Big Slide via The Brothers

12/13/2020

I’ll be honest. I really did not want to hike Big Slide for the 3rd time. It was also my 3rd hike for the week and I was feeling a bit fatigued.

However, my daughter requested this as her next mountain in her journey to become a 46-R. So, hike we did.

We parked at the Garden and began hiking around 10am. There were only a couple of cars at the parking lot when we arrived. I’m sure people are awaiting the kick-off of the official winter season.

It was an unseasonably warm day, in the 40s and there was almost no snow at the base of the trail.

The trail quickly gains in elevation (1,326’) to the first brother at 1.3 miles with the second brother not far off at 1.7 miles. Here, there are some great views of the great range. Steep, rocky and with some ice it was almost time to slap on the MICROspikes. I was glad I brought my trekking poles to help stabilize myself.

A view of the great range

The third brother at 2.5 miles offers less views as the trail starts to ascend towards Big Slide. As we made our ascent, the trail changed into more of a winter scene. It began to softly snow and as I breathed in the cool fresh air, I was grateful to be out in the mountains once again.

Snow and ice now covered the trail as we walked through a magical forest of some bearded lichens. These happen to have some medicinal qualities and can help treat surface wounds. A tincture can be made to decrease infection!

Bearded lichens

At this point we weren’t far off from the last 0.3 miles to the summit. Here we crossed a junction and what would be the way we took down to complete a loop. (Not to be confused with the loop you descend from the summit of Big Slide that leads to Yard Mountain.)

We continued on and climbed the last bit which includes a ladder to the summit where we met a group of 3 young men, one wearing running shoes! It always amazes me how people can get by without the proper gear!

Ladder near the summit

We reached the summit at 4 miles, elevation: 4,239’ and all to ourselves. It was mostly cloudy with some sun peaking through, but no good views to be had of the great range. The summit is partially wooded and offers blockage from the wind making it very peaceful. We were able to sit, take pictures and enjoy a quick snack before descending.

Summit of Big Slide

We began the 0.3 mile descent to the junction. Instead of opting to head out via The Brothers, we opted to descend through the valley bearing right at the junction. This added a mile to our hike back to the Garden parking lot. Overall, less steep and less aggressive than having to go back over The Brothers.

This made for my daughters 7th high peak!

Total Mileage: 9 miles

Total time including stops and breaks: 7hrs