Giant Mountain isn't the tallest peak in the Adirondacks, but it earns a reputation as one of the most rewarding. At 4,627 feet (the fourth-highest summit in New York State) Giant offers sweeping 180-degree views, a satisfying elevation challenge, and the option to bag a second 46er on the same day if you're feeling ambitious. If you're working toward your Adirondack 46er patch, Giant is one you won't forget.
Here's everything you need to plan your hike:
Quick Stats
| Elevation | 4,627 ft |
| Elevation Gain | ~3,000 ft (Ridge Trail) |
| Distance | ~10 miles out and back (Ridge Trail) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trailhead | Route 73, Keene Valley, NY |
| Dogs | Allowed (supposed to be leashed, but really doesn't matter) |
| Best Seasons | Late May through October; winter requires microspikes |
Getting to the Trailhead
The main trailhead for Giant Mountain sits right on Route 73 between Keene and Keene Valley, roughly 8 miles south of Lake Placid. Look for the small parking pull-off on the side of the road. It's easy to miss if you're moving fast, but if you pass the Keene Valley's main strip, or Chapel Pond, you've gone too far. The lot fills up early on weekends, especially in fall foliage season. Aim to arrive by 7:00 AM on busy weekends or you'll be parking along the shoulder of the road.
From Albany, it's about 2.5 hours. From the greater NYC area, budget around 5 hours. Google Maps gets you there accurately — search "Giant Mountain Trailhead, Keene Valley, NY."
Trail Options
Ridge Trail (Recommended)
The Ridge Trail is the one everyone takes. From the trailhead on Route 73, this route climbs steadily through the Adirondack forest before hitting the open ridge that gives the mountain its name. The upper section involves some very light scrambling on exposed rock slabs — it's not technical and is really just standard hiking on a bald rock face.
About halfway up, you'll pass the Giant Washbowl, a quiet pond tucked into a col that makes for a great rest stop. It's one of the more scenic mid-hike breaks in the entire High Peaks region. It has trout in it if you're into backcountry fishing!!!
From the Washbowl, the trail continues up the ridge to the open summit. The final push is steep but short, and the payoff is immediate — on a clear day you can see the entire High Peaks range, and all the way into Canada.
Distance: ~5 miles to the summit
Elevation gain: ~3,000 feet
Estimated time: 5–7 hours round trip depending on pace and conditions
Giant + Rocky Peak Ridge Loop
If you want to earn two 46er summits in a single day, the loop over Rocky Peak Ridge (4,420 ft) is worth considering. From Giant's summit, you continue northeast along the ridge to Rocky Peak before descending back to Route 73 via the Roaring Brook Trail. It's a longer, more demanding day — plan for 7–9 hours — but it's one of the better ridge walks in the Adirondacks and keeps things interesting on the descent.
This route requires a short car spot or a 1-mile road walk back to your original trailhead, so plan accordingly or just turn around after reaching the top of Rocky Peak Ridge.
What to Expect on the Trail
Miles 0–2: The first stretch climbs through birch, evergreen, and maple forest on a well-marked trail. It's steady but not brutal. This is a good section to find your pace and dial in your layers.
Mile 2–3 (Giant Washbowl): The trail flattens briefly as you approach the Washbowl. Stop here. Eat something. The pond is beautiful and the views across to Rooster Comb and Noonmark are worth a few minutes of your time.
Miles 3–5 (The Ridge): This is where Giant earns its reputation. The trail breaks above treeline and follows open rock slabs with increasing exposure. You will need microspikes here if you're hiking in the colder seasons. Take your time, watch your footing on wet rock, and don't rush anyone above or below you on the narrow sections. It's easy to lose the trail here, but rock cairns should guide you to the top.
Summit: Mostly open, rocky, and windy. Bring a wind-shell. Even on warm days, the temperature on top can be 15–20°F cooler than at the trailhead, and the wind off the ridge is real. The views more than justify everything that got you here.
Gear List for Giant Mountain
You don't need to go overboard, but Giant is a long hike and the weather in the High Peaks changes fast. Here's what we recommend at minimum:
- Boots: Full waterproof hiking boots with ankle support — trail runners are fine for experienced hikers in dry conditions, but the upper rock slabs can be slick
- Layers: Moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid layer, wind/rain shell
- Water: At least 1-2 liters; there's no reliable water source above the Washbowl
- Food: More than you think. A 3,000-foot climb burns a lot of calories
- Trekking poles: Optional, but helpful on the descent for your knees
- Microspikes: Required from roughly November through April
- Headlamp: Always carry one in case your timeline slips
- Map: Download the trail map from the NYSDEC or pick up a National Geographic Trails Illustrated map of the High Peaks
Tips from People Who've Done It
Start early. The summit ridge is exposed and open — an afternoon thunderstorm in July can turn a great hike into a dangerous one fast. Aim to be off the exposed ridge by early afternoon if there's any bad weather in the forecast.
Check the summit weather, not just the valley. The forecast at the trailhead is irrelevant. Use a summit-specific forecast (Mountain-Forecast.com has Giant Mountain listed) or let us create one for you - weather reports are one of the services we offer.
The descent is where people get hurt. The rock slabs that felt fun on the way up get sketchy on the way down, especially if the weather has moved in. Slow down, use your poles, and don't let the finish line mentality rush you.
Fall is peak season for a reason — and a problem. October on Giant is genuinely spectacular. It's also the most crowded. If you want the foliage without the crowds, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Want Us to Plan This Hike for You?
We put together custom hiking itineraries for Giant Mountain and every other Adirondack High Peak - as well as personalized gear lists, summit-day weather reports, and fitness prep and nutrition plans built around your experience level and goals. Want to flex on your friends at the summit? Order our one-of-a-kind summit flag of Giant Mountain here.
Whether you're a first-time High Peak hiker or you're closing out your 46, we've got you.
👉 Request a Custom Giant Mountain Hiking Plan
Have questions about Giant Mountain or the High Peaks? Drop them in the comments below or reach out through our plans site — we're happy to help.
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