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AdirondackRegion.com

Black Mountain Summit Trail

A substantial climb to one of the eastern Adirondacks' more prominent summits, this trail spans nearly twelve kilometers and is reported to offer sweeping views across Lake George and the surrounding peaks. Marked by red discs, the route ascends through mixed forest and over occasional rock outcrops, gaining considerable elevation before reaching the fire tower that often serves as the destination's landmark. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation maintains the trail, which typically requires a full day for the round trip and is considered moderately strenuous given both its length and cumulative gain.

§ Overview

Black Mountain Summit Trail runs 3.6 miles (5.9 km) with about 2,795 feet of elevation gain — a demanding hike, with a sustained climb, about 5 hours on the trail. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation maintains the route.

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Length
3.6 mi
Elevation gain
2,795 ft
Difficulty · est.
Demanding
Book time
5 h 4 m
§ Before you go
  • New York State Department of Environmental ConservationOperator
  • lwnNetwork
From OpenStreetMap. Surface + access tags vary by trail.
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Elevation profile
Max 2,635 ftMin 1,532 ftNet gain 2,795 ft
2,635 ft1,532 ft0 mi1.8 mi3.7 mi5.5 mi7.3 mi
§ Nearby parking

38 parking areas

Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data; surface and capacity from OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.

+30 more on the map above

§ Closest essentials

Nearest, each within 25 miles

Coffee
Caffe Vero
16.0 mi away
Restaurant
Beyond the Sea
7.8 mi away
General store
Adirondack General Store
16.3 mi away
Shelter
Lapland Pond Lean-To
0.7 mi away
§ Nearby Points of Interest
Peaks (12)
Lakes & ponds (14)
Trails (24)
Shelters (1)
  • Thomas Lodge10.8 mi
Lean-tos (26)
  • Lapland Pond Lean-To0.7 mi
  • Black Mountain Ponds Lean-To1.0 mi
  • Millman Pond Lean-To1.4 mi
  • Greenland Pond Lean-To1.9 mi
  • Fishbrook Pond South Lean-To2.5 mi
  • Fifth Peak Lean-To3.6 mi
  • Fifth Peak Lean-to3.6 mi
  • Fivemile Mountain Lean-To4.1 mi
Primitive campsites (245)
  • Black Mountain Ponds Campsite0.7 mi
  • FB00021.9 mi
  • Coopers Island1.9 mi
  • FB0031.9 mi
  • FB0041.9 mi
  • FB00021.9 mi
  • FB0051.9 mi
  • Phenita Island1.9 mi
§ The Field Notes

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Field notes and corrections are reviewed before they appear publicly. Photos and Logbook entries post immediately.§ Maintain or steward this trail? Get in touch →
§ Stay near this trail
Huletts on Lake George — hero image
2.3 miLake George

Huletts on Lake George

The Lodges at Bolton Landing — hero image
6.6 miLake George

The Lodges at Bolton Landing

Blue Water Manor
10 miLake George

Blue Water Manor

§ From the field guides
All field guides →
§ Frequently asked