Cliff Reiter
New member
Route was up Roaring Brook trail to Giant, down to Hopkins and to Keene Valley via Ranney Trail.
It had been some years since I ascended Giant via Roaring brook -- the extra climb compared to the Ridge trail being the reason -- Hopkins was new
The ascent along Roaring brook trail was fine. Recent rain left the trail damp, but few spots required even the slightest adjustment to pace. There was no blowdown of concern. Trail seemed to deteriorate near the junction with the ridge trail but soon new ladder and reroute showed the trail is being improved (thank you trail crews!). A couple muddy patches here and there to the ridge. Descending the other side and heading to Hopkins, the trail was in good shape, a bit muddier at first but then there was a dramatic underwater 0.1 portion of algae filled trail. It was a real wet log hopping mess. Ascent to Hopkins (a really lovely lower peak above Keene Valley with fine views and good blueberries) was routine going as was the return to Keene Valley.
Equipment: waterproof shoes, windgear
Map and pics on first part of
http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~reiterc/hikes/adir/2009/08_4to5/index.html
Cliff Reiter
[email protected]
It had been some years since I ascended Giant via Roaring brook -- the extra climb compared to the Ridge trail being the reason -- Hopkins was new
The ascent along Roaring brook trail was fine. Recent rain left the trail damp, but few spots required even the slightest adjustment to pace. There was no blowdown of concern. Trail seemed to deteriorate near the junction with the ridge trail but soon new ladder and reroute showed the trail is being improved (thank you trail crews!). A couple muddy patches here and there to the ridge. Descending the other side and heading to Hopkins, the trail was in good shape, a bit muddier at first but then there was a dramatic underwater 0.1 portion of algae filled trail. It was a real wet log hopping mess. Ascent to Hopkins (a really lovely lower peak above Keene Valley with fine views and good blueberries) was routine going as was the return to Keene Valley.
Equipment: waterproof shoes, windgear
Map and pics on first part of
http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~reiterc/hikes/adir/2009/08_4to5/index.html
Cliff Reiter
[email protected]
