Shelving Rock Falls & Summit: Which Hike Is Right for You?
Many visitors don't realize there are two separate hikes in the Shelving Rock area: the easy Shelving Rock Falls trail and the longer Shelving Rock Summit hike. While both are family-friendly and located just a short drive apart on the eastern shore of Lake George, they offer very different experiences.
The Shelving Rock area offers two separate, beginner-friendly hikes on the eastern shore of Lake George: Shelving Rock Falls and Shelving Rock Summit. While they're located just a short drive apart, each has its own trailhead and can be enjoyed independently or combined into one outing.
Shelving Rock Falls is an easy hike that follows a wide trail to a beautiful waterfall before continuing to the shoreline of Lake George. Along the way, you'll pass scenic cascades, a beaver pond, and peaceful forest. Use caution near the falls, as the rocks can be slippery.
Shelving Rock Summit is a 3.4-mile round-trip hike that follows a gradual old carriage road to a grassy summit. A short side path at the top leads to panoramic views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains. The hike typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip and is considered easy to moderate, making it a great choice for beginner hikers looking for a little more elevation.
If you're looking to do both, experienced hikers can combine the two into a longer loop that includes the summit, Lake George shoreline, and Shelving Rock Falls. For this route, you'd climb to the summit, descend to Log Bay/Shelving Rock Bay, and pass Shelving Rock Falls on your way down and again on your way back.
Good to know:
- There are designated parking areas for both trailheads, and parking along Shelving Rock Road is prohibited.
- This hike can be very rocky, muddy, and buggy - plan accordingly with appropriate footwear and bring bug spray.
Hear it from the locals:
When asked about this hike on Facebook and reddit forums some people have said:
"Be extremely cautious of the slippery rocks at the falls."
"From 149 it's almost a 10-mile drive to the parking lot along a rough and gravely road. If it hasn't rained recently, be prepared for your car to be covered with dust."
"Go on down to Log Bay and swim there. Also take some food to have some lunch."
"Continue driving down the trail past the creek parking lot. Find the trailhead for the lake and take a dip first. Then continue on the path to the falls."
Hear it from the locals on the parking situation:
"There are several parking lots. We ended up in 3 which worked out well. Quick walk down to Log Bay."
"The whole area can be a little confusing with all the different lots and trails that look like roads. The main Shelving Rock road itself is usually fine for most cars. It gets a little bumpy."
"Between lots 4 and 5 there is a trail to the upper part of the falls. It's behind a yellow gate. It is not a drivable road. It's a really quick walk on an easy trial and we were at the top of the falls."
"You continue down Shelving Rock Road until you get to parking lot #1. Then you walk back about 50 yards and follow the trail/stream to Shelving Rock Falls. You could approach it from the bottom up, following the old carriage roads if you start from the lots closer to Lake George proper, but they're not drivable. The road down to the parking lots is a dirt road but it's perfectly fine to drive."
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