Beta wanted for Trap Dike/Eagle Slide in 'Daks

My partner and I (both 5.6 leaders) are thinking about a trip to the 'Daks in mid-late September to do either the Trap Dike or the Eagle. We did the South Slide on Colden (slide opposite the Trap Dike) a few years ago. We're planning on bringing rock shoes. So which one should we do? How do they compare in steepness and difficulty to the South Slide? Should we bring a rope and a light rack? Any beta would be greatly appreciated.

Have you checked out Lawyer's and Hass' book "Adirondack Rock"? Both of those slides are in there.

The consensus seems to be that rock climbing gear isn't necessary, but a good idea if you have members in your party unfamiliar with that kind of terrain.

I've also heard that you want to wait for Eagle Slide to dry out pretty good before climbing it. Rain makes it slick.

You may also find additional information here: forums.adkhighpeaks.com

I did the Eagle Slide last year, and wasn't as impressed as the descriptions I've read. It's getting a thin layer of growth that makes it just slick enough to be less fun. I'd do the trapdike. A great route that starts with some 4th class scrambling along a waterfall then goes out onto the Colden slide for great exposure and friction. A rope for hand lines is a good thing to have but don't expect to protect it like a 5th class route.

we did the dike in our running shoes and 50+lbs packs.
if you feel comfortable leading 5.6 you shouldn't have any issues with this hike. Cheers

I've only done them in winter but Eagles Slide is steeper. I don't know that a rope would be worthwhile on it because there wouldn't be any pro. At the time it was like WI2+ but with rock it might be fifth class for a little bit, then the angle eases off. It is a nice direct line to the summit. The bushwack to get there sucks bad. Follow the path for a while longer than you think. Better to have to back track than to bushwack through scrub spruce for hours like I did.

Trap dike is a bit easier and you could use a rope and protection if you wanted but if you're a 5.6 leader than 4th class shouldn't be that hard. The difficult thing is getting around the lake. It was frozen for me. It won't be for you. It doesn't lead straight to the summit but it's close.

The decision is up to you and what you're going for. Trap Dike is pretty classic and might give you some winter beta. Eagles slide is long and adventurous. It's also kind of hard to get to.

I actually just moved up to Saratoga so I can get to the Adirondacks regularly. If you want specific directions for either send me a message. I'd also be willing to do either one with you if I am free that day.

The Eagle Slide is comparable in steepness to the top of the South Slide of Colden. The Trap Dike is less steep, but has a short section of 4th class in the lower half. I wouldn't recommend ropes for either, especially since you've already done the Colden slide- arguably the hardest of the three. However, it might be worth bringing a rope and a little gear so that you can climb the excellent cracks above the Bottle Slide (north of Giant summit area). There are some fantastic splitter cracks on a steep buttress above that slide. The Bottle makes a worthwhile descent, as well.