Region
Highlights
- Big Slide is one of the Adirondack 46ers in Adirondack Park in New York.
- Named for the prominent steep cliff that rises to its summit.
- Because it's relatively close to trailheads and offers a close view of the nearby Great Range, Big Slide is a popular day hiking destination.
- The most popular approach is via the Brothers, a set of rocky crags which offer several views on the way to the summit.
- It can also be climbed via the Slide Mountain Brook Trail from the Phelps trail in Johns Brook Valley, or combined with Yard Mountain via the Klondike Notch trail (Yard's elevation is 4018 feet, but it is not one of the ADK 46ers as it is too close to Big Slide to qualify for the list).
- Slide Mountain Brook Trail crosses and recrosses the brook many times.
Routes
90 summits • 7.5 mi • 2,663 ft gain • 7 hr 9 min
6 summits • 12.7 mi • 2,980 ft gain • 8 hr 3 min
2 summits • 9.2 mi • 2,797 ft gain • 6 hr 38 min
1 summit • 10.1 mi • 2,629 ft gain • 7 hr 45 min
1 summit • 10.3 mi • 2,953 ft gain • 8 hr 16 min
1 summit • 11.8 mi • 3,354 ft gain • 5 hr 13 min
1 summit • 19.1 mi • 3,090 ft gain • 9 hr 31 min
1 summit • 24.2 mi • 6,743 ft gain • 13 hr 36 min
1 summit • 12.0 mi • 2,747 ft gain • 8 hr 18 min
Latest summits
"The final hike of the 46 happened to fall on a picture perfect day on Sunday Nov 7. I feel extremely lucky that this November day arrived without a cloud in the sky and temps in the 30s-40s on the mountain. It was frosty to start but as soon as we had hiked 20 minutes, I was taking off my jacket. There was a dusting of snow and some ice at higher elevation, in the shadows. We had to put on our microspikes evenutally to navigate some icy patches.
The way up to the summit was amazing. One of my favorite hikes of all of them. The views were incredible, and there were some fun rock scrambles to climb up, but nothing too grueling. We could see mountains in all directions that we had previously climbed. So cool to see from the vantage point of "I've climbed all of those!" We had to climb over 3 smaller peaks called "The Brothers" on the way up - First Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother. Each one had a great view. Then we get to near the summit of Big Slide and we negotiated some ladders and more ice on the way up. And a lookout spot where we could see the big rock slide that gives the mountain its name. But fortunately we didn't have to climb that, because it's very steep!
One..." — kvander • Nov 7, 2021
"Parked at the Garden well before sunrise; got some great views of the stars before starting. Trail to Big Slide was straightforward, many outcroppings along the way. Descended to Johns Brook Lodge, then up Phelps Trail to Haystack. Grueling part of the trail, over Little Haystack and up the summit! Slowly over Basin, up Saddleback (cliffs right before sunset!) before descending Orebed Brook and out to the Garden. Muscle cramping = biggest issue, and hiking in the dark: 2.5hr. All in all, a very long but fulfilling day!" — hunterjfrost • Nov 6, 2021
"Bailey and I hiked for #46Climbs suicide prevention and mental health awareness before it poured in memory of my best friend and lil broski Brandon. Beautiful yet hard mentally because of what this hike was for. " — Mousetek • Sep 8, 2021
"An out and back hike from the Gardens with Tom and Kathryn. Kathryn’s 35th peak on her 46R quest and Tom’s 6th peak in round #2 after finishing less than 2 weeks ago. I last did this hike back in the ‘90s so it was completely new to me and I can now add the 3 Brothers to my badge collection since I recall the date. We all enjoyed the scrambles, like being little kids again, and the grand views. Fall weather and colors are coming in nicely. We took a lengthy lunch break at the summit of Big Slide joined by an energetic group of younger folks, one of whom finished her 46. Again Kathryn excitedly realized that most of the peaks in our view she had climbed at least once." — Nimblefoot • Sep 20, 2020
" #46... I am a 46er!!!!Dad drove us to drop us off in garden parking lot. Did it with Brynn, Brie, Katie Hoss, Steve. Everything happens for a reason. Wanted to finish a year or two ago, but now I know why I had to wait. Great friends and awesome that Brynn could complete the 10 + miles. Brynn begins her journey of the high peaks with Big Slide and some great friends!" — Aquafina314 • Sep 4, 2020
"Happy One Year Anniversary and to many more adventures throughout life with you, together we can conquer anything. Last year it was sharing a pizza for the first time and today I am proud to have seen you climb your third Adirondack High Peak. The weather socked us in most of the morning and opened up for splendid views on the descent. Oh and a happy early birthday America. " — scottturner • Jul 3, 2020
"Wanted to do a smaller trip out of JBL after yesterday's mega HaBaSa trip, so we did Big Slide. Saw lots of ghost pipe on the trail. Great view! Met an old man whose daughter was doing all the 46 in one summer. " — hanawalton • Aug 7, 2019
"Was an amazing hike in the ADK! The trail was snow packed and was doable in micros if you stayed "on" the trails The Elevated rock scrambles were a little tricky but doable, On This Day! Was the calm before the storm, First winter storm of the season for the area expected later today,12 to 24" Blustery snow Expected in the area, Hit the trail around 8:15am With Matt Peacock And made it to the summit In about 4 hrs,, Got Amazing views! Then in the distance we could see the storm approaching so we decided time to get off this mountain, Back at car around 2:30pm,, Light snow and light gusty winds" — ramjet1963 • Jan 19, 2019
"My 1st true "winter" hike. Tom. Black and I left the Garden lot at 7 am @ 21 degrees and cloudy. The sunrise from the first brother was spectacular! It looked like the valley was on fire! Hike over the 3 Brothers was steady but not brutal. Last 3rd of a mile was steep and icy. Summited at 11 am. -6 degree WC on summit. Views were incredible! Returned to car at 2 pm. 8.4 miles. This was our 26th peak in 2018. Whole hike in micros.
" — garyogden • Dec 26, 2018
"Mostly dry with some mud high up and a very small amount of ice left on the trail at a couple of spots near the top. No spikes needed. Bluebird conditions with light to moderate wind. Saw about 12 people on the trail through the day. 50-70 degrees. " — rhinteractive • May 24, 2018