Hiking input/ideas needed for April weekend

[Chuck Schlegel]

I am part of a trip planned for Boy Scouts to hike this upcoming weekend (April 7-9). The boys are planning to hike Giant but we saw the DEC web site saying hiking above the washbowl is not good due to the mud. I don't know what the situation with ice and snow may be as I see a winter storm advisory for Keene Valley early in the week.

Can I draw on the wisdom of this forum to provide insights into what we might experience on Giant for this weekend or recommend a good alternative. The boys (mostly 14-16 year olds) want to climb a mountain. Does anyone have opinions about which route to take to Giant (e.g. Roaring Brook, Giant Washbowl, north route, (I can't imagine going over Rocky Peak at this point)?

We also consider Hurricane Mountain or Ampersand.

Thanks in advance.

Chuck Schlegel

[billandjudy]

I'm not sure about mud but I can tell from personal experience that I would take the Ridge Trail from Rt 73--If there is snowmelt and or runoff from any rain the Roaring Brook can be a tough cross--besides all the views are from the ridge trail--all the up!

[billandjudy]

PS--Hurricane is a great hike---not too difficult--a nice bald summit and great views
Hurricane pics---
http://community.webshots.com/album/525900452uhLYZa
Giant Mt pics--
http://community.webshots.com/album/525867273nPWBmn

[Joe H.]

I am unsure of the mud conditions, too, and I have not been in the area since I was up there early March with students from my school. The eastern high peaks have had less snow this year than areas over by Lake Placid, but you still could encounter areas of considerable snow enroute to Giant. And there is the winter storm warning.

Where is your troop coming from? Some mountains in the Lake George area might be great alternatives. Fifth Peak on the Tongue Mt. Range or Buck Mt. by Pilot Knob on the eastern shore of the lake both have fantastic views (especially Buck), and probably would be drier (and snow free). If you want to stay in the High Peaks region, Noonmark might be a good alternative as well.

[Neil]

There is a possibility that you will find yourselves in deep wet snow on Giant. Does anyone know how much fell up high? Switching leads frequently with a large group of strong hikers should make it OK.

[JoeCedar]

Neil, good point.

Yesterday, 4/4, we had 4" of heavy wet snow at my place at 1780' elevation. Down in Keene and KV (800'-900'), however, there was none to a trace (now gone). I would expect that "a lot" fell above 4000' (impossible to estimate) -- Could be tough going in some spots up high. Snowshoes recommended--still "winter", or be ready to turn around before an injury or frostbite occurs.

Joe

[Chuck Schlegel]

Thanks everyone. We are from Pittsford,NY (outside of Rochester) so Buck mountain is a little out of the way (but a great suggestion nonetheless; I really enjoyed that hike a few years back). I will look into Noonmark.