Giant 6/23/05

[kwc]

Beautiful day for a hike ...

made the summit around 10:15am and had it to myself for a half hour ... two other friendly ppl appeared and we chatted for a bit while soaking up the views.

no bugs on the trail ... black flies/deer flies at the summit, buzzing about, few landing because of the breeze.

pretty impressive views of many high peaks ... spent a leisurely hour and a half at the summit before heading down.

felt good to get away from work for a day!!

[Judgeh]

There's no place like Giant to set one's mind right!

[Kevin]

Giant is my most climbed peak and probably always will be. The ridge trail up is very scenic and short, with a few challenging rock scrambles. What more could one ask for?

[eghaley]

Giant climb with Jack O'Lantern on top

One of the greatest surprises I've had while climbing in the ADKs was an early November climb up Giant. We trekked on a frozen trail and about halfway up there was some snow. But it was mostly a frosty-type trail/climb. On top there was about 6 inches of snow. When we reached the summit, not only did we get a terrific view of the valley below but there was also a 15 inch carved Jack O'Lantern that someone had left right on the summit and gazing toward the valley! It was frozen solid. We were amazed that someone would have the energy to carry that up the trail. We left the pumpkin as is for others to enjoy. Perhaps it lasted all winter. If anyone climbed Giant in November 1977 perhaps they remember the sight.