Giant’s Nubble Loop
Region: Adirondacks, Giant Mountain Wilderness
September 10, 2021 | Keene Valley, NY
The background: I don’t want to call this a hidden gem per say, since it’s not technically hidden, and starts at a very popular High Peaks trailhead; however, I do think it is a gem that gets overlooked and is not given nearly as much attention as big sis’ Giant Mountain, one of the 46 ADK High Peaks. But it’s worth the detour and worth stopping if you can grab a parking spot. I had already climbed Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge (RPR) last year at this time, so today’s mission would be the Nubble (you can read about my traverse here!) This was my “driving day” from downstate and I decided at the last minute I would stop in the afternoon for a quick hike, since the weather could not have been better. I parked my car at 2PM on a Friday, grabbed my pack, laced up, and headed out towards one of my new favorite hikes!
The route: Giant Nubble Loop via the Ridge Trail (clockwise.) Approximately 4.5 miles round-trip, elevation gain approximately 1,500 feet. This is mostly well-marked, just be sure to follow the signs so you take the right trail to your destination (since you will encounter a few junctions to other trails.) Sections are definitely steep, but won’t be technical - just know this won’t be a “walk in the park” the whole way!
Note: my hike describes the loop starting at the Ridge Trail parking area, but you can also take the trail from Roaring Brook Falls, further down the road across the street from the AMR parking lot. You also don’t have to complete a loop – the out-and-back option is there for you. I had the time and energy that day so decided to check out the loop!Getting to the Ridge Trail in Keene Valley: Depending which direction you come from: if driving from downstate up the Northway, take exit 30, and make your way onto NY-route 73. After about 6 miles, the parking spots parallel to the road will come into sight on your right. There is no parking lot, just the parallel parking spots which you will see clearly defined. Currently, there are areas on route 73 where you cannot park and are subject to be ticketed – these spots will be blocked off, so don’t worry if you aren’t sure. Parking is limited - this is a popular trailhead due to the shorter length of Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge (compared to other High Peaks.) You will most likely not have any cell service, so plan your route ahead of time. You will pick up the trail on the right side of the road (if you’re heading west on route 73.)
AS MENTIONED PREVIOUsly, there is also the Roaring Brook Trailhead, which is further down the road with a small parking lot (across the street from the AMR parking lot.) This is another trail that leads to the Nubble and Giant but will not be described in depth here. The hike: it was a late summer afternoon featuring dreamy cloud formations, perfect hiking temperatures, and Mother Nature magic showing itself every where on this trail. I started out on the trail towards Giant (it’s tucked in the trees!), signed in at the register, and began the short ascent to the lookout spot, soon after reaching trail signs at the junction. Instead of continuing on the Ridge Trail towards Giant, I made a left here at the Washbowl trail, which would loop parallel with the Giant Washbowl. This was a serene, flat section of trail that had me daydreaming and soaking in all the late afternoon sunshine, which was much needed after my long morning of driving and working, and then more driving. I kept meandering through the forest, encountering a few rolling hills, but nothing strenuous.
I had been lost in a daydream when I reached my next junction point -it was now time to make a right towards the Nubble (if you continue straight, you reach the Roaring Brook trail junction, which takes you to the other parking lot if you turn left, OR an ascent towards Giant if you make a right. No big deal if you accidentally miss the first turn, but if you reach here, you’ve gone too far and should turn back – unless you want to ascend Giant Mountain. 😉) This is where I started to climb, getting my cardio in for the day as I made my way towards the famed Nubble. There is nothing technical in this section, but you will be gaining elevation in a short amount of time. Despite the steepening terrain, I continued to enjoy the shade of the trees with a few lookout spots here and there, still alone with no soul in sight. I treasure my solo hikes as it gives me time to really process events and absorb all the energy around me, so this was a welcomed treat. But before I knew it, my daydreaming was again interrupted as I reached another sign; this time, it was time to turn right to my destination of the day, Giant Nubble, standing at 2,743 feet.
I then made my way the 0.1 mile to the Nubble lookout – this section is not as well marked as you make your way onto the ridge, so just be conscious of where you are headed. (It will mostly be obvious, but sometimes I get lost in my head and in nature that I need to stop and make sure 😊.) You will now find yourself on an open summit, able to see Giant, the surrounding peaks, as well as the town. It is a wonderful spot to bring lunch, take a nap, or just enjoy the surroundings. The wind started to pick up, so I snapped a few photos and started my descent the same way I approached the Nubble. Once at the junction, I made the right turn now to complete my loop. I was treated to gorgeous views of the Washbowl (don’t miss this lookout, it will be on your righthand side!) and soaked in the pause of the mountains showing off their summer greenery, before they would soon change colors for autumn. I then enjoyed a quiet descent to the next junction of Ridge/Nubble. If you’ve hiked Giant or RPR before, this will now be familiar territory– if you turn left here, you will be ascending Giant. Take the right (follow the signs) to head back to the Ridge parking lot. I ran into a few hiking groups, but still not many, as it was becoming later in the day, and most were on their descent or heading out of the woods. I soon saw the Washbowl once again, this time approaching from the other side, crossing the bridge, and following the trail back to the lot. What an incredible afternoon to be in the High Peaks region, without even hiking a High Peak!
An ideal day and what you can pair this hike with:
Since it’s not a long hike in terms of mileage, the options are endless of what you could add on before or after in the vicinity; however, this is really a great option on its own, in my opinion. The only caveat is the shortage of parking, especially on the weekends in peak seasons. That said, this would be a nice hike in the afternoon once the wave of morning hikers has left (which is what I had done.) As always, grab your headlamp since you may find yourself not wanting to leave until dark!
You could add this on as a short detour from hiking Giant and/or RPR– just know it will be a longer, tougher day. You don’t have to complete the loop as I did and can follow the signs for the Nubble on your descent from Giant/RPR.
You can never go wrong with grabbing coffee or a bite from nearby Old Mountain Coffee or the Noonmark Diner (just check their hours ahead of time so you’re not disappointed and/or hangry!)
Happy Hiking!!!
