Chimney Mountain (Indian Lake)
Important note: as of autumn 2023, this trail is now closed to the public since the land owners revoked access from this parking lot; however, I’ve been told you can park at the Clear Pond Trailhead and approach from there (just note this will make the hike longer than I’ve listed below.) The summit is not on private property, only that approach and the parking lot.
Region: Adirondack Mountains, Siamese Ponds Wilderness near Indian Lake
July 25, 2021 | North River, NY
The background: I discovered this mountain on the ADK 29er Challenge list and made a mental note to visit it at some point when I found myself near this less-trodden area of the park. This turned out to be an incredible little hike, as well as my “finish” for the challenge. I have read it’s a pretty popular trail (I can see why!) but we hardly encountered anyone on this Sunday in July.
Getting there: For reference, this trail is approximately an hour drive from the village of Lake George. From the east/Lake George region: make your way to route NY-28S westward, which you will stay on for about 31 miles. (If you need to stop for whatever reason, there is a Stewart’s and a few restaurants in North Creek en route to the trailhead.) Make a left onto Chamberlain Road, and after 0.7 miles, turn left onto Big Brook Road. Stay on this road for 3 miles and turn right to remain on the same road for another 2.5 miles. This road will take you to a dead end (AKA the destination) in which you will see a parking area to leave your car.
This hike starts on private property and the last few miles to the parking area are on a gravel road. Your vehicle will be fine in 3-season weather. As always, be mindful and respectful of the property and the trails (but you as my readers already know this.) Cell service will be intermittent and/or non-existent in the parking area. Once you gain elevation, you may have some service (but don’t count on it!)
Vehicle fee: $5.00 to park, honor system from what I could tell – drop it in the small box (will be obvious when you park.)
Side note: You can also rent cabins here apparently! Check out more in this link.
The hike: About 2.5 miles to the summit (5 miles round trip) out-and-back on the red trail; walk straight back for the “chimney” caves, backtrack to reach the summit (more below!)
After you park your car, keep walking down the road and veer left, as the trailhead will begin behind the cabin areas in that section. You will see a yellow trail and a red trail; take the red trail for Chimney Mountain. Sign in at the trail register and be on your merry way!
You will enter gorgeous tree-covered wilderness and cross a stream or two, before you begin to gain elevation – quickly! This is a steep hike, and you will feel it! If this scares you, don’t worry – it is short-lived, for the most part. After what seems like a while (but it won’t be😉) the trail will begin to level-off. You will also pass what looks like another trail unmarked to your right – remember this for later!
In the meantime, if you want to explore the rock formations/ “chimney” rocks, keep going straight. I thought this was actually really cool! I hadn’t seen anything quite like it before. Note: the trail markers will now disappear, but after you explore this area, backtrack to the other trail I mentioned earlier (now it will be on your left.) You will see a campsite area on your right, which means you are on the right path! Follow this pleasant trail all the way to the end (about 5 minutes at a steady pace), where the true summit awaits you with a view. We enjoyed the summit all to ourselves, had a quick snack and soaked in all the goodness that the ADK has to offer. We then started our descent, which seemed much quicker than our ascent!
Conclusion: This was a really unique hike, despite being a bit out of the way if you are not already staying in the area. That said, if you are with dogs or children, as always, be cautious. The area with the rock formations does get a little tricky and can be potentially dangerous – but does not have to be if you remain on the trail. If you don’t wish to explore these, you can also just take the right immediately to the summit from the main trail. Although some of the markers disappear, this trail was overall easy to navigate
Some suggestions for an ideal day:
You could spend the day here, as there is another trail that leads to Puffer Pond on the property (the yellow trail markers.) Bring a picnic and this would be a wonderful day in this remote section of the park.
Some other hikes you could add on, if you are up for a jam-packed hiking day, and depending which direction you are ultimately headed:
if heading northwest, Blue Mountain Fire Tower
if heading back towards Lake George, Moxham Mountain is one of my favorites, or check out OK Slip Falls (waterfall trail which I have not visited yet!)
If you’re hungry: head into Indian Lake - make a left onto Route 28 after you exit the road to the trailhead, and you’ll see a Stewart’s on your left and Indian Lake Restaurant and Tavern on your right (be sure to check operating hours, especially in the off-peak season.)
Happy Hiking!
