Black Mountain

Overview

Black Mountain is the east-shore giant and the highest point overlooking Lake George (2,646 ft). The payoff is classic Adirondack: big lake vistas, a windswept summit with old fire‐tower infrastructure, and options to make it a simple out‑and‑back or a longer loop past serene ponds.

Routes & Difficulty

Most hikers tackle a roughly 5–6 mile round trip from the Pike Brook Road trailhead. There’s also a popular loop around 7 miles that strings together several ponds. Expect a generally moderate climb with steeper, rockier sections near the top. The first 0.7 mile follows an emergency access road past a private residence—stay on the marked route.

What You’ll See

From open ledges near the summit, you’ll look over the Narrows and up the length of Lake George toward Anthony’s Nose, Rogers’ Slide, and the Tongue Mountain Range. On clear days, the views run for miles; on cloudy ones, they can vanish fast. Near-summit hardware includes a decommissioned fire tower (not climbable), a weather station, and a wind turbine powering communications equipment. The longer loop adds quiet stretches by Black Mountain, Lapland, and Millman Ponds.

History

Black Mountain has long served as a lookout—used even during the French and Indian War. A wooden fire tower went up in 1911, later replaced by steel towers staffed until 1988. Today the tower stands as a relic, fenced off but still a landmark on the skyline.

Wildlife & Nature

Mixed hardwood–conifer forest lines the trail, with mushrooms popping after wet spells. Birders like this area, and typical Adirondack wildlife—deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and possibly black bears—may make appearances.

Trail Notes & Logistics

• Parking and the main trailhead are on Pike Brook Road.
• Surfaces range from smooth dirt to roots and slabby rock; it gets muddy after rain and can be slick.
• No restrooms or potable water at the trailhead or summit.
• Navigation on the loop can be confusing—trail colors change between segments, so keep an eye on markers or carry a map/GPS.

Best Time to Visit

• Clear days are everything here—save it for when the skies cooperate.
• Weekdays and shoulder seasons are quieter than popular High Peaks trails.
• Sunsets are gorgeous but it gets dark fast; bring a headlamp if you’re pushing golden hour.
• Winter is a solid option for snowshoers thanks to the moderate grades, but plan for short daylight and cold.