Giant Mountain via Ridge Trail

This route begins and ends at the Ridge Trailhead, after reaching the summit of Giant Mountain. Begin at the Ridge Trail Trailhead on Route 73, directly across from Chapel Pond. Climb steeply for 0.5 miles to a junction; turn left to reach a viewpoint over the valley, or continue straight to the shores of the Washbowl at 0.7 miles. From the Washbowl, keep right at the intersection to continue ascending. At 0.9 miles, pass a short spur trail on the left leading to the Nubble. Continue straight, climbing steeply up open bedrock ridges. At 1.9 miles, bypass the Roaring Brook Trail on the left, continuing straight. At 2.5 miles, bypass the East Trail on the left and continue straight to ascend the final steep, rocky ridge. Scramble up broad slabs of open bedrock to reach the summit of Giant Mountain at 2.6 miles. Retrace your steps for the descent, exercising caution on the steep, potentially slick rock slabs.