r/Adirondacks • u/twf96 • 2d ago
Which route for Giant and Rocky?
If you have an opinion, which of these routes would you recommend for Giant and Rocky. Looking into doing these peaks early next month (october)
Pros & cons and advice, let me hear it!
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u/SnappyJaguar 2d ago
Roaring Brook is longer and flatter / ridge trail is shorter and considerably steeper. Ridge trail has open slabby (but not steep) sections part way up that offer better views.
Parking at the Roaring Brook trailhead is generally easier if you’re not getting an early start.
Personally, I prefer the Ridge trail and would recommend it if you’re fit.
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u/SenditM8 2d ago
Ive always found that if you do get parking at the Ridge trail, it is way nicer. Personally would suggest it.
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u/RuralGamerWoman 2d ago
I did the traverse starting from Roaring Brook Falls and ending at New Russia a few weeks ago and loved it. That's another option for you.
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u/SceneNational6303 1d ago
May i ask why you decided to go from giant to rocky instead of rocky to giant ( as in the direction of the traverse).
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u/RuralGamerWoman 1d ago
We wanted to get the climb out of the way quickly and then sort of lollygag through the descent, rather than spend some hours on a gradual ascent and then have to deal with the col to get to Giant and then the steep descent to the parking lot.
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u/agokey715 2d ago
I parked at Roaring Brook cut across to hike the Nubble while we were there and went up Ridge Trail, over to Rocky first and then summited Giant and back down Roaring Brook. The Nubble is underrated and overlooked so definitely recommend it if you’re up to a side quest! There’s quite a bit of a descent over to RPR and I was not loving it but the views from that peak were some of my favorite views from the 46. I still have Bald to do on my list so will probably do RPR again from the other trail. I enjoyed saving Giant for last it was a good summit to relax and enjoy. Then checked out the falls on the way out and down Roaring Brook.
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u/twf96 1d ago
Is bald a 46er? I didn’t think it was.
Not saying you shouldn’t do it, just wondering what list you’re referring to.
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u/MonkUnited 1d ago
Bald is not of the 46 mountains but if offers great views of the valley and Lake Champlain. The best way to visit Bald is from New Russia.
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u/grahamcracker3 2d ago edited 2d ago
Just did the Ridge trail a couple weeks ago. While I haven't done the roaring brook trail, I def would not want to extend my mileage any more than I'd have to if trying to do Rocky.
Everything should be focused on preparing and dealing with the thorough ass-kicking that the slope down Giant to Rocky [and back] will be. Make sure you pack enough protein and water. Nearly a gallon between bladder and bottles going up is def heavy but I still was on my last bottle a full mile from the end of the hike.
The Ridge trail is def steep...but the lower section Roaring Brook skips is mostly swtichbacks not too difficult [until you have jello legs the way back lol]
Bonus advantage to Giant trailhead: Walk across the street and cool off in Chappell Pond when youre done.
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u/twf96 1d ago
Great advice. Seems like ridge trail is going to be my choice. My girlfriend already did it and says it’s no joke. Going to start early and bring my 2 liter bladder plus a smaller bottle. Lunch on top of giant.
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u/North_Song_6109 1d ago
Would recommend adding a 1 liter smart water bottle instead of a small water bottle. 2 liters is okay if you really conserve your water but 3 is nice to have.
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u/Dankmemeator 1d ago
Park at roaring brook because it’s easier, hike up roaring brook as well, grab your peaks, then on the way down take ridge, and cut across at the nubble
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u/timbikingmtl W46r 2d ago
One-way through hike from New Russia with a car or a bike shuttle is the nicest way to do them