Pilot Knob path.
This short 1.1-mile path leads to Pilot Knob, a small rocky summit offering views over Lake George's northern basin. The trail gains roughly 300 feet through mixed hardwoods before emerging on open ledges. Historically used as a lookout point, the knob remains a quick climb popular with visitors staying nearby on the lake's western shore.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~1,752 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.
Lake George.
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- Beyond the Sea3.8 mi
An upscale fine dining establishment offering a sophisticated menu of meticulously prepared dishes in the Lake George region.
- Lone Bull Pancake & Steak House4.4 mi
Hearty plates of traditional daytime fare round out the menu at this seasonal, rustic establishment.
- Antonio's Bayside Bistro4.8 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 Inn6.9 mi
American classics served in a log cabin with a stone fireplace & stuffed grizzly bear, plus a patio.
Sip.
3- Caffe Vero7.3 mi
Breakfast, baked goods, sandwiches & house-roasted coffee in a comfy, earth-toned cafe.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co23.8 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 Crepes23.8 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 Creamery3.7 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 Parlor7.2 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 Company7.3 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 Creme11.5 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 Grille3.7 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 Lounge4.6 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.
- Lake George Beach Club7.3 mi
Lively 2-story haunt on the water featuring classic American dishes, live music & TVs for sports.
- Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery7.4 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,…
Stay.
4- Drake's Lakeside Cabins2.8 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.
- Blue Water Manor2.9 mi
Rustic mountain lodge offers log cabins, cottages & rooms plus lake views & a picnic area.
- Treasure Cove Resort Motel3.0 mi
Family-run motel offering simple rooms, plus 2 pools, free kayak rentals & a sandy beach.
- Flamingo Resort On Lake George3.1 mi
A waterfront resort in Diamond Point, halfway between Lake George Village and Bolton Landing, with a private sand beach, two heated pools, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, and a jumping bridge.
See.
4- Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob2.5 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 Museum3.7 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 Resort3.8 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 Marsh5.1 mi
Peat swamps, bog thickets & other unique areas for kayaking, canoeing & wildlife-watching.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Pilot Knob path?The Pilot Knob path is approximately 1.06 miles (1.7 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Pilot Knob path?Most hikers complete the Pilot Knob path in about 1 hour at a steady pace with roughly 1,165 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Pilot Knob path?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Pilot Knob path is a demanding hike (1,165 ft of climbing over the route) — sustained climbing best suited to fit, experienced hikers. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.