Holcomb Mountain & Deer Mountain(Giant Mountain Wilderness-Adirondacks)

I finally had a chance to get out and enjoy some of this beautiful spring weather we have recently been enjoying by doing some off trail exploring just east of the High Peaks.  My goal was to hit 2300 foot Holcomb Mountain, 2244 foot Deer Mountain, and a pair of neighboring unnamed peaks that looked like they may have views.  Parking was a bit tricky, but I managed to squeeze my car off the west side of Route 9 near a private road, and across from the parking area for Split Rock Falls.  I was careful to park near a state land sign and without blocking the driveway.  Elevation to start the hike was 840 feet.

The woods were fairly open and steep as I made my way up Holcomb's east slopes.

 

As I quickly gained elevation, I also quickly gained views back to the east across the Bouquet Valley towards Split Rock Mountain.

The woods really began to open up as I got further up the ridge, with abundant views to be found, including this pretty shot south, with the valley of the Bouquet River and Route 9 down below.

On the opposite side of the ridge, facing NE, I was able to get some early views at neighboring Deer Mountain, which I would eventually be descending later in the day.

Additional views south from slightly higher on the ridge, with Holcomb's south ridge crowding the shot.

Bushwhacking paradise up Holcomb's ridge, with spring blossoms all around.

The 2300 foot summit of Holcomb is lightly wooded and marked by two large boulders.

Beyond the summit, I continued NW on the ridge, slowly descending, when suddenly I was floored by the up close and personal view of Rocky Peak Ridge, literally towering above to the west.

After a brief dip down to a low spot on the ridge, I began a steep climb back up towards the next unnamed summit, marked 837 on topographic maps.  Views were quite abundant on this peak as well, such as this look NE towards Deer Mountain and all the way into Vermont in the distance.

The summit on Peak 837 is ringed by extremely large cliff bands, reaching as high as at least 50 feet tall.  It was a little tricky finding a way around these, but the view from the top of these cliffs is quite spectacular.  This is the view south, with a shoulder of Noble Mountain on the right.

The enormity of Rocky Peak Ridge is on full display from this vantage point, nearly 2000 feet higher up.

Pushed through a small area of spruce to arrive at the wooded 2745 foot summit, which was also my high point for the day.

From Peak 837, I descended first north, then east through a ton of blowdown and rugged terrain.  This was my crossing of Coughlin Brook, which is nothing more than a small stream up at this elevation(still over 2500 feet).

Climbing up to a clearing on the slopes just north of Peak 771, I was able to capture this neat shot at the ridge I had just climbed.  To the left, the smaller bump is Holcomb Mountain, and to the right is Peak 837.

A slight drop and re-climb found me on the south facing slopes of Peak 771's summit, where a large open area of ledges provides great views towards Peak 837 and another ridge of Rocky Peak Ridge.

West views back towards Rocky Peak Ridge's summit.

From the open ledges, it was an easy climb up to summit of Peak 771(Elevation 2528), which sits in a moss covered clearing and is marked by a small rock cairn.

Views galore!  Another view south back towards Holcomb Mountain once again.

The open ridge hiking on my way to Deer Mountain was nothing short of awesome.  From this spot I was able to now see most of the Dix Range and all the way towards Nippltetop.

Approaching the summit of Deer Mountain, in all of its spring glory.

Deer Mountain's 2244 foot summit, sits an attractive clearing with spring blossoms and screened views of RPR to enjoy.

Dropping off the summit through park like woods.

Nearing the easternmost edge of the ridge, I found this nice view east.

Holcomb Mountain, where I had started my day much earlier.

The terrain literally drops off in spots along Deer's ridge, with a very steep look back down towards the the area I had parked my car this morning.  To the left is Split Rock Mountain and to the right is the shoulder of Holcomb which I had ascended earlier.  The Bouquet River runs through the valley between.

Weaving my way down the open slopes of Deer Mountain under bluebird skies. 

After a steady descent, I came to a crossing of Coughlin Brook once again, which was much more than the small stream I had crossed over 1500 feet higher up.

Once back down to Route 9, I took a few minutes to go across the road and check out Split Rock Falls, which is always impressive.

What an incredible day in the woods.  I almost feel guilty for posting so many photos but there were just so many scenic spots!!  It was a real treat bushwhacking here and I would highly recommend it.  Covered about 6.7 miles RT, with 2500 feet of ascent.

Map below.  Red X's=Summit's Attained  Blue=Parking