Buck Mt from Pilot Knob.
This 1.9-mile approach from Pilot Knob gains just 56 feet over gentle ground, more of a walk-in than a climb. Blue dots mark the way for hikers and mountain bikers alike, and you'll reach the base of Buck Mountain in under an hour. It's the route to take when you want woods time without the grunt work.
- 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 ~2,297 ft · live closures appear above
- AllowedDogs
- GroundSurface
- NoWheelchair
- Foot onlyMotor vehicle
- NoSki
- excellentTrail visibility
Read the line before you walk it.
What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
Guides, outfitters & shuttles.
If you’re already out here.
Lake George.
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 Sea3.9 mi
An upscale fine dining establishment offering a sophisticated menu of meticulously prepared dishes in the Lake George region.
- Lone Bull Pancake & Steak House5.9 mi
Hearty plates of traditional daytime fare round out the menu at this seasonal, rustic establishment.
- Antonio's Bayside Bistro6.1 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.
- The Olde Log Inn8.4 mi
American classics served in a log cabin with a stone fireplace & stuffed grizzly bear, plus a patio.
Sip.
3- Caffe Vero8.8 mi
Breakfast, baked goods, sandwiches & house-roasted coffee in a comfy, earth-toned cafe.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co23.3 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 Crepes23.4 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.
Sweet.
4- Cate's Creamery3.6 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.
- Scoop's Ice Cream Parlor8.7 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.
- Lake George Baking Company8.8 mi
A bakery with two locations in Queensbury and Lake George, offering custom cakes, breads, rolls, and the original Fudge Fancy. Off-season hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Martha's Dandee Creme12.8 mi
The definitive gateway ice cream stand into the Adirondacks, marked by its towering rooster sign on Route 9 in Queensbury. Towering swirls of soft serve in dozens of handmade flavors plus a grill menu, spring through early fall.
Drink.
4- Diamond Point Grille5.3 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.
- Ridge Terrace Restaurant-Cocktail Lounge5.6 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.
- Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery8.3 mi
Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, located in the Adirondack Mountains, crafts a variety of spirits including vodka, gin, moonshine, and whiskeys. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful tasting room offering specialty cocktails, local beer, wine,…
- Adirondack Bar and Grill8.6 mi
We pride ourselves on our seasonally inspired American classics and fresh ingredients in the meals we serve. Our food and drink options will have you coming back to troy something new each time!
Stay.
4- Boathouse Waterfront Lodging3.8 mi
Boathouse Waterfront Lodging is a historic, adults-only bed and breakfast located directly on the shores of Lake George in Bolton Landing, NY. It is the only lodging of its kind situated right on the water, offering a unique setting for ro…
- Blue Water Manor3.8 mi
Rustic mountain lodge offers log cabins, cottages & rooms plus lake views & a picnic area.
- Drake's Lakeside Cabins3.9 mi
Drake's Lakeside Cabins offers cozy, rustic waterfront vacation rentals on Lake George in Bolton Landing, featuring cabins with 2 or 3 bedrooms, full kitchens, a private beach, and dock rentals.
- The Sagamore Resort4.4 mi
Iconic Bolton Landing resort on Lake George with Donald Ross-designed golf, lakeside dining, spa, and classic summer-resort amenities.
See.
4- Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob3.7 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.
- Bolton Historical Museum3.8 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.
- Tour Boat Lake George at Blue Lagoon Resort5.3 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.
- Dunham Bay Marsh6.4 mi
Peat swamps, bog thickets & other unique areas for kayaking, canoeing & wildlife-watching.
Add to the record.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Buck Mt from Pilot Knob?The Buck Mt from Pilot Knob is approximately 1.86 miles (3.0 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Buck Mt from Pilot Knob?Most hikers complete the Buck Mt from Pilot Knob in about 60 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 56 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Buck Mt from Pilot Knob?The Buck Mt from Pilot Knob is rated easy hiking (SAC T1) — broad, well-marked path suitable for most fitness levels in sturdy shoes. Check current DEC advisories for closures, washouts, or seasonal restrictions before heading out.