SHELVING ROCK FALLS/MOUNTAIN

See a beaver dam. Hike, climb, and frolic in a stony pool at the base of a spectacular waterfall. Only a short distance from Buck Mountain, at Shelving Rock Mountain and Falls, you can do it all! The Falls is a picture perfect location to see optimal views of Lake George.

The Falls is an easy Adirondack hiking experience on a wide, unmarked dirt trail that leads straight to the cascade’s top. You can reach its base by a steep path that branches off to the right. If you wear swim suits or shorts, along with water shoes or sneakers, you can cool off in the refreshing waters. If you follow the waters downstream, you will eventually reach the lake.

CAUTION: The path to the base is steep, and the rocks are slippery in spots, so prudence is advised.

Unfortunately, Shelving Rock Mountain affords a relatively poor view of the lake and its surroundings. What would otherwise be a spectacular view of Tongue Mountain and the Narrows is blocked by trees. To the left, the trail drops several hundred feet down to the lake (Keep in mind that you will have to hike back up if you decide to continue in that direction). To the right, the woods are honeycombed with a maze of worn, unmarked paths.

At one point, you will see a brief glimpse of the lake on your right. This is not the summit. The trail continues to the left.

CAUTION: Once you arrive at the peak, the trail markers end. Because of this, you can easily become disoriented, and even lost, when you walk around. We advise you to carry “markers” (strips of cloth, extra hats, etc.) to identify the trail’s end, as well as other landmarks. When you return, simply follow them back to the trail, removing them as you go.

The hike to the summit is approximately a mile-and-a-half, and generally moderate-to-steep. The wide Adirondack hiking trail (much of it an old carriage road) is an engineering marvel. Despite its isolation, the trail-builders managed to build rock retaining walls and water run-offs.

SUGGESTION: You may want to combine this hike with one to nearby Sleeping Beauty Mountain.

GETTING THERE FROM LAKE GEORGE

Head south on Route 9, until you reach Route 149 on your left. Follow Route 149 past a golf course on your left, continue past Route 9L, and turn left on Butttermilk Falls Road. Follow it to its end, and bear left on Sly Pond Road.

Sly Pond Road will soon become a dirt road. At one point you will see a beaver pond, complete with lodge, on your left. When you will pass Hog Town Road on your right, Sly Pond Road will become Shelving Rock Road. Very shortly, you will see a New York State parking lot. When you get there,….

TO THE FALLS: Continue down Shelving Rock Road for 2.8 miles. You will see an orange-painted steel gate that guards a culvert. The trail starts there. There is a parking area a short distance farther on the left.

TO THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL: Follow the same road for approximately 2.7 miles. There is a parking lot to your right.

CAUTION: This portion of Shelving Rock Road, at least in several spots, is narrow, steep, and curvy. There are a few places in which the roadside drops precipitously from the road. Individuals with vertigo or acrophobia may become anxious or frightened.

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