The Pinnacle near Lake George in the Adirondacks provides the visitor with a short hike to ledges with exceptional views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains! Located in the Town of Bolton Landing and owned by the Lake George Land Conservancy, the 85-acre Pinnacle Preserve is only about 10-minutes from downtown Lake George makes for a great addition to anyone’s vacation plans. Even families with young kids. The hike up and back, enjoying the views, can be done in an hour or so.
The Dirt
| Hiking Distance: | 2.0-miles R/T | Route Type: | Out-and-back |
| Total climb: | 600′ +/- | Hike type: | Trail (red-marked) |
| How hard? | Easy | Trailhead: | Edgecomb Road |
This short hike is sure to please with level sections of trail and switchbacks to handle the steeper parts. The Pinnacle Preserve Trailhead is off Edgecomb Road in Bolton Landing. The parking area is small with room for about five to six cars.
If parking is full, do not park on the road. Two options are possible; one could hike from the Edgecomb Pond Trailhead (long) or park at the Bolton Conservation Park, which is just down the road. Please be aware that the trail comes close to private land at times, do not stray onto private property.
At the corner of the parking area is the trail register, please sign in here’s why.
The Trail
The trail starts out on the level and quickly crosses a small brook.
The wide red-marked trail begins its very gradual ascent through mixed woods of deciduous trees, scattered hemlock and pines.
After some climbing the trail reaches one of three benches to sit and enjoy the surrounding forest.
As you climb along the trail through a pretty forest, you’ll switchback up the ridge and reach the yellow trail that comes from the trailhead at the Edgecomb Pond Trailhead for the awesome Cat Mountain. This is where you’ll find the second bench. Continue on the red-marked trail.
The trail will moderate from the junction with the yellow trail. You will now ascend easily toward the lookout ridge. You will not climb to the summit of the Pinnacle on this hike, but rather its rocky cliff overlooking Lake George!
Another hike nearby: Cat Mountain in Bolton Landing
At one point, you’ll reach what seems to be a trail junction. The red-marked trail turns right, and an unmarked path continues straight. Keep an eye out for this as the path straight leads around the mountain, not to the overlook. Notice the forest’s change, the trees have become stunted, and pine, hemlock, and white birch capture the scene.
Not far from this turn, at 1.0-mile from the start, you’ll break out onto the open rock ledge that has incredible views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains.
The view provides a 270-degree panorama! The vista includes the Tiny Trout Lake, Lake George, Tongue Mountain Range, French Mountain Pilot Knob, Buck Mountain, Little Buck Mountain, Shelving Rock Mountain, Sleeping Beauty, Erebus Mountain, and much more!
Pano View
Click image to enlarge
Video View
Bolton Landing Weather
The Pinnacle
Mountain weather is hard to predict. Starting out on a seemingly sunny day can quickly turn “bad”. Always check the forecast before heading out and prepare accordingly.
Trail Map
Click the map or here for a larger version of this map.
Contact
Lake George Land Conservancy
Macionis Family Center for Conservation
4905 Lake Shore Drive
P.O. Box 1250 Bolton Landing, New York, 12814
518-644-9673
Backwoods wanderer with a passion for backpacking, hiking, and exploring the wilds of the Catskills and Adirondacks in New York. A Catskill 3500 Club Member and Adirondack Forty-Sixer. Climbed Mount Rainier. Professionally an Exercise Physiologist.
