Black Mountain Ponds Trail.
A blue-blazed route of just over four kilometers, this trail climbs toward a pair of secluded ponds tucked beneath Black Mountain's western slopes. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the path is reported to offer a relatively modest ascent through mixed forest before reaching the water.
- Leg-stretcherShort and nearly flat — an hour or less
- Family-friendlyShort, easy, and gentle enough for young legs
- Good for snowshoeingNon-technical grade that carries a snowshoe track
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~1,870 ft · live closures appear above
- New York State Department of Environmental ConservationOperator
- lwnNetwork
Read the line before you walk it.
What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
What the route itself carries.
Summits reached, waters touched, and the lean-tos along the way — read it like a cue sheet, mile posts ascending.
Guides, outfitters & shuttles.
If you’re already out here.
Brant Lake.
The corner of the Park this trail calls home — its hamlets, waters, lodging, and the rest of its field record.
Read the Region→
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- Beyond the Sea7.1 mi
An upscale fine dining establishment offering a sophisticated menu of meticulously prepared dishes in the Lake George region.
- Jimbo's Club at the Point12.0 mi
A fine-dining room and private event venue on a 25-acre peninsula on Brant Lake, off Route 8. Weekly-changing menu, an award-winning wine list, and wedding bookings for the full property.
- Lone Bull Pancake & Steak House12.2 mi
Hearty plates of traditional daytime fare round out the menu at this seasonal, rustic establishment.
- Antonio's Bayside Bistro12.5 mi
Discover a unique dining experience at Antonio's Bayside Bistro, where tradition meets innovation on the serene shores of Lake George. Enjoy exquisite Italian cuisine, breathtaking views, and warm hospitality.
Sip.
3- Caffe Vero15.2 mi
Breakfast, baked goods, sandwiches & house-roasted coffee in a comfy, earth-toned cafe.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co20.4 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 Crepes20.4 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.
— 15.2 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
4- Cate's Creamery6.9 mi
The main ice cream spot in the heart of Bolton Landing village on Lake George's quieter west shore — soft serve, hand-dipped hard ice cream, and slushies, a short stroll from the lakefront.
- Main Street Ice Cream Parlor14.4 mi
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- Crossroads Ice Cream14.5 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.
- Scoop's Ice Cream Parlor15.1 mi
Scoop's Ice Cream Parlor in Lake George offers ice cream and frozen yogurt at inexpensive prices. Located at 327 Canada St, it provides take-out service and accepts credit cards.
Drink.
4- Diamond Point Grille11.4 mi
Diamond Point Grille is a casual family restaurant located in Diamond Point, NY, on Lake George. It specializes as a fish and burger joint, serving simple comfort food made with local, affordable ingredients in a relaxed setting.
- Crazy Loon Distillery11.4 mi
At the Crazy Loon Distillery, we produce high quality Adirondack inspired craft spirits that reflect the innovative nature and peaceful mindset of the North Country of New York. We offer a lineup of flavorful craft spirits inspired by the…
- Ridge Terrace Restaurant-Cocktail Lounge11.9 mi
The Ridge Terrace is a chef-owned and operated restaurant in Lake George, NY, celebrating its 60th season. They offer a diverse menu, including a children's menu, and can accommodate special dietary requests.
- The Hub12.6 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.
Stay.
4- Huletts on Lake George3.2 mi
A collection of named cottages on Lake George's east shore at Huletts Landing, with a sandy beach, dock access, a 9-hole golf course, and Black Mountain hiking nearby.
- Northbrook Motel5.3 mi
Pet-friendly cottages on Lake Shore Drive in Silver Bay, on the quieter northern end of Lake George. Private dock access, private beach, and a shared bonfire pit. Twelve miles north of Lake George Village.
- The Lodges at Bolton Landing5.6 mi
A collection of lodges on Lake George's Northwest Bay, providing direct water access with complimentary boats and a renovated pool area.
- The Sagamore Resort6.5 mi
Iconic Bolton Landing resort on Lake George with Donald Ross-designed golf, lakeside dining, spa, and classic summer-resort amenities.
See.
4- Godwin Preserve7.1 mi
Godwin Preserve in the Town of Bolton offers two hiking trails totaling 112 acres, with moderate difficulty. The Yellow Trail provides views of Amy's Park wetlands and High Nopit, while the Red Trail connects to Pole Hill Pond Preserve.
- Bolton Historical Museum7.2 mi
The Bolton Historical Museum, located on the shores of Lake George in Bolton Landing, educates visitors about the history of Bolton, Lake George, and the surrounding region.
- Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob10.1 mi
Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob offers a moderately steep, 0.7-mile hike to a gazebo with expansive views of Lake George and the Adirondacks. An additional blue trail leads to a seasonal waterfall.
- Tour Boat Lake George at Blue Lagoon Resort11.5 mi
Tour Boat Lake George at Blue Lagoon Resort offers private guided boat tours of Lake George on a 24-foot bowrider motorboat. Guests enjoy sightseeing, swimming, tubing, and cliff jumping with an experienced captain.
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Sunrise on the dock, a cairn at the summit, a bend on the trail. Your camera roll, our archive.
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Trail conditions, water level, bug pressure, blowdown. The kind of detail that helps the next person plan.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Black Mountain Ponds Trail?The Black Mountain Ponds Trail is approximately 1.03 miles (1.7 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Black Mountain Ponds Trail?Most hikers complete the Black Mountain Ponds Trail in about 35 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 114 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Black Mountain Ponds Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Black Mountain Ponds Trail is an easy hike (114 ft of climbing over the route) — gentle grades suitable for most fitness levels and families. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.
- Who maintains the Black Mountain Ponds Trail?The Black Mountain Ponds Trail is operated or maintained by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (part of the lwn network).