The 10 mile trail over Rocky Peak Ridge and Giant includes 5300' of climbing, and 9500' for the 20 mile round trip. While the climbing makes for a challenging run, there is a great deal of open ridge running on this route, and the views are early, often, and expansive in both directions. On a clear day, you can see most of the High Peaks, Whiteface, Lake Champlain, and the Green Mountains. The trail on Giant is both steeper and more technical than the path over Rocky Peak Ridge and the other minor summits. Information and pictures for the route can be found here:
www.everytrail.com/guide/giant-mountain-and-rocky-peak-ridge
https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/new-york/showshoeing/giant-mountain-rocky-peak-ridge-traverse
Note: It's likely fastest to go west to east, as the TH off Route 73 is about 1000' higher.
