Hiking in Giant Mountain, New York: trails, map and practical info

Giant Mountain is the twelfth-highest peak in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondack Park, in New York, USA. The peak is also known as "Giant of the Valley," due to its stature looking over Keene Valley and St. Huberts to the west. The prominent rock slides on the mountain's steep western face and its location away from most other large peaks make it quite an imposing figure, leading to its name.

There are three main trails up Giant, one from the east, and two from the west. The two most popular routes begin on trailheads along New York State Route 73, one near St. Huberts ("Roaring Brook Trail") and the other near Chapel Pond ("Zander Scott Trail"). The two trails climb the southern ridge of the mountain, meeting up about a mile south of the summit. The Zander Scott Trail is shorter than the Roaring Brook Trail but steeper.

The third trail begins from the east, near the town of New Russia, and is not as commonly climbed due to the longer hike. The route climbs Bald Peak, a smaller mountain with unusual krummholz that is predominately Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis), then begins the ascent of Rocky Peak Ridge. After summiting Rocky Peak Ridge, hikers descend a small coll before ascending to the Giant summit. This route is more commonly used by those attempting to become Adirondack Forty-Sixers, since Rocky Peak is a required peak.

For those seeking a more adventurous path, the North trail to Giant offers a unique experience through dense forests and rugged terrain. This trail provides access to some breathtaking views of Roaring Brook Falls and connects with other trails like Ridge Trail for those aiming to explore further into the Great Range. These interconnected paths offer hikers diverse options for experiencing different aspects of this majestic region.