Bear Knob Loop

Bear Knob Loop is a compact circuit through the woods to the Bear Knob ridge, starting at the Pole Hill Pond Preserve entrance on Route 9N. Plan for about 1.3 miles and one to one and a half hours. The yellow-marked loop is labeled 1.0 mile; adding its blue-trail access and return gives the full walk, listed elsewhere at 1.35 miles. It is short, but the steady climb, rough natural tread and occasional steep descent ask for sure footing.

Start on the blue trail, then turn onto yellow about 75 feet in. The yellow trail climbs steadily for roughly 0.3 mile, passes a blue-trail intersection and reaches a ridge. It undulates another 0.3 mile to Bear Knob, with a few sharp turns, then descends gradually to meet blue again for the return. Watch the yellow markers through the turns so you stay on this shorter circuit.

The entrance is on the west side of Route 9N. The small pull-in fits about two conventional vehicles, so arrive prepared for limited space. The preserve is open to visitors from dawn to dusk year-round. Hunting is allowed in season: wear bright colors and hike in groups. Dogs are allowed; keep them under control and restrain them on a leash when others approach. No toilet or drinking-water service is listed for the trailhead, so bring what you need.

Pole Hill Pond is part of a 1,300-acre tract in the Northwest Bay Brook watershed. The Lake George Land Conservancy acquired it in 2000 and conveyed it to New York State in 2004; it is now Adirondack Forest Preserve, with the conservancy continuing to maintain the trails through a state stewardship agreement.