ADK Leaf Peeping - Round 1

The autumn colors have been late coming this year. I guess this is the down side to having plenty of dry sunny weather well into September. I went for a couple of days of hikes last week to take in some colors. The weather wasn't the best (frosty temps and skies mostly overcast) but it is always great to be out for a fall hike. I enjoyed a loop over Giant's Nubble from the Roaring Brook trail although I would recommend the Ridge trail for views when hiking to Giant itself. I really enjoyed the new trail from route 9N to Hurricane mountain. It has an awesome view that combines the views of it's lower neighbors like Big Crow, Baxter etc. The trail is soft underfoot and a gentle slope until a short scramble at the summit. A crew were finishing work on the fire tower as I arrived. Hurricane will be a great option for a snowshoe hike this winter!

Slipping and sliding to Rocky Peak Ridge

 

 

Friday was another perfect hiking day, sunny and clear and not too hot. I took the day off work with an eye to hiking the Beckhorn trail but changed my mind and hiked the Zander Scott trail to Giant instead. The views start on open rock sections once you are about half way up so it is a good thing to stop for a few breaks to soak it in. Short but steep would be the best description of this trail so it does not take long to reach the summit. The peakbagger in me decided to head over to Rocky Peak Ridge after a short stay at the summit. I can report that the drop on this trail is still both steep and slippery. It is probably easier to hike up than down but that is little consolation. Rocky Peak Ridge has a nice isolated feel to it and awesome views including the close up of Giant. It was a great day hiking that included summit chats with an "old school" 46er who earned the patch in the early 1980s. If only every friday was like this one!