Scenic and Destination Hikes
Adirondack High Peaks
Rocky Peak
2-D view
Elevation profile (ft.)
Starting Point:
US Route 9,
south of New
Russia
Length: 11.2
miles roundtrip
Difficulty:
Difficult
Elevation: 4,420 ft.
Elevation change: 3688 ft.
Rocky Peak Ridge is the twentieth highest peak in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondack Park of New
York. The name of the mountain is due to its geology, a rocky ridge to the east of the better-known
Giant Mountain. The long, bare ridge is unusual in the Adirondacks; it resulted from the last great forest
fire in the region, in 1913.1
There are two trails leading to the top of the peak. One trail, leaving from the town (hamlet) of New
Russia is over a ten mile round trip with few step rock scrambles along the way. The more commonly
used trail splits from the Giant Mountain trail from about .1 miles below Giant's summit. The trail goes
very steeply down for about .4 miles and then goes gently uphill for .8 miles.1
Rocky Peak’s view is commonly underestimated. Although the mountain lies in the shadow of Giant
Mountain's cone-like summit, Rocky Peak Ridge gives completely unobstructed 360° views. The views of
the Great Range, Dix Mountain Wilderness, Lake Champlain, and Vermont are spectacular and well
worth the 1.2 mi. hike from just below the summit of Giant.1
Unfortunately this peak does not have a circle route so one either has to back-track along the trail or use
two cars, one at each trailhead.2
1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Peak_Ridge
2 http://www.summitpost.org/rocky-peak-ridge/150701
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Important Note: The majority of trails in our interactive web map have not been GPSed. They are close
representations of the actual trails, but should not be used for precise navigation. Please use common
sense when following the trails included in this website.
Please be careful when hiking. Stay on trails. Sign registers whenever possible. Always let someone
know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Check weather reports and plan your hikes carefully so you'll have plenty of time to get home before
dark.
Be prepared for emergencies. Someone in the party should bring along a compass and map or guide
book, a pocket knife, waterproof matches and firestarter, extra high-energy food, a first aid kit, flashlight,
space blanket or small tarp, nylon cord and extra protective clothing.
Wear proper clothing for unexpected changes in the weather
Please don't litter.
Stay calm. If you become lost, keep warm and stay where you are. If you feel you can find your way out,
remember that following streams downhill will usually lead you closer to habitation.
Emergency calls: Cell phone coverage can range from spotty in a few areas to non-existent almost
everywhere else. Do not rely on your cell phone.
Thanks for using www.adktrailmap.com, enjoy your hike!