Lake George: Bradley’s Lookout
Region: Lake George, Adirondacks
October 2021 | Bolton Landing, NY
The background: Truth be told, I had intended to hike the Pinnacle, and arrived to find an entirely new parking lot and trailhead! (Slightly before the old one- there is a sign and it will be obvious.) Turns out the Lake George Land Conservancy and town of Bolton had been working on this project for the last year or so, opening up the trail “Bradley’s Lookout” to the public and rerouting the existing Pinnacle trail. I have been visiting Bolton every year since 2018, so was amazing to see the preservation work and trail system expanded in one of my favorite places in the Adirondack park.
To learn more about the history on the purchase and the easement, read here.
Getting there: from the Hamlet of Bolton Landing, it’s about a 5 minute ride. Drive south on Lake Shore Drive and make a right onto Mohican Road for 0.5 miles, continuing slightly left onto Potter Hill Road for another 0.7 miles. Make a right onto Edgecomb Pond Road, and continue for nearly another 0.5 miles until a designated parking lot for the Pinnacle Reserve appears on your right (the older trailhead parking lot from previous years has been removed- this is an entirely newly built lot!) Your car will have no challenges in 3 -season weather and you may have some cell service. Furry companions are welcome!
The hike: After you park and sign into the register, a map is shown (below) outlining the two different trails available in the property. For Bradley’s Lookout, follow the blue trail which will split right (sign shown below.) This is a very straight forward hike with very minor elevation. Some mud is present, but the trail is otherwise in great condition and very easy to follow to the lookout. You are rewarded with a phenomenal view of Bolton Landing, the Sagamore resort, and the peaks on the eastern shores of Lake George. I could have stayed up here ALL day and then some.
An ideal day and what you can pair this trail visit with:
Check out the Pinnacle in the same trail system while you’re there! You will see the signs that will lead you to another quick (but slightly steeper) amazing lookout over the Queen of Lakes (via the red trail markers.)
Drive a quick distance over to Cat and Thomas mountain preserve. This hike can be done as a loop or as an out-and-back to either Cat or Thomas. Just note it’s a longer trek to the summit than Bradley’s Lookout/ Pinnacle, including more elevation gain and varied terrain. If you have some time and energy, you will be glad you ventured over there.
Take a 5 minute drive to the town of Bolton Landing where a few shops, a brewery and some eateries await you (just note operating hours and days may be limited in the off-seasons.)
