Rocky Peak Ridge
- Distance13.4 miRound trip
- Summit4,420 ftElevation
Considered a challenging hike, particularly on hot days, but also seen as one of the best for peak fall foliage, Rocky Peak Ridge is a pretty Adirondack High Peak with some steep ups and downs. It is often done in conjunction with Giant. For groups with a range of abilities, Blueberry Cobbles and Bald Peak make good shorter turnarounds.
The route
The trail begins at the Route 9 parking area and runs through a level, though mostly grown-in, field.
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0 – 2.3 mi
Field to Blueberry Cobbles
Cross a stream and continue on and upward to the first view at 1.6 miles. At 1.9 miles you have a viewpoint of Blueberry Cobbles, and at 2.0 miles you reach the turnoff to the top of the cobbles, a worthy detour if it is blueberry season. Bypass Blueberry Cobble on the right, or follow the yellow trail left over the top for views of the Boquet Valley and the Dix Range, before it merges with the red trail again at 2.3 miles.
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2.3 – 3.9 mi
Mason Mountain to Bald Peak
The trail goes over Mason Mountain at 2.8 miles and down through Hedgehog Notch before climbing to the summit of Bald Peak at 3.9 miles.
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3.9 – 5.4 mi
Bald Peak to Rocky Peak
From Bald Peak, turn left and descend briefly into a notch at 4.2 miles. The trail soon climbs steadily to the summit of Rocky Peak at 5.4 miles. Rocky Peak is considered part of Rocky Peak Ridge rather than a distinct summit: the name Rocky Peak Ridge refers to the actual high point, not the ridge. Adirondack naming conventions frequently defy conventional logic.
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5.4 – 6.7 mi
Mary Louise Pond to the summit
Descend to the outlet of Mary Louise Pond and travel around the north end of the pond at 6.1 miles. From here, climb through a meadow to the top of Rocky Peak Ridge at 6.7 miles.
The views
At the top you will have expansive views, with Giant's slides holding nearby prominence. Bald Peak, at 3.9 miles, offers great 360-degree views of its own and is a good destination for a shorter hike.
Other routes
To continue on to Giant from the summit, it is another 1.3 rolling miles.
Often hiked with
Rocky Peak Ridge is often paired with Giant Mountain, which adds a little over 2.5 miles to the trip.
High Peak details
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- 46er rank
- #20 of 46
- Range
- Giant and Rocky Peak
- Trail type
- Marked trail
- Trailhead
- Route 9, 4.9 mi north of Route 73
- Best season
- Peak fall foliage
Trailhead and map
The trailhead is at a parking area on Route 9, 4.9 miles north of the intersection with Route 73. It will be on the left if you are coming from Route 73.
Trail resources
- Conditions
- Conditions change fast. Check current trail conditions and DEC's High Peaks page before heading out.
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