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AdirondackRegion.com

Rooster Comb Trail

A modest but rewarding climb of roughly 3.6 kilometers, this NYSDEC trail threads through the eastern High Peaks wilderness to a rocky summit that commands views over the Giant Mountain range. Yellow disks mark the initial ascent to the Rooster Comb–Hedgehog junction, where the route transitions to blue blazes for the final push to the top. The dual-color system, unusual in the region, lends a clarity to navigation that newer hikers often appreciate while the ledges near the summit offer experienced scramblers a taste of exposure without technical difficulty.

§ Overview

Rooster Comb Trail runs 2.2 miles (3.6 km) with about 1,817 feet of elevation gain — a demanding hike, with a sustained climb, about 2 hours on the trail. NYSDEC maintains the route.

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Length
2.2 mi
Elevation gain
1,817 ft
Difficulty · est.
Demanding
Book time
2 h 2 m
§ Before you go
  • NYSDECOperator
  • lwnNetwork
From OpenStreetMap. Surface + access tags vary by trail.
Loading map…
Elevation profile
Max 2,759 ftMin 1,030 ftNet gain 1,817 ft
2,759 ft1,030 ft0 mi0.6 mi1.1 mi1.7 mi2.2 mi
§ Nearby parking

44 parking areas

Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data; surface and capacity from OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.

+36 more on the map above

§ Listed trailheads nearby

Curated trailheads & parking near this route

Editorial trailhead listings within roughly 3 miles. Useful for permit info, parking capacity, and access-road conditions.

§ Closest essentials

Nearest, each within 25 miles

Coffee
Old Mountain Coffee Company
0.9 mi away
Restaurant
Noon Mark Diner
0.9 mi away
General store
East Branch Organics
5.0 mi away
Shelter
Deer Brook Lean-To
1.7 mi away
§ Nearby Points of Interest
Peaks (12)
Lakes & ponds (41)
Trails (24)
Shelters (1)
  • Johns Brook Lodge3.4 mi
Lean-tos (78)
  • Deer Brook Lean-To1.7 mi
  • Deer Brook Lean-to1.7 mi
  • Wm. G. Howard Lean-To3.0 mi
  • Wolf Jaw Lean-to3.1 mi
  • Howard Lean-to3.1 mi
  • Wolf Jaw Lean-To3.1 mi
  • Grace Camp3.3 mi
  • Goodwin Lean-To3.3 mi
Primitive campsites (171)
  • Unnamed campsite1.4 mi
  • Unnamed campsite1.7 mi
  • Unnamed campsite2.7 mi
  • Base Of Roaring Brook Falls Campsite2.7 mi
  • Base Of Roaring Brook Falls Campsite2.7 mi
  • Unnamed campsite2.8 mi
  • Top Of Roaring Brook Falls Campsite2.8 mi
  • Jct Roaring Brook Trail To Washbowl Trail3.0 mi
§ The Field Notes

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§ Stay near this trail
Keene Valley Lodge — hero image
0.5 miKeene

Keene Valley Lodge

Van Hoevenberg Cabins — hero image
6.7 miLake Placid

Van Hoevenberg Cabins

Warner's Camp — hero image
9.3 miKeene

Warner's Camp

§ From the field guides
All field guides →
§ Frequently asked