Description

The Rooster Comb Trail is a popular day hiking destination in the Adirondacks and doubles as the gateway to the Great Range.

Many hikers bound for Mount Marcy often pass up the sweeping views atop Rooster Comb, oblivious to the phenomenal views atop its summit. Leaving the parking lot, the trail follows a boardwalk over a bog as it transitions into a dark, almost ominous forest.

Less than a mile into the hike, you'll reach a junction with the Flume Brook Trail.

Though you could complete this hike either way, most prefer to climb Rooster Comb first.

A nearly 1,500-foot climb to the summit, the trail presents endless rocks, gnarled roots, and other challenges. A right at the next four-way intersection leads to Rooster Comb, where you'll be welcomed with sweeping westward views to the nearby High Peaks.

Hikers attempting a Great Range traverse keep straight here en route to Hedgehog and Wolfjaw Mountains.

Glimpses of both peaks are available from the Rooster Comb summit. Retrace your steps to the intersection and instead keep straight on the Flume Brook Trail.

Following a well-marked spur trail, Snow Mountain is an adjacent peak offering similar expansive views to the southeast into the valley below.

A glimpse of the Ausable River can be seen in the distance.

On a hot summer day, park at one of the many gravel pull-offs along the road and enjoy its cool, refreshing waters after a hike. The return trip follows Flume Brook back to the Trailhead along NY-73.

For some post-hike grub, a small diner lies just north along the road in Keene Valley. Source: https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adirondack-park-rooster-comb-snow-mountain-loop#&gid=ci0202d6b0400626e5&pid=true-summit