Shortway Trail.
7 miles through the Adirondacks, a moderate length suitable for a quick morning outing or an after-work leg-stretcher. The name suggests it may serve as a connector or alternate route within a larger trail network, though specific junctions aren't documented here. Expect typical Adirondack forest terrain—mixed hardwoods, occasional roots and rocks, and the kind of quiet that makes you notice your own footsteps.
- Family-friendlyShort, easy, and gentle enough for young legs
- Good for snowshoeingNon-technical grade that carries a snowshoe track
- Peak foliage window — color starts up high and works down the valleys through mid-October.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~1,201 ft · live closures appear above
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 Sea4.3 mi
An upscale fine dining establishment offering a sophisticated menu of meticulously prepared dishes in the Lake George region.
- Lone Bull Pancake & Steak House8.3 mi
Hearty plates of traditional daytime fare round out the menu at this seasonal, rustic establishment.
- Antonio's Bayside Bistro8.6 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.
- Tommy Guns Pizzeria10.8 mi
Tommy Guns Pizzeria & Bar in Warrensburg, NY, serves delicious pizza, wings, and a variety of other dishes crafted from top-notch ingredients. It offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for meals with family and friends or for hosti…
Sip.
3- Caffe Vero11.3 mi
Breakfast, baked goods, sandwiches & house-roasted coffee in a comfy, earth-toned cafe.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co21.9 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 Crepes22.0 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 Creamery4.1 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 Parlor11.2 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 Company11.3 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.
- Main Street Ice Cream Parlor13.5 mi
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Drink.
4- Diamond Point Grille7.6 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 Lounge8.1 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.
- Crazy Loon Distillery10.5 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…
- Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery10.6 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- Boathouse Waterfront Lodging4.1 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…
- The Sagamore Resort4.2 mi
Iconic Bolton Landing resort on Lake George with Donald Ross-designed golf, lakeside dining, spa, and classic summer-resort amenities.
- The Lodges at Bolton Landing4.7 mi
A collection of lodges on Lake George's Northwest Bay, providing direct water access with complimentary boats and a renovated pool area.
- Blue Water Manor5.5 mi
Rustic mountain lodge offers log cabins, cottages & rooms plus lake views & a picnic area.
See.
4- Bolton Historical Museum4.3 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 Knob6.2 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.
- Godwin Preserve7.2 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.
- Tour Boat Lake George at Blue Lagoon Resort7.7 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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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Shortway Trail?The Shortway Trail is approximately 1.70 miles (2.7 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Shortway Trail?Most hikers complete the Shortway Trail in about 50 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 23 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Shortway Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Shortway Trail is an easy hike (23 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.