You don't need an all-day expedition to experience Adirondack mountain magic. Rooster Comb, a rocky summit rising above Keene Valley, delivers High Peaks views on a hike that's just 4.6 miles round trip. It's perfect for families, first-time Adirondack visitors, or anyone wanting an afternoon adventure with legitimate mountain rewards.
The views from Rooster Comb's rocky summit are surprisingly extensive—you look directly into the heart of the High Peaks, with Giant Mountain, the Great Range, and other major summits filling the horizon. It's an exceptional view-to-effort ratio.
The Trail
Basic Stats
- Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2.5-4 hours
The trail begins at the Rooster Comb trailhead on Route 73 in Keene Valley. It climbs steadily through mixed forest, with a few steeper pitches that require attention. The final approach involves some rock scrambling to reach the exposed summit.
The footing is typical Adirondack—rocks, roots, and occasional mud—but nothing technical. Most reasonably fit hikers handle it without difficulty.
The Summit
Rooster Comb's summit is a rocky outcrop with commanding views of the High Peaks:
- West: Giant Mountain rises dramatically
- Northwest: The Great Range stretching across the horizon
- Southwest: More distant High Peaks including Marcy
- South: The Chapel Pond area
The summit is named for its profile—seen from certain angles, it resembles a rooster's comb. There's limited space on top, so you may need to share on busy days.
Who Should Hike Rooster Comb?
Rooster Comb is ideal for:
- Families with children: Reasonable distance, genuine mountain rewards
- First-time Adirondack visitors: A taste of what makes this park special
- Afternoon adventures: When you arrive late or want to save time
- Hikers building fitness: A stepping stone to bigger peaks
Combining with Other Hikes
Rooster Comb can be combined with nearby Snow Mountain for a longer day, though the connection trail is rough and adds significant distance.
When to Hike
- May-October: Best conditions
- Summer: Early starts beat the heat
- Fall: Spectacular foliage views
- Winter: Beautiful with snowshoes; ice on rock sections requires care
Crowds
Rooster Comb sees steady traffic as an accessible High Peaks viewpoint. Weekday mornings offer more solitude. The summit can feel crowded on nice Saturday afternoons.
Practical Information
Getting There
The trailhead is on Route 73 in Keene Valley, about 10 minutes from Lake Placid. Look for the small parking area on the east side of the road.
Parking
Limited parking (10-15 cars). On busy days, additional parking is available at the Ausable Club area with a short road walk to the trailhead.
Fees
No parking fee.
What to Bring
- Sturdy footwear
- Water and snacks
- Layers for exposed summit
- Camera for the views
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 4.6 miles RT |
| Elevation Gain | 1,400 feet |
| Summit Elevation | 2,788 feet |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Views Of | Giant, Great Range |
Rooster Comb proves that great Adirondack hiking doesn't require heroic distances. This modest summit punches well above its weight class for views, offering a front-row seat to the High Peaks without the full commitment. It's the perfect introduction to Adirondack mountain hiking or a satisfying quick outing when time is limited.
