Giant Mountain Wilderness is a wilderness area in the Adirondack Park, Essex County, New York, encompassing 23,100 acres of rugged and scenic landscape. Characterized by mountainous terrain, it features prominent peaks like its namesake Giant Mountain (4,627 ft) and Rocky Peak Ridge (4,400 ft), along with diverse forests of spruce, balsam, oak, and maple. This varied geography provides a suitable environment for several sports like hiking, road cycling, and jogging.
The Giant Mountainβ¦
48
Routes
4.5
(35)
Average rating
1014
People visited

5.0
(2)
54
hikers
4.85km
01:27
230m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

24
hikers
4.52km
02:16
550m
0m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.0
(1)
16
hikers
22.3km
08:12
940m
940m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(1)
10
hikers
8.22km
04:59
1,220m
370m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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28
riders
34.6km
01:40
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

8
riders
121km
05:44
1,510m
1,510m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

6
riders
137km
06:21
1,670m
1,670m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4
riders
140km
06:36
1,810m
1,810m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Giant Mountain Wilderness offers opportunities for hiking, road cycling, and jogging. The area features more than 50 routes across these sports. More than 6,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.59 out of 5 stars.
Popular hiking routes include the Ridge Trail/Zander Scott Trail and the Roaring Brook Trail, both leading to Giant Mountain's summit. The 5.1-mile (8.2 km) Ridge Trail to Giant Mountain and Rocky Peak Ridge offers panoramic views. For more options, explore Hiking in Giant Mountain Wilderness.
Yes, the wilderness area is known for its challenging hikes, featuring steep ascents and exposed rock ridgelines. Routes to the summits of Giant Mountain (4,627 ft / 1,410 m) and Rocky Peak Ridge (4,400 ft / 1,341 m) are considered very challenging. These trails often provide 360-degree panoramic views from their open rock summits.
Trails in Giant Mountain Wilderness range in difficulty, with some options suitable for less strenuous activity. The Nubble and Giant Washbowl Loop offers moderate views and access to a tranquil pond. For specific recommendations, refer to the Family-friendly hikes in Giant Mountain Wilderness guide.
The wilderness features prominent peaks like Giant Mountain and Rocky Peak Ridge, offering extensive views. Other significant features include the 4.2-acre Giant Washbowl pond, Giant's Nubble, and Roaring Brook Falls. The area also contains diverse forests and unique rocky summit grasslands.
While the wilderness itself is primarily for hiking, roads bordering the area, such as Route 73 and Route 9N, offer scenic road cycling routes. These routes feature varying elevations through the Adirondack landscape. Details can be found in Road Cycling Routes in Giant Mountain Wilderness.
Jogging is best enjoyed on less-trafficked roads and less-technical trails accessible from the wilderness boundaries. The rugged mountain trails within the wilderness are generally more suited for strenuous hiking. Specific options for running are detailed in Running Trails in Giant Mountain Wilderness.
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Giant Mountain Wilderness, Waterfall hikes in Giant Mountain Wilderness, and Family-friendly hikes in Giant Mountain Wilderness. Guides for road cycling and jogging are also available.
Giant Mountain Wilderness is a popular destination, with more than 6,000 visitors having shared their experiences on komoot. The routes in the area have an average rating of 4.59 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Yes, the Giant Mountain Wilderness is open year-round for public access. Visitors can enjoy its trails and natural features throughout all seasons. Access to the area is free.
For general information regarding Giant Mountain Wilderness, contact the DEC Region 5 Ray Brook Office at +1-518-897-1200 during business hours. For search, rescue, wildfire, or enforcement matters, dial 911 or call +1-833-NYS-RANGERS (+1-833-697-7264).

