Giant Mountain
Scenic and Destination Hikes Adirondack High Peaks
Trail Head:
Rt 73 near Chapel Pond
Length: a 5.6 mile round trip
Difficulty: Difficult
Activities: hiking
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