The Thomas Mountain trail is a three mile round-trip hike in Bolton Landing. The hike is moderately difficult, but can be steep at times. Upon reaching the summit, hikers are rewarded with views of Lake George's south and central basins.
Park at the Valley Woods Road parking lot (directions below) and begin your hike on the blue trail (a dirt road). After 0.7 miles, you'll reach the intersection with the yellow trail. Turn right to follow the yellow trail (another dirt road) for 0.7 miles. You'll reach an overlook with 180-degree views of Lake George.
If you'd like to continue on to the neighboring Cat Mountain summit, you can continue on the yellow trail for an additional 2 miles, but please note that it is a longer, more challenging trek than the route to the Thomas Mountain summit.
Hunting and trapping are allowed on the Cat and Thomas Mountains Preserve, so if you are hiking during hunting season, please wear bright colors and hike in groups.
Also note, while hiking we ran into a bees nest, be aware of bees and if allergic bring an epi pen while hiking!
For a map of the trails, click here.
Trailhead coordinates:
43° 36' 14" N
73° 41' 33" W
NOTES:
- A map of the “Cat and Thomas Mountains Preserve” can be obtained from the Lake George Land Conservancy, PO Box 1250, Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing, NY 12814; 518-644-9673.
- No vehicles allowed.
- Pets are allowed on this trail, but they must be leashed.
- Camping is permitted up to three nights, but you must be at least 150 feet from a road, trail, spring, stream, or pond. Larger groups or more nights requires a permit.
- Fires are permitted, but must be attended to at all times.
- This trail is part of the Lake George 12ster Hiking Challenge
DIRECTIONS FROM FROM LAKE GEORGE & SOUTH
From the Adirondack Northway (I-87) take exit 24, turn right onto County Route 11 (going east) and follow it toward Bolton Landing. (Do NOT turn right on County Route 10 (River Road) immediately after the exit.) Drive 2.0 miles until you reach Valley Woods Road, on your right. Turn right onto Valley Woods Road and continue for 100 feet to the parking area on your right. Be sure to sign the trail register.
DIRECTIONS FROM BOLTON LANDING NY:
From the Sagamore Hotel, it's about 10 minutes to Thomas Mountain. Travel north on Route 9N for about 1.7 miles to the junction of County Route 11 (Bolton Landing-Riverbank Road). Turn left/west on County Route 11 for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Valley Woods Road. The parking area is about 100 feet up on the right.
ALTERNATIVE RETURN TRIP:
Turn right on Route 11, and follow it to its end at Route 9N, for an incredible view of the lake, of several of the Narrows islands, and of Sleeping Beauty and Buck Mountains. When you start to descend, you should start to drive very slowly for two reasons: (1) The road will become steeper, and you will avoid an accident. (2) The view of the lake is fleeting, and you will be able to enjoy it for a longer time. Turn right, and follow it into Bolton Landing, and, from there, into Lake George. If time permits, you may want to spend time in Bolton Landing, a charming Victorian village with great restaurants, free beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. Parking is usually available at the town hall, a modern building on the right (west) side of 9N.
These trails are available due to the Lake George Land Conservancy. Feel free to show your appreciation by donating to them online here