Balm of Gilead Mountain Trail.
This half-mile trail climbs Balm of Gilead Mountain, a modest summit in the northeastern Adirondacks near the town of Johnsburg. The short distance suggests a steep pitch, typical of smaller Adirondack peaks where elevation gain concentrates quickly. Expect a quiet route—Balm of Gilead sees far less traffic than the nearby Gore Mountain network.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~2,329 ft · live closures appear above
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What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
Guides, outfitters & shuttles.
If you’re already out here.
Indian Lake.
The corner of the Park this trail calls home — its hamlets, waters, lodging, and the rest of its field record.
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Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- becks TAVERN6.0 mi
A tavern on Peaceful Valley Road in North Creek serving German-inspired dishes alongside burgers, wings, and bar standards. The Yurts out back are the conversation piece.
- McSweeney's Irish Pub9.5 mi
An Irish-style pub on Route 30 in Indian Lake serving comfort-food classics (shepherd's pie, fish and chips) seven days a week, year-round. The dependable dinner spot in town.
- Cafe Adirondack Restaurant & Wine Room14.1 mi
Please call 518-494-5800 for reservations, or to check for takeout and walk in availability.
- Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar18.3 mi
Sticks and Stones Wood fired Bistro and Bar, Menu, Events, Catering, Location, Adirondack style private parties.
Sip.
4- The PERKS of Speculator19.2 mi
Speculator coffee shop and bakery at 2855 NY-30. Specialty coffee, espresso, fresh-baked bagels and pastries, plus breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Gluten-free options across the bakery case.
- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop19.4 mi
Seasonal coffee shop inside the 1895 schoolhouse that houses Blue Mountain Designs. Espresso, locally roasted coffee, loose-leaf tea, baked goods, avocado toast, sandwiches, and soups. May through October.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co19.4 mi
9 Mile Coffee Co. is a coffee shop in downtown Schroon Lake, NY, serving a variety of coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches, and soups. They also sell their custom coffee blends and gift cards online.
- Cupola Crepes19.4 mi
Family-run creperie at 1095 Main Street in Schroon Lake. Sweet and savory crepes (gluten-free batter available), scones, coffee, and soft serve. Wednesday through Sunday.
— 19.2 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
4- The Hungry Crow Market & Café6.0 mi
A downtown North Creek market and cafe serving soft serve alongside scratch-made desserts, next to Hudson River Trading Co. — the cone stop in the Gore and Upper Hudson area.
- Stone Bridge Ice Cream14.6 mi
Stone Bridge Ice Cream is a seasonal stand located 2.5 miles from the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, offering over 40 flavors of soft serve, custom ice cream cakes, and signature sundaes. It features outdoor seating and a kids' swing set.
- Crossroads Ice Cream15.7 mi
The ice cream counter at The Crossroads, a country and outdoors store off I-87 Exit 25 in Chestertown between Schroon and Brant Lake — hard and soft ice cream on the road north.
- Main Street Ice Cream Parlor15.7 mi
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Drink.
4- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store9.5 mi
Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store offers a full bar with an extensive bottle selection and local drafts, alongside a menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees. The restaurant is currently closed for mud season and wi…
- Black Bear Restaurant & Bar14.0 mi
Black Bear Restaurant & Bar is an American eatery in Pottersville, NY, offering comfort food, sandwiches, and breakfast. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, quick service, and popular dishes like meatloaf and gravy fries.
- The Hub17.9 mi
The Hub is a cafe, restaurant, lounge, bar, and bike repair shop located in Brant Lake, also serving the Lake George, Loon Lake, Friends Lake, and Schroon Lake areas.
- Acorn Pub & Eatery at Oak Mountain18.4 mi
Acorn Pub & Eatery is a dining option at Oak Mountain, offering a place to eat and drink.
Stay.
4- North River Hobby Farm Cabin and Glamping Rentals2.9 mi
Located in the southern Adirondacks, this vacation rental property offers cozy cabins and glamping tents set over 40 acres of wildflowers and woods. Each cabin features charming old-style detailing with bay windows, beadboard walls, and…
- Gore Mountain Lodge6.0 mi
Gore Mountain Lodge is your Adirondack lodging vacation escape two minutes from both the lifts at Gore Mountain and the Hudson River.
- The Alpine Lodge6.0 mi
A 19-room lodge in North Creek with recently updated rooms, suites with kitchenettes, smart-room amenities, Tesla chargers, pet-friendly rooms. Five minutes to Gore Mountain.
- The Inn on Gore Mountain6.1 mi
Adirondack-themed ski lodge 500 feet from the Gore Mountain access road. Main Lodge plus four two-story cabins, eighteen rooms total, sleeping up to thirty-two guests across twelve bedrooms.
See.
4- Revolution Rail Co. - Thurman Station5.8 mi
A pedal-powered rail biking operation at Thurman Station on the Adirondack Railroad bed near North Creek, with family-friendly seasonal tours rolling alongside the Hudson River corridor through forest and open river-bank country.
- North Creek Depot Museum5.9 mi
Saved from demolition, this 1872 landmark station is now a museum, heritage center, and cultural hub in historic North Creek, featuring a fabulous diorama and exhibits on the Adirondack Railroad, Theodore Roosevelt, and local history.
- Natural Stone Bridge & Caves13.0 mi
Explore the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern U.S., carved by Trout Brook. Offers self-guided trails, adventure tours, and winter snowshoeing with ice formations.
- Ampersand Christine Falls16.8 mi
Ampersand Energy LLC.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Balm of Gilead Mountain Trail?The Balm of Gilead Mountain Trail is approximately 0.49 miles (0.8 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Balm of Gilead Mountain Trail?Most hikers complete the Balm of Gilead Mountain Trail in about 25 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 397 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Balm of Gilead Mountain Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Balm of Gilead Mountain Trail is a moderate hike (397 ft of climbing over the route) — steady climbing that rewards a reasonable base of fitness. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.