Cat and Thomas Mountain Loop

Why this hike

Two peaks, two classic viewpoints, and one satisfying loop—this moderate outing stitches together Thomas Mountain’s broad clearing and Cat Mountain’s sweeping 270° panorama over Lake George. Expect real payoff for the effort without High Peaks crowds. If you want one half‑ to full‑day hike that captures the southern Adirondacks vibe, this is it.

Route overview

This is a 7.7‑mile total loop from the Thomas Mountain trailhead on Valley Woods Road. Most hikers go up Thomas first on a wide old woods road, then follow the ridge to Cat and loop back to the trailhead. Trails here are blazed (notably blue and yellow), with the ridge between the peaks marked in yellow. Each peak can also be done as a shorter out‑and‑back if you’re not up for the full circuit, and there’s a separate, more direct approach to Cat from Edgecomb Pond Road if you want to focus on that panorama.

What you’ll see

Thomas Mountain’s viewpoint (by the former summit cabin site) opens to broad, classic Lake George vistas. The “true” summit is unmarked and off‑trail—most folks tag the viewpoint and move on. The ridge to Cat gets rockier and rougher, but Cat’s open ledges deliver one of the best lake views in the area, with long looks down the Narrows and across to Tongue Mountain. Along the way you’ll pass through mixed northern hardwoods—beech, maple, birch—with ferns and wildflowers in season, and occasional wetlands and small streams low on the trail. Granite and gneiss ledges make natural viewpoint perches on both summits.

Trail character and difficulty

Call it moderate overall: steady, straightforward climbing to Thomas on a former road, then a tougher, rockier traverse to Cat with more uneven footing. Total elevation gain lands in the mid‑thousands for the loop, and most hikers take about 3.5–5 hours depending on stops and conditions. Older kids and fit beginners do fine here, but the inter‑peak section will feel spicy if you’re new to Adirondack trails.

Best time to hike

Fall is prime—cool air, big colors, and typically clearer views. Spring brings lush greens and flowing streams but also mud. Summer is shaded but buggy; pack repellent. Winter is popular for snowshoeing, and the road‑grade approach to Thomas makes a great cold‑season warm‑up—just be ready for wind exposure on the summits.

Tips and tricks

• Start early on peak weekends; the Valley Woods Road lot fills quickly in foliage season.
• Bring a downloaded map/GPS. Blazing is good overall, but a few junctions—especially between the peaks—can be easy to miss.
• Wear sturdy boots; expect rocky, rooty, and occasionally muddy stretches.
• Dogs are welcome on leash. Pack extra water—there are no reliable sources on the ridge.
• During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange; this preserve allows hunting in season with proper licenses.

Is it worth it?

Yes—Cat’s summit is a “bang‑for‑your‑buck” panorama and Thomas adds a second, quicker viewpoint. If you only have time for one, Cat via the direct approach is the marquee view; the loop is the fuller, more varied day out.