Scenic and Destination Hikes
Adirondack High Peaks
Giant
Mountain
2-D view
Elevation profile (ft.)
Starting Point:
Rt 73 near
Chapel Pond
Length: a 5.6
mile round trip
Difficulty:
Difficult
Giant Mountain, at 4627 feet, is the twelfth highest peak in New York. 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.1
The two most popular routes begin on trailheads along NYS Rt 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 but steeper, and that trail is described here.
This is a nearly 6 mile round trip with a steep ascent. Once you leave your car you start
climbing, and you don't stop until you hit the summit. The rewards to this trail are the
countless views to be had along the ridge and the solitary pond Giants Washbowl. Just
below the summit of Giant you will pass the trail over to Rocky Peak Ridge to the east.2
The trailhead is 4.1 miles north of the junction of Rt 9 and Rt 73 in Underwood. Park right
at the trailhead, or 0.2 miles further north at Chapel Pond.
This route also offers easy access to the Giants Washbowl and Nubble. The Zander Scott
Trail was named such in 1992 in memory of Zander Scott and is also referred to as the
Ridge Trail.
For a family hike, consider the less steep approach near St. Huberts (Roaring Brook).
1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Mountain
2 www.lakeplacid.com
Additional information from http://www.cnyhiking.com/GiantMountain.htm
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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!