Big Slide Mountain
Standing majestically at 4,240 feet, Big Slide Mountain claims its place as the 27th-highest peak among the Adirondack High Peaks—and for good reason. This spectacular mountain in Essex County’s town of Keene offers something extraordinary: three distinct hiking approaches, each revealing different facets of the Adirondack wilderness while accommodating adventurers of every skill level.
Fast Facts
Country: United States
State/Province: New York
County/Region: Essex
City/Town: Keene
Mountain Range: Adirondacks
Parents: Adirondacks
Elevation: 4,232 feet / 1,290 meters
Prominence: 1,049 feet / 320 meters
Isolation: 2.85 miles / 4.59 kilometers
Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN): Table Top Mountain
The Mountain That Made History
Big Slide Mountain carries a story written in both stone and time. The earliest recorded ascent dates back to 1812, when surveyor John Richards marked lot lines across Township 12 of the Old Military Tract. But the mountain earned its distinctive name from nature’s own dramatic displays—two prominent landslides in 1830 and 1856 that carved permanent scars into its slopes, creating the visual signature that gives Big Slide its identity.
Nestled between the Johns Brook Valley to the east and South Meadow to the west, this peak serves as a gateway to some of the Adirondacks’ most pristine wilderness areas.
Three Paths to Summit Glory
The Brothers Route: For the View-Seekers
Distance: 4.0 miles | Elevation gain: 2,800 feet
The blue-blazed trail from Garden parking lot on Route 73 takes you over the Brothers—three rocky crags that function as nature’s own viewing platforms. This route delivers multiple scenic payoffs before you even reach the summit, making every step worthwhile. The trail connects with the red-blazed Slide Mountain Brook Trail for the final push to Big Slide’s peak.
Perfect for: Intermediate hikers who want maximum scenic value per mile.
The Slide Mountain Brook Trail: The Classic Approach
Distance: 5.6 miles | Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
Starting from the yellow-blazed Phelps Trail at Garden parking lot, this route passes the DEC Interior Outpost after 3.1 miles before branching onto the Slide Mountain Brook Trail. With a gentler elevation gain spread over more distance, this path offers a more gradual ascent through diverse forest ecosystems.
Perfect for: Beginners to intermediate hikers seeking a manageable challenge with steady progression.
The Klondike Notch Trail: The Adventure Route
Distance: 7.5 miles | Elevation gain: 1,927 feet
This red-blazed trail diverges from the Phelps Trail at Johns Brook Lodge, taking you over Yard Mountain (4,018 feet) before continuing to Big Slide. While Yard doesn’t qualify as an official High Peak due to its proximity to Big Slide, it offers an excellent bonus summit and unique perspectives of the surrounding peaks.
Perfect for: Experienced hikers wanting to bag two peaks in one adventure.
Natural Features That Define the Experience
Big Slide Mountain showcases the raw beauty of Adirondack geology and ecology. The mountain’s most striking feature remains its historic landslide scars—dramatic rock faces that tell the story of geological forces at work. These exposed sections create unique microhabitats and offer unobstructed views that wouldn’t exist in fully forested terrain.
The summit views reward every step of the journey. From the top, hikers enjoy panoramic vistas of the nearby Great Range, the imposing Giant Mountain, and the distinctive profile of Algonquin Peak. On clear days, the view extends across multiple mountain ranges, creating a visual feast that captures the vastness of the Adirondack Park.
Wildlife Encounters Throughout the Seasons
The diverse ecosystems along Big Slide’s slopes support an impressive array of Adirondack wildlife. Black bears frequent the area, particularly during berry season, making proper food storage essential. White-tailed deer browse the lower elevations, while red squirrels and chipmunks provide constant entertainment along the trails.
Bird enthusiasts will discover winter wrens, hermit thrushes, and various warbler species in the mixed hardwood forests of the lower slopes. Higher elevations host dark-eyed juncos and occasionally peregrine falcons soaring above the rocky outcrops.
Moose sightings occur regularly in the Johns Brook Valley, especially during early morning and evening hours. The beaver ponds along some approach routes create wetland habitats that attract great blue herons and various waterfowl species.
Year-Round Adventures Await
Spring Awakening (April-May)
Spring hiking reveals wildflower displays as trilliums and bloodroot carpet the forest floor. Mud season can make lower trails challenging, but the reward comes in fewer crowds and the fresh energy of awakening wilderness.
Summer Peak Season (June-August)
Prime hiking conditions offer warm days and the fullest foliage. Early morning starts help avoid afternoon thunderstorms and provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Stream crossings run at moderate levels, making water features more accessible.
Fall Spectacular (September-October)
The autumn color show transforms Big Slide into a photographer’s paradise. Crisp temperatures and clear skies create ideal hiking conditions, though this season draws the largest crowds. Advanced reservations for parking become essential.
Winter Challenge (November-March)
Snowshoe and winter hiking transform Big Slide into a completely different experience. Microspikes or crampons become necessary equipment, and winter camping skills open up opportunities for multi-day adventures. The snow-covered landscape offers unparalleled beauty and solitude.
Skill-Level Strategies for Success
Beginner Hikers
Start with the Slide Mountain Brook Trail during late spring through early fall. Allow 8-10 hours for the round trip, including breaks and summit time. Focus on steady pacing rather than speed, and consider turning back if weather conditions deteriorate.
Intermediate Adventurers
The Brothers route provides the perfect step up in challenge while delivering maximum scenic rewards. Trail running becomes possible for experienced athletes, though the technical sections require careful attention regardless of pace.
Advanced Mountaineers
Combine multiple peaks in a single day, tackle winter ascents, or explore off-trail routes to nearby summits. The Klondike Notch approach offers opportunities to extend adventures into multi-day backpacking trips.
Essential Preparation for Every Season
Navigation tools remain crucial despite well-marked trails. GPS devices or smartphone apps with offline maps provide backup when trail markers become obscured. Weather monitoring can mean the difference between an epic adventure and a dangerous situation.
Water sources exist along most routes, but purification tablets or filtration systems ensure safe drinking. Layer systems accommodate the significant temperature differences between trailhead and summit, especially during shoulder seasons.
Emergency preparedness includes first aid supplies, emergency shelter, and communication devices for areas with cell coverage. Leave detailed itineraries with reliable contacts and stick to planned routes unless conditions clearly favor alternatives.
The Summit Experience That Changes Everything
Standing atop Big Slide Mountain, surrounded by the 360-degree wilderness panorama, hikers understand why this peak consistently ranks among the most rewarding Adirondack adventures. The sense of accomplishment combines with natural beauty to create memories that last lifetimes.
The Great Range stretches across the horizon like a jagged crown, while Giant Mountain rises with imposing grandeur to the northeast. Algonquin Peak commands attention in the distance, reminding visitors of the vast wilderness that surrounds this single summit.
Whether you choose the scenic Brothers route, the classic Slide Mountain Brook approach, or the adventurous Klondike Notch trail, Big Slide Mountain delivers an authentic Adirondack experience that accommodates every skill level while challenging every hiker to reach new heights.
Ready to discover why Big Slide Mountain captivates adventurers year-round? Check current trail conditions, secure your parking reservation, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks.
