BUCK MOUNTAIN

The bald-rock summit of Buck Mountain offers, above all, a sense of serenity and peace. The cool breeze, the endless expanse of green, and the spectacular scenery all unite to give you a unique Adirondack experience.

The islands sparkle like jewels below. On a clear day, you can see the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. Boats (ranging from kayaks to paddle-wheelers) mingle below. Lake George and Bolton Landing are dollhouse villages that sparkle in the sun. Dome Island (a well-named wildlife sanctuary) lies almost directly to your northwest. (Barbara McMartin’s "50 Hikes in the Adirondacks" describes Buck Mountain as “a perfect introduction to the Adirondacks.”)

Buck is a moderate hike of three miles (one way), with a few challenging spots. Be sure to follow the yellow markers! Be especially careful not to take a right-hand turn early in the hike. Check out both Cat Mountain and Tongue Mountain for a more challenging hike if you prefer.

GETTING THERE FROM LAKE GEORGE

Head south on Routes 9/9N. Turn left at Route 9L. Follow this road, and drive slowly, for you don’t want to miss the magnificent beauty of the too-often-overlooked east side of Lake George. Relax until you pass Cleverdale Road on your left. Immediately after that, take a sharp left on Pilot Knob Road, and follow it to a well-marked parking lot to the trailhead. Buck is also accessible by boat from Pilot knob.

NOTE: Buck can also be reached from the Hogtown area (Town of Fort Ann), near the Shelving Rock and Sleeping Beauty trails.

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