Hopkins Mtn via Mossy Cascade + Giant Mtn Lean-to

 

Region: High Peaks, Giant Mountain Wilderness 

June 20, 2025 | Keene, NY 

The background: Although I’ve hiked Hopkins before (from the Ranney trail - you can read more about it here) I am always looking for new trails to explore and approaches to take. When I found out my adopted lean-to was tucked away in the Giant Mountain Wilderness (Giant Mountain Lean-to) on the backside of Giant Mountain, I was thrilled I would finally have a reason to take this trail and explore off the beaten path.

While we took the Mossy Cascade trail, you can also approach it from the North Trail via the trail for Owls Head Lookout. Mileage-wise, they are similar (long-ish) distances, so it depends on what you feel like doing on the given day. Owls Head Lookout + Hopkins both have beautiful views and are nice hikes on their own, so you can’t go wrong either way.

Getting there and parking: As you’ll see on the map above, this trailhead has limited roadside parking. The trail will be on the same side as the parking area, and there is a green sign indicating you are in the right place with a narrow path into the woods (photo below.) If you are coming from the Northway, it will be on the right-hand side, past the AMR lot, but before you hit the Snow Goose Bed and Breakfast. If you are coming from Lake Placid or Wilmington, take note it will be shortly after you see the Snow Goose on the left. As always, cell service will be at best spotty throughout the hike, so do not rely on it. (Although I did have AT&T cell service at the lean-to itself.)

The hike: Out-and-back via Mossy Cascade (red) trail to the North Giant trail (yellow) stop at the Giant lean-to, back to summit Hopkins, and out the same way. It’s approximately 10.6 miles (17.05km) and ~2,900 (883m) feet of elevation gain.

I loved the Mossy Cascade trail and found it to be a truly pleasant and quiet walk in the woods. You will also see and hear the Mossy Cascade Brook, which adds to the peaceful soundtrack. On the trail, you may spot a house on private property in the distance, as well as a porta potty in (very) bad shape. The first junction you’ll reach is the one with the Ranney trail (signage is there indicating so.) Keep going straight up until the next junction, where you can make a left directly to Hopkins (and another mountain called Spread Eagle, we did not make it there) or make a right towards Giant / Giant Lean-to via the North Giant Trail. This section of trail is definitely less traveled and a bit overgrown, but nonetheless, you should have no difficulty following it. You can tell it doesn’t get much use which adds even more to the allure of it! After nearly 2 more miles (of some hilly ups and downs, it will not be a straight walk in the park!) you’ll reach a junction for Giant Mountain - this trail will be on your right. If going to the lean-to, you will keep going straight. There is signage indicating how much further you have to get to the lean-to (0.4 more miles.) It is not marked perfectly, so you will have to be on the lookout for the “lean-to” sign. As of visiting, there was also a red ribbon on a tree. You’ll veer right towards the lean-to since it’s off the main trail. Once you reach it, further up to the left is a thunder box. The lean-to also has a designated fire ring (please use it!) as well as a grate for cooking and some rain gear inside (don’t forget to sign the journal!)

In all honesty, this particular lean-to has seen much better days, as you can tell from the tarp; fortunately, it has been identified as critical to replace by a volunteer organization (Lean2Rescue in partnership with ADK46) so is actively being addressed in the coming year.

We did not stay in the lean-to as we had other plans for this trip and had to get back to town after. Although I had to switch lean-tos for 2026 (sadly I won’t have the same time as I did previously to make it back there) I look forward to visiting one day from the other direction on the North Trail via Owl’s Head once the new structure is installed.

After eating lunch, cleaning up an illegal campfire, sweeping/cleaning up trash, and dropping off a fresh journal, we headed out the same way we came, detouring on our way out to the summit of Hopkins. This mountain NEVER disappoints and has some of the best views!

In my opinion, a cool overnight trip (involving 2 vehicles or a pickup) is starting at either the Mossy Cascade/ Ranney trail, stopping by Hopkins, summiting Giant from the backside out-and-back, and then spending a night at the lean-to. Then, picking up in the morning on the North Trail towards High Bank / Owls Head Lookout, and exiting that way (or you could easily do it in reverse.)

Learn more about the ADK Adopt-a-Lean-to Program here and about lean-to and primitive camping regulations here.

(Note: I am a volunteer and am sharing my experience but am in no way required or rewarded for doing so. I personally believe it is a fantastic program and a wonderful way for hikers to get involved and give back to the Adirondack community.)

Photos below: starting out on the Mossy Cascade Trail following the red trail markers (note there is no trail register to sign in at.) 

Photos below: Mossy Cascade Junction to Giant Mountain Lean-to out-and-back to Hopkins Mountain.