Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob Gazebo Trail

This is the crowd-pleasing Lake George hike with the big payoff. From a small lot on Pilot Knob Road, the orange-blazed Gazebo Trail climbs steadily through mixed hardwoods—maple, oak, birch—with some rocky, rooty footing. In roughly 0.7 miles you pop out at a wooden gazebo with a sweeping overlook of Lake George’s south basin. Most folks turn around here for a short, satisfying outing.

Distance is widely reported between 1.6 and 1.8 miles round trip; plan on about 1.7 miles total. Elevation gain lands around 400–500 feet, so expect an easy-to-moderate workout with a few steeper pushes. The path is well-marked and maintained, with steps and benches sprinkled in. It’s family-friendly, but not stroller or wheelchair accessible.

Want more? Continue past the gazebo on the blue-blazed loop to a small, seasonal waterfall and a quieter feel. It adds roughly 1.3 miles round trip from the gazebo and a bit more climbing; footing gets steeper and rougher.

What you’ll see: classic Adirondack forest and frequent peeks toward the lake, with the money view at the gazebo. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, hawks riding thermals, and the occasional deer. After rain, expect wet or muddy patches; in winter, snow/ice can linger and traction helps.

Tips: The lot is small and fills on weekends—go early or midweek. If you’re hiking with kids, many prefer the smoother northern half of the orange trail for the ascent. Dogs are welcome on leash. No permits or fees. Note that the gazebo is slated for replacement work around 2025; check the Lake George Land Conservancy for any temporary changes before you go.

Best time to hike: Fall is the standout for color around the lake. Clear spring and summer mornings offer crisp views and fewer people than afternoons. It’s a quick, memorable sunset stop when skies are cooperative. Winter is doable with microspikes or snowshoes, but plan for ice and cold.