJ summit.

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 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.

DEC announces the return of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve parking reservation system for the 2026 season beginning April 17. The no-cost reservation system is required for parking and trail access at AMR from May 1 through October 31 to improve visitor safety and manage parking congestion along Route 73.