Rocky Peak Ridge / Giant 9/11
Did Rocky Peak Ridge and Giant as a through hike from Rte. 9 trailhead to Chapel Pond. One of the premier days of the summer. Low humidity, clear skies and temps. in the 70's. What a beautiful trail from this approach. Lots of views and open hiking along the way. Took lots of breaks to enjoy views, take pictures and gobble up blueberries. Only one other hiker on this route before us today. The quiet was very nice only broken by a raven occasionally. Met a couple of other hikers coming in from Giant. Trail to Giant was steep but not too difficult. The summit of Giant was a sea of people. I've only seen more people on Marcy previously. The descent toward Giant's washbowl was steep and many rocks were very slippery from the years of traffic. We were suprised at the lack of mud on the trails. Overall a very satisfying 8 hour hike. Off to Lake Placid Brewery to celebrate.
Sawteeth - 9/12
Hiked the lake road to Ausable Lake. Decided to do Sawteeth as a loop and opted to go up the scenic trail. I'm glad we did the route this way. I dislike descending steep trails on tired legs. The views on the way to the summit were incredible. Another picture perfect day. Saw a garter snake sunning itself on a rock at lookout #3. Thought the sight to be quite unusual. Met a family group on the summit. One of the women just completed her 46 last week on Couch. An impressive group of hikers. THe kids were very enthusiastic (sp.), strog hikers. The descent via the weld trail was very nice and fast. One hour from summit to dam. Rainbow Falls was flowing full and very nice.
Altogether an awesome weekend to be free in the greatest country in the world. God Bless the ADK.
Did Rocky Peak Ridge and Giant as a through hike from Rte. 9 trailhead to Chapel Pond. One of the premier days of the summer. Low humidity, clear skies and temps. in the 70's. What a beautiful trail from this approach. Lots of views and open hiking along the way. Took lots of breaks to enjoy views, take pictures and gobble up blueberries. Only one other hiker on this route before us today. The quiet was very nice only broken by a raven occasionally. Met a couple of other hikers coming in from Giant. Trail to Giant was steep but not too difficult. The summit of Giant was a sea of people. I've only seen more people on Marcy previously. The descent toward Giant's washbowl was steep and many rocks were very slippery from the years of traffic. We were suprised at the lack of mud on the trails. Overall a very satisfying 8 hour hike. Off to Lake Placid Brewery to celebrate.
Sawteeth - 9/12
Hiked the lake road to Ausable Lake. Decided to do Sawteeth as a loop and opted to go up the scenic trail. I'm glad we did the route this way. I dislike descending steep trails on tired legs. The views on the way to the summit were incredible. Another picture perfect day. Saw a garter snake sunning itself on a rock at lookout #3. Thought the sight to be quite unusual. Met a family group on the summit. One of the women just completed her 46 last week on Couch. An impressive group of hikers. THe kids were very enthusiastic (sp.), strog hikers. The descent via the weld trail was very nice and fast. One hour from summit to dam. Rainbow Falls was flowing full and very nice.
Altogether an awesome weekend to be free in the greatest country in the world. God Bless the ADK.
