Three Brothers

  • Garden Trailhead, Keene Valley
  • info@lakeplacid.com

Hike Features

Summit

Hiking

The Three Brothers are generally climbed in conjunction with Big Slide Mountain. However the First and Second Brothers are a worthy destination in themselves. The First and Second Brothers both have outstanding views, while the Third Brother, the tallest of the three, is mostly wooded. The Third Brother however does have a very attractive forest and unique view of Big Slide Mountain.

If climbing the Three Brothers is your day’s destination, then the primary route below is your ticket. Keep in mind though; these peaks are also approachable from the other side when traversing over Big Slide Mountain. See Big Slide Mountain for more details.

Below is a brief descriptions of the primary route, we recommend you pick up a guide book for more in depth detail or hire a local guide to assist you.

This route is 1.5 miles to the First Brother, 1.75 miles to the Second Brother and 2.6 miles to the Third Brother, one way. From the parking lot you will start climbing immediately up a steady course to an attractive brook crossing. Past this point you will climb steeply over several small open ledges to the amazing views from the 1st Brother. After a short descent you will climb steeply again, up the rocky slopes and ledges of the 2nd Brother, and achieve even more amazing views. Past the 2nd Brother you will drop into an open valley and start a much longer and steadier climb to the wooded summit of the 3rd Brother.

Trailhead: From the intersection of Route 73 and 86 in Lake Placid follow Route 73 toward Keene. Proceed through Keene into Keene Valley on Route 73. Take the right after the Ausable Inn and follow to the end of the road at The Garden Parking Area — note there is a day fee to use this lot. Parking is limited and the lot is usually full by 8 a.m. or earlier on weekends. On most weekends, a shuttle bus runs from the overflow parking at Marcy Field north of Keene Valley. Parking is not permitted on the road to the Garden, so one must park in the village if not using the shuttle.

Distance: 5.2 miles round trip for all three Brothers 

Elevation: First Brother, 2,940 feet; Second Brother, 3,120 feet; Third Brother, 3,681 feet

Snowshoeing

The Big Slide traverse with Three Brothers is estimated to take 5-6 hours for seasoned hikers.