The Mountains Call To Me

Strong heart, strong legs, and a lot of determination is required for this hike. From the trailhead it is a 3050 ft ascent to the summit of Giant Mountain at 4627'. Giant Mountain is one of the Adirondack 46 peaks over 4000' and a popular hike. The Roaring Brook Trail is a 7.2 mile hike out and back and is an alternate route to the summit. After passing signs for the Upper Falls Trail the trail finally crosses Roaring Brook. Winding through the dense old growth forest. YES! I finally found a Lady Slipper. There were several in the area that had not fully blossomed yet. The first view after 1 1/2 hrs of hiking. Unfortunately, we are still below the peaks. This is the trail? A ladder is just up ahead. Gotta love ladders! Finally, the trail junction. Looking back. Getting there! Looking north towards Whiteface Mountain.   Looking south? I think so.  

This hike starts out of North Fayston, Vt. The first 1 3/4 miles is fairly easy and then it gets steep and challenging. I would rank this a difficult hike. It's not for the faint of heart. It's a 4.9 mile out and back with 2,122 feet of elevation gain. And the first thing to do is cross this stream. Dutchman's Britches along the way. I think this is the third stream crossing? There are several on this hike. Then the ladders. This is where is starts getting steep! Finally the junction with the Long Trail. Look at all the snow! Soon we are out of the trees. There was a view spot below this, but I wanted to look back down the trail. Sugarbush & Mad River Ski Areas in the background. Did I say sketchy? My favorite view of Camels Hump with Ira Allen in the foreground. Looking west toward Lake Champlain. The trail back down.