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Big Slide, Yard Mountain, and The Brothers

A incredibly scenic loop with multiple summits and a return trip along Johns Brook .

Hiking Difficult

Distance
16 km
Ascent
967 m
Descent
967 m
Duration
4-5 hrs
Low Point
463 m
High Point
1.3 km
Gradient
15˚
Big Slide, Yard Mountain, and The Brothers Map

This day hike begins at the ADK Garden Trailhead and showcases a series of peaks, offering endless views along the way. This route is perfect for anyone who wants to wants to bag a High Peak, without the extensive planning required to tackle the Great Range.

Description

Best completed counter-clockwise, the trail climbs nearly 1,500 feet to First Brother in just 1.5 miles. The panoramic views atop its perch are just the start of this extremely scenic loop.

With the main climb out of the way, the path undulates along a ridge as it ascends to the summits of Second and Third Brother. From the summit of Third Brother, you are rewarded with a phenomenal vantage point of Big Slide, the next summit along this loop and nearly 500 feet above your current viewpoint.

Just four miles from the trailhead, the route reaches the summit of Big Slide, rewarding your efforts with astonishing views of the nearby Great Range. An official High Peak, its name was derived from the exposed cliff on its southern facing slope.

While one could follow Slide Mountain Brook Trail back, Yard Mountain is an excellent addition to the hike. As it is not an official High Peak, it is lesser visited, and the path is "noticeably less worn and eroded," according to cnyhiking.com.

The return trip follows the Yard Mountain Trail down into Klondike Notch, where you'll follow a brook leading into a valley. Johns Brook Lodge is the only overnight camping opportunity, and indoor accommodations, as well as dinner, can be reserved ahead of time. Plenty of tent sites are also available in addition to the lean-to that fills quickly in the summer.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BigSlideMountain(NewYork) https://www.cnyhiking.com/BigSlideYardMountains.htm https://www.lakeplacid.com/do/hiking/big-slide

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between May and October

Features

  • Wildlife
  • Historical
  • Picturesque
  • Summit Hike
  • Wild flowers
  • Water features
  • Family friendly
  • Forestry or heavy vegetation

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area