"From JBL at 1:30PM took the Big Slide Trail to summit at 3:45PM, walked ridge via Yard Mountain Trail to Yard Mountain summit and then back down to JBL by 6:45PM via the Klondike Notch Trail. " — catearonson • Sep 5, 2026

"Wanted to do a quick practice backpacking trip before I head to New Hampshire for the next two weeks, so I decided to do Big Slide via a couple of trails I hadn't previously completed. Arrived at The Garden at 18:00 on Tuesday; the lot was maybe 2/3 full at that time. I hiked in the three miles slightly uphill pretty much the whole way and set up camp in one of the tent sites just outside of the Howard Lean-to. I encountered a few groups walking out; predictably most of them had done some form of the Haystack-Basin-Saddleback loop. It was a beautiful night with crisp temperatures in the mid 50s and no bugs. Woke up early the next morning at 06:00 and set off for Big Slide. After walking a quick 0.5 miles to the JBL, I was officially on a new section of trail for myself. I cannot attest to the quality of the Klondike Notch Trail after the junction for Yard, but the 1.3 miles from the JBL to Yard junction is simply beautiful. It follows serene Black Brook while winding through a forest of stately conifers, and slowly ascends ~600 feet or so to the junction. At this point, I veered to the right and began a moderately steep climb up Yard. This trail definitely feels like it is ascendin..." — elimihuta • Jun 24, 2026

"Took shuttle from Marcy Field. Great hike relatively cool and sunny , friendly hikers. Got a bit sunburned. Wore the Merrill’s which were better for the feet than the trail runners. " — johnpursell • Jul 5, 2025

"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