Adirondack Snowshoeing Near Lake George: Winter Trails, Caves, and Gorges

Snowshoeing in the Adirondacks opens up winter trails that would be hard to cross on foot alone, from quiet nature paths to gorges, caves, and frozen waterfalls. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.

Trails near Lake George range from short, family-friendly loops to longer routes worth a day trip north into the park.

Why Try Snowshoeing Near Lake George

Snowshoes spread your weight across the snow so you stay on top of it instead of sinking in. That makes winter hiking possible on buried trails, with far less instruction than skiing.

Winter also changes the scenery:

Leafless forests open up views
Fresh snow reveals animal tracks
Waterfalls freeze into ice formations
Trails are quieter than in the busy summer season

Kids, couples, and groups can head out together, setting their own pace and stopping for photos along the way.

Snowshoe Trails North of Lake George

North of the lake in Chestertown, the Dynamite Hill Recreation Center & Nature Trail is a four-season recreation area with a nature trail and cross-country ski trails. In winter, the hill also offers skiing and snow tubing and ice skating, so you can mix activities in one visit.

Farther north in Pottersville, Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park opens more than 14 miles of snowshoe trails in winter. Highlights along the routes include:

Views of the massive stone bridge arch, which the park describes as the largest marble cave entrance in the East
Large glacial erratic boulders
Rock ledges and waterfalls

Snowshoe tours are also offered during the winter season.

Winter Tours at Ausable Chasm

For a longer day trip, Ausable Chasm offers winter tours of the gorge it calls the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks. Dating back to 1870, it's one of the oldest natural attractions in the country.

Winter brings smaller crowds and a different look at the chasm, where walls rise about 150 feet. It's one of several regional destinations worth the drive from Lake George.