The Lake George Area has a great variety of walking and hiking trails. There are trails up mountains that offer views of Lake George, the Adirondacks and Vermont; trails through wetlands; trails accessible by both hikers and bikers; paved trails; and quick accessible trails perfect for a quick workout.
Rush Pond, Queensbury
This well-groomed trail complete with a gravel pathway and bridges goes through the heart of the Rush Pond wetlands. The 2.2-mile one-way trail is mostly flat and popular with hikers and bikers in the summer and cross-country skiers and snowshoers in the winter.
Pharoah Lake Southern Entrance Trail, Brant Lake
A largely undiscovered access point to the beautiful Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, the southern entrance trail lies just off of Beaver Pond Road in Brant Lake. The moderately difficult trail is a 2.37-mile hike that brings you to the end of Pharaoh Lake, where a classic Adirondack lean-to and views of Pharaoh Mountain are waiting for you.
Chester Challenge Trails, Chestertown
The Chester Challenge is made up of 11 trails in the Chestertown region, just a quick drive up the Northway (I-87) from Lake George. With hikes ranging from beginner to moderately difficult, there is truly something for everyone. Those who complete all of the hikes in the Challenge are encouraged to visit the Chester Town Hall or North Warren Chamber of Commerce in Chestertown to receive a pin of completion.
VanDusen Preserve, Queensbury
The trailhead is just off West Mountain Road in Queensbury making it super accessible from I-87. It’s an easier loop coming in just under 2 miles. The terrain is varied with flat, sloping and steep inclines throughout. If you’re looking to get a quick workout in or to take the dogs on a walk, this is a great trail.
Warren County Bike Trail
This 9.2-mile rail-trail was the first in New York State! The beautifully paved bikeway begins in Glens Falls and will take you all the way to the southern end of Lake George, ending right in front of Million Dollar Beach. On the way, you’ll get a great view of Glen Lake and go by Magic Forest. While not open to dogs, it welcomes both bikers and people on foot. If you’re an ice cream fan, this bike trail takes you by three ice cream places including Cooper’s Cave, which also offers homemade soda, craft brews, and food.
Pack Forest Nature Trail, Warrensburg
The Pack Demonstration Forest run by SUNY ESF is located just north of the town of Warrensburg and boasts 2,500 acres of woodland trails. The Nature Trail, located near the entrance to the forest, has public parking and is handicap accessible. The trail cuts through an old-growth hemlock-white pine forest and can be extended onto a number of other trails also located in Pack Forest.
Cat & Thomas Mountains, Bolton Landing
Cat and Thomas Mountains, both accessible from the same trailhead just north of Bolton Landing, are moderately difficult hikes that offer spectacular views of Lake George. Follow the ridge trail to summit both mountains, and increase the difficulty of the hike by trying the newest trail on the mountain, the red trail, which descends from the summit of Cat Mountain.
Gore Mountain, North Creek
Popular with skiers and snowboarders in the winter, Gore Mountain also offers access to hiking trails in the summer and fall. The trail that stretches up old logging roads and ski trails from the base of the North Creek Ski Bowl offers numerous branches that allow you to pick how difficult you want your hike to be, although the majority of the trails are on the challenging side. However, the views from the top are not to be missed!
Crane Mountain, Thurman
Located right in Thurman, NY, Crane Mountain is steep and rocky but a fun climb. You can take the 3.1-mile loop which offers multiple beautiful views from one side and a scenic pond on the other. Be prepared to clamber up rocks and ladders to get to the top
Cole's Woods, Queensbury
Cole’s Woods offered North America’s first lighted cross-country ski trails and continues to be popular with skiers, snowshoers, runners, and walkers. Located in Queensbury it has multiple routes throughout with both steep and flat terrain and can be accessed from the parking lot of the Glens Fall YMCA.
Learn more about all of the amazing Adirondack hiking trails in the Lake George Area!