"Tom and I summited Nippletop at 12:50 pm after a long slog from St.Huberts. Just below the summit, we broke out above an inversion to full sun, warmth and low winds. The inversion gave the feeling of looking out over a huge frozen lake with a few mountain peaks poking above the clouds like islands. Truly a beautiful sight." — garyogden • Dec 27, 2025

"First high peak of the season with Nancy. A bright sunny day! Long Lake Rd. And up the steep side counterclockwise by 9:30. .2 over to the summit. Down and up a quick burst. Very buggy. Lots of great views! Slides and such! " — lfrancois • Jun 30, 2025

"Rough yet beautiful day up to Nippletop. We had hoped to do the loop and grab Dial too, but the trail wasn't in the shape we were hoping for and it slowed us down. Decided it was best to take the quickest route back down. " — Right-On • Dec 26, 2024

"From AMR lot to H G Leach Trail by moonlight, headlamp to Bear’s Den, up to Dial, over to Nippletop, down to Elk Pass, up over Colvin to Blake, back over Colvin, down to Fish Hawk Cliffs, Indian Head, Gothics Window and back out to the lot. Long day " — DHiker • Oct 23, 2024

"Arrived to an empty AMR parking lot at 5:45 AM Our plan was to be leaving the truck at 6:15 AM so we were ahead of schedule. The original forecast called for decreasing temps and clearing skies. It was in the low 40s when we started with a light misting rain requiring us to wear our rain shells. Surface times were cold enough that the road leading to the lodge was a slippery black ice mess. From the trail head Lake Road was hard packed ice and snow so we began to bare boot to the Leach trail intersection. It was becoming an icy slushy mess so we added micro spikes, but at about 200 yards in we were giving up so much energy we elected to switch to snow shoes to protect the trail surface despite they’re being barely <5” snow cover in the woods. The need for snow shoes and the use of heel lift increased as we ascended. The ceaseless misting rain switching back-and-forth between larger more prominent raindrops thoroughly saturated us by the time we reached Bear Den, making me thankful for the extra layers and weight I was carrying. Climbing to Dial the temperature never dropped below the high 30’s making layering and moisture management a challenge. The skies never did clear out ..." — davelaurenty • Feb 17, 2023

"Started from AMR parking lot, reservation system very useful! Straight up Lake Road, Gill Brook to Elk Pass to Nippletop. Cloudy to the south but great views of GR. Quick travel over to Dial, still decent views. Best views from Noonmark Shoulder past Bear Den!" — hunterjfrost • Oct 17, 2021

"18.3 miles in 12 hours. Sunny and clear skies, in the 20's with light wind. Started at 6:30 am from the St. Hubert's lot. Walked through Ausable Club and down Lake Road until the Gill Brook cutoff (put on snowshoes at the cutoff). Met up with Gill Brook Trail and continued towards Colvin then Blake. Great views of Lower Ausable Lake, the Great Range, and Giant/Rocky Peak from Colvin. Peaks of Nippletop and the Dix Range from Blake. Steep ascents and descents between these two peaks, switched to spike because it was easier. Doubled back through Colvin after hitting Blake until the Elk Pass junction and continued up towards Nippletop. Steep ascent, quick up and down to get to actual summit. Amazing views of the Great Range, and many more ranges to the South and West. Continued the loop with the Leach trail towards Dix Mountain, more views of the Great Range as the sun was starting to set in the background. A couple more ascents and descents to Bears Den and Noonmark Shoulder (timed perfectly with the sunset), then a very steep descent back down to Lake Road, where we needed headlamps right as we met up with it. Easy walk back to the lot to finish the day. Overall, t..." — gregoryskiba • Mar 13, 2021

"Becca, KJ, Emily and I hiked in from St Huberts Parking lot. First was Bears den, then Dial, and finally Nippletop. On the way back, we had to choose between returning the way we came, or descending the steeper Elk Pass trail in the hope of getting to the access road before dark. We chose the Elk Pass trail, and on the way I decided to slide on an inviting patch of ice. My foot caught, and I broke my leg as I fell. KJ organized the first aid, and other hikers passing through stopped to assist with my care. They splinted my leg with hiking poles, kept the wound elevated, and kept me warm as we awaited evacuation. About 2 hours later (just before sunset), I was lifted by helicopter and taken to Adirondack Medical Center. I had surgery the following day, and was discharged the day after that. " — mikebenjamin • Nov 21, 2020

"Hiked with Pat, Heather, Heather's brother and his friend. It was a beautiful sunny day and a great hike with spectacular views. It was a sweaty day that felt like it went on for a time and the hike back on the road was super long and tired. " — juliepike • Nov 7, 2020

"Came in through the Ausable Club for the loop. Went up Dial to Nippletop. Cold day, easier climb to both of these. More difficult climb down to trail for Colvin. Bushwhacked up to trail before Colvin then hit Blake and back out through Ausable Club. Long day, 12 hours and a very sore right ankle. 💁🏻‍♀️" — bbergman • Aug 30, 2020