Eagle Slide

Approach

Get your start on the Main Trailhead to Giant Mountain off NYS 73 in Keene Valley (Roaring Brook Trail). You'll hit Roaring Brook, the first and only substantial river crossing in about 35 minutes. Cut left and follow it upstream.

Route Description

You'll go from rock-hopping to stream side based on your own liking. The canopy walk will last for over an hour, longer than you'll expect. As you progress, one significant debris slide will enter on the right. Stay dead ahead until you reach the obvious rubble base. The Eagle Slide is pretty much right center. Scramble up a steep section of debris until the rock starts. The route is fairly straightforward. Make some sound decisions as to avoid the steep sections, which are at climber's left. I did it solo and couldn't recommend it in good faith. Found myself realizing I could not retreat back down in several sections. It's pretty much 75 yards or so of clean rock. Great views down into the Valley. At the top, you'll see an obvious herd path on the right. From here, it's a pure hop, skip and jump to the Main Trail. Summit is reached in minutes.

Great, great route in the Fall.

Essential Gear

1) Lightweight, flexible shoes - Approach or Trail Runners
2) Light, slim fitting pack

Return Trail

You can walk the hiking trail directly back to the Parking Lot off NYS 73

Images

View Eagle Slide Image Gallery - 4 Images