Northwest Bay Trail

Northwest Bay Trail is a 10.8-mile out-and-back from Clay Meadows to Montcalm Point along Lake George’s east shore. The marked distance is 5.4 miles one way, though some older descriptions round it closer to five. Plan for the longer figure and allow about five to six hours. The first mile climbs, then the path eases into a rolling woodland walk. It’s a good pick for a full day on foot, but trees screen the lake for much of the route, so don’t expect an uninterrupted shoreline view.

At the first junction, take Northwest Bay Trail to the right; the left branch climbs onto the Tongue Mountain ridge route. The trail climbs through woods, then reaches a stream and the lakeside section after roughly a mile and a half. From there it winds between trees and water, crossing small streams on bridges. A bench and small beach give you a place to pause, and a small waterfall appears along the way.

The open water comes and goes rather than staying beside you. Expect roots and muddy, boggy footing in low sections; those stretches can take longer than the gentle-looking shoreline suggests.

The trail ends at Montcalm Point, where Northwest Bay meets the south end of Lake George’s Narrows. There’s a small boat ramp and day-use area at the point, with designated campsites nearby. The peninsula sticks into the lake between the bay and the Narrows, which is why it looks like a tongue on a map. Turn around here and return on the same shore trail.

You can continue from the point along the Tongue Mountain Range Trail, which follows the ridge for six miles and climbs about 1,390 feet, then take Five Mile Point Trail for two miles back to the parking area. That makes a roughly 13.4-mile loop with a much harder ridge section. If you want the shoreline walk described here, turn around at Montcalm Point instead.

Dogs are allowed on the forest preserve trail; keep them under control and leash them when other people approach.