Lake George: Two Short Hikes I ❤️
There are so many beautiful hikes and walks in the Lake George region, but here are two that I particularly love. These are straightforward and can be enjoyed by many, even if you don’t have a lot of time to spare, or even if the weather might not be in your favor that day for a longer trek.
Despite the shorter length and minimal effort required, as always, plan ahead; tell someone where you’re going, and bring illumination should you have the best time ever, lose track of time and find yourself in the dark. And as always, leave no trace; carry out everything you carry in.
first up…
Stewart’s Ledge | Pilot Knob, NY
Getting there: This trailhead is about a 20 minute drive from the village of Lake George. You’ll head south to start to loop around the east side of the lake. You can follow directions to get on route 9L, and then eventually make a left onto Pilot Knob Road. After about 3.5 miles down the road, the parking lot and trailhead will be on your right. Note this is also the trailhead for one approach to Buck Mountain. This is a designated parking lot, which I’m sure fills up quickly on nice summer days.
The route: It’s about 0.8 miles to the boulders at the top, and is for the most part, an unmarked, but clear trail. I completed this out and back but it looks like there might be a way to do a short loop; maybe I’ll try this next time, but I don’t know for certain, so would recommend out and back at this time. Do not be alarmed that it is not listed on the sign at the trailhead (or at least it wasn’t as of this past summer.)
You’ll start out on the trail and then shortly see a path to your right emerge; take this path, continue for about a tenth of a mile, and you’ll soon encounter another fork, where you’ll bear left. You’ll follow the treed-in trail up a gradual incline where you’ll eventually make a sharp left to the boulders. From here is an awesome view point, where you can see the west and south side of the lake with ease. In addition to adding this on to a day after hiking Buck Mountain, this would be a peaceful ledge to watch the sunset!
———————————————————-
The Pinnacle | Bolton Landing, NY
Getting there: as of 2021, this has slightly changed! You will see a large parking lot with spaces (you won’t miss it!) The trailhead is less than 5 minutes from town (Bolton Landing.) From Lake Shore Drive, make your way to Mohican Road, which turns into Porter Hill Road. Turn right onto Edgecomb Pond Road and drive for 0.6 miles, and the parking area/ trailhead will appear quickly to your right (slightly before the old lot!) My recommendation is to hike this for sunrise or very early during the week, later in the day when the sun is setting, or anytime during the off-season. That’s when I typically go.
The route: You’ll follow the 1 mile, steady incline to the viewing area, where a bench and a phenomenal view of Green Island and the surrounding areas await you. This is a short hike that rewards you with quintessential Lake George views. It’s one of my favorites. Follow the red trail markers for this one - you can conversely follow the Blue markers which will take you to another phenomenal lil’ spot called Bradley’s Lookout!
