Big Slide Mountain
- Distance9.5 miRound trip
- Summit4,240 ftElevation
- Ascent~1,924 ftTotal gain
Known and named for the rock slide on its south face, Big Slide Mountain is an Adirondack High Peak that asks less than many of its neighbors and offers incredible views from the summit to boot. It can be hiked as an out and back or as a loop, going over the three Brothers on one leg of the trip.
The route: The Garden loop
This loop begins at the Garden in Keene Valley, climbs over the Brothers to the summit, then descends to Johns Brook Lodge and back out to the Garden.
-
0 – 0.8 mi
The Garden to the Keene Valley ledge
Follow the Big Slide trail from the Garden for 0.2 miles to the intersection with the Porter trail. Continue on the Big Slide trail, which drops to Juliet Brook and climbs for half a mile before it begins switchbacking up a steeper pitch. At 0.8 miles you reach a ledge with decent views of Keene Valley.
-
0.8 – 1.7 mi
First and Second Brother
Continue another 0.7 miles to the summit of First Brother. Second Brother is only 0.2 miles farther.
-
1.7 – 2.6 mi
Third Brother
The trail drops into a col between Second and Third Brother, then climbs to the summit of Third Brother at 2.6 miles.
-
2.6 – 3.9 mi
Third Brother to Big Slide
Hike briefly down on a rolling trail that takes you over some brooks before reaching the summit of Big Slide at 3.9 total miles.
-
3.9 – 6.3 mi
Slide Mt Brook Trail
Take the Slide Mt Brook Trail 2.4 miles from the summit down to Johns Brook Lodge.
-
6.3 – 9.5 mi
Phelps Trail to the Garden
Hike out the remaining 3.2 miles to the Garden via the Phelps Trail.
The views
Pause on the summit of Third Brother to take in the up-close view of Big Slide before the final push. The ledge at 0.8 miles looks out over Keene Valley, and the summit views are the reward for the whole climb.
Other routes
For the quickest return, turn around at the summit and retrace your steps. Another option, slightly longer than the Slide Mt Brook Trail descent, is to continue on to hike Yard Mountain and return to Johns Brook Lodge from there.
High Peak details
- Difficulty
- Moderate-to-strenuous
- 46er rank
- #27 of 46
- Range
- Great Range area
- Trail type
- Marked trail
- Trailhead
- The Garden, Keene Valley
- Ascent measured from
- Johns Brook Lodge
On the trail
Trailhead and map
Driving into Keene Valley from Lake Placid, look for the DEC sign after the post office on the right, at Adirondack Street. Turn right. The road becomes Johns Brook Lane. Follow it 1.5 miles to the Garden parking lot. There is a fee to park. The lot is small and fills early, so check current parking and shuttle information before you go.
Trail resources
- Conditions
- Conditions change fast. Check current trail conditions and DEC's High Peaks page before heading out.
From the PureADK shop
