Beginning Hikers Deserve Great Views, Too! Set Your Sights on These Easy Lake George Hikes
Hiking in the Adirondacks is a breathtaking experience, but not everyone is ready for the high peaks. Families with young kids, older outdoor enthusiasts, and newcomers often seek easier trails. We've surveyed experienced hikers to create a list of five beginner-friendly trails in the Lake George area that offer high rewards without overwhelming challenges.
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Very Easy Hike: Gurney Lane Park
Queensbury, NY
Here's a great place to start getting a feeling for what it's like to trail walk, especially for kids and newcomers to hiking. This Queensbury park spans 150 acres and includes 13 miles of trails.
Trails range from 0.3 to 1.1 miles. If you're up for more distance, you can combine some of these trails for a longer hike. The wide, logging-road-sized trails are even suitable for strollers.
There are also nature trails where kids can get a close-up view of plants, plus mountain biking trails and trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, so this is a great spot to keep in mind for outdoor fun in any season.
Easy Hike: Shelving Rock Summit & Shelving Rock Falls
East Side of Lake George, NY
Shelving Rock Summit trail is a 1.7-mile out-and-back hike, totaling 3.4 miles. The generous width of this former carriage trail makes it perfect for families and large groups. It provides just enough hiking to feel immersed in nature without being overwhelming, with a round trip taking about 1.5 hours.
Shelving Rock Falls is a very short hike, but reaching the trailhead requires driving several miles on a gravel road, and it's 45 minutes from Lake George. While it's a nice family outing, travelers should be aware of these logistics.
Scenic woods and enchanting waterfalls at Shelving Rock delight hikers of all ages, especially kids. The trail ends at Lake George, so it's wise to bring snacks, a picnic, and a bathing suit to fully enjoy the experience.
For directions to Shelving Rock Summit and Falls, click here.
Moderately Easy Hike: Pilot Knob
Fort Ann, NY
Hikers love this trail for its proximity to Lake George Village (a 10-minute drive) and its abundant flora and fauna. The trail features a gazebo with lauded views of Lake George, and dogs are allowed.
Pilot Knob is popular with families and younger hikers, though it is considered moderately easy due to some steeper sections. While not overwhelming, be prepared for inclines during the 0.7-mile ascent to the gazebo.
From the gazebo, the trail continues for another 0.9 miles to a waterfall, which is active during the spring.
Moderately Short Hike: The Pinnacle
Bolton Landing, NY
Don't let the 1.5 miles fool you: Pinnacle requires some uphill climbing, including two spots hikers definitely call steep. But this hike is incredibly efficient because it gives you a nice workout and heart-rate jolt while offering a panoramic view of Lake George.
We're talking a 270-degree view that includes the Tongue Mountain range, the Narrows, Shelving Rock, Buck Mountain, the Town of Bolton, Dome Island, the Bolton Conservation Park, and Trout Lake.
Dogs are allowed if they're on leash, and mountain bikes can use this trail, too. For more ambitious hikers, the Pinnacle trail connects to Edgecomb Pond and Cat Mountain, so there's a chance to lengthen this hike that alone can take around an hour.
Caution is given for the steep drop at the summit's lookout point.
Moderately Longer Hike: Sleeping Beauty Mountain
East Side of Lake George
Hikers rave about this popular trail, which has two different starting points depending on where you park. That means it's either 5 miles round-trip, if you can drive the narrow road to the Dacy Clearing trailhead, or 7 miles if you opt for the Hog Town lot, which is larger and more easily accessible.
The general sense is that if you are up for a longer walk, just opt for the Hog Town lot because it's a flat walk to Dacy Clearing, so you can warm up and down. From Dacy Clearing, the trail is well-marked and offers sensational views of Lake George at the false summit.
If you really want to stretch this hike out, then add stops along a path to Bumps Pond, and then to Fish Brook Pond, before hooking onto the trail back to the parking area. This is a family-friendly trail where dogs are allowed to tag along.
Prepare for Your Next Hiking Trip
Even the easiest of hikes can be challenging without the right preparation. Although these hikes might not require much hiking gear to complete, there are certain items that you should have on every hike.
The most important thing is the right attire. No matter the distance or the terrain, the proper shoes are necessary. Pair this with the right pants and a good hiking shirt, and you will be set to take on whatever hike you please.
Browse Our Suggested Hiking Apparel
After these beginner hikes, you may want to gear up for more advanced hikes as well, including the Adirondack high peaks.
The five hikes we've featured here are a mere sampling of great hikes for beginners in the Lake George area.