About
Length (round trip)5.7 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Typical time3 hr
TrailheadGiant Slide trailhead, Route 198
SurfaceRugged boulder-filled ravine then open ridge
Best seasonLate spring through October; peak foliage mid-October. Many trails are icy and unmaintained in winter.
DogsLeashed / limited stretches
AccessibilityGiant Slide Loop is not accessible. The trails have uneven footing and short, steep sections requiring some scrambling throughout. There are no accessible restrooms at the trailhead.
What you'll see ⛰️ Summit🌄 Big views🌊 River or creek

This is a challenging "lollipop" hike up a rugged ravine to excellent views atop Sargent Mountain, Gilmore Peak, and Parkman Mountain. As this trail begins on private land, please respect owner privacy and protect fragile moss and lichen by staying on the marked trail. Distance: 5.7 miles round trip Terrain: Forested trail, rocky granite slopes, rock slide and boulder fields, granite exposed summits Hike Description The Giant Slide Trail begins as a very gradual ascent through private land. Please respect private land ownership and protect the mossy forest. After crossing the carriage road, the trail gradually steepens and becomes a climb along Sargent Brook. Any crossings and condensation due to the coolness of the ravine can make the trail slippery. There are several places where the trail traverses under large boulders providing challenging tight squeezes with low clearance. Turn left at the junction of Sargent Northwest Trail and the Parkman Mountain Trail, and continue away from the stream towards a steep ascent. The trail opens and provides views to the west and north, before reaching the summit of Sargent Mountain at 1, 373 ft. Follow Sargent South Ridge Trail down to the junction for the Maple Spring Trail, and continue the descent on the west side of Sargent Mountain. Continue straight at the junction of the Grandgent Trail, and then ascend Gilmore Peak at 1,019 ft. Descend again and cross Giant Slide Trail. The Grandgent Trail terminates at the junction of the Parkman Mountain Trail. For a shorter hike, turn onto Giant Slide Trail for 1.9 miles and continue back to the parking area. Take the short out and back to the summit of Parkman Mountain, and then gradually descend north, crossing a carriage road. The trail returns to a forested area and terminates at the junction of the Giant Slide Trail. Follow back along the rugged ravine to the parking area.

Tips
The Giant Slide itself is a jumble of huge boulders with the stream running under them. Rugged going and one of the least walked routes to a major summit.
Location

Giant Slide trailhead, Route 198

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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