Sleeping Beauty Mountain and Erebus Mountain Loop

Why go

If you want a big Lake George vista and a quieter backcountry ramble in one day, this loop delivers. The payoff is the panoramic overlook on Sleeping Beauty Mountain; the trade-off is that Erebus is a woodsier, view-light peak that makes the day feel more remote. Most hikers peg the full circuit at about 7.5–8 miles total with roughly 1,500–1,700 feet of gain—enough to be satisfying without being a sufferfest.

The route experience

Start from the Hogtown area and, when open, continue to Dacy Clearing for the closest access. The approach begins on a broad old road before switching to well-marked singletrack and a steady set of switchbacks up Sleeping Beauty. The summit ledges are open rock with big, unobstructed views over Lake George and the southeastern Adirondacks; on very clear days you can spot the Green Mountains. From there, the loop drops past the quiet shores of Bumps Pond and links into the Fishbrook Pond trail corridor—your gateway to the Erebus side. Expect typical Adirondack footing: rocky, rooty tread with occasional muddy stretches and a few small stream crossings that get trickier after heavy rain or in spring. Erebus itself is more about solitude than scenery, with a wooded crest and fewer crowds than the Sleeping Beauty side.

What to expect on the ground

Junctions are signed and color-blazed, but the network can be confusing around Bumps/Fishbrook and near Erebus—bring a map or GPS. Footing is moderate overall, with the steepest work on the approach to Sleeping Beauty and rougher, less-traveled sections toward Erebus. Designated campsites dot the interior near the ponds if you’re eyeing an overnight instead of a day loop.

Best time to hike

Spring through fall is prime. Fall brings standout foliage and the biggest crowds on Sleeping Beauty. Summer is lush but buggy—pack spray. Shoulder seasons (late spring, late fall) offer fewer people and clearer views. In winter, the loop is a worthy snowshoe, but navigation becomes more challenging and travel times stretch. Start early year-round to secure parking and enjoy the summit before the rush; aim for calmer morning light or late-afternoon glow for photos from Sleeping Beauty.

Tips

• Park at Hogtown Trailhead; if open and passable, continue to Dacy Clearing to shave road walking. That access road can be rough and may be seasonally closed.
• Follow the color blazes: blue up Sleeping Beauty, then red toward Bumps/Fishbrook to connect the loop. Double-check junctions.
• Sturdy boots, layers (the summit can be breezy), and enough water make the day much nicer. Bugs can be fierce in late spring.

Bottom line

A classic Lake George viewpoint paired with a quieter forest loop. Do it for the Sleeping Beauty overlook, stay for the ponds and the sense of space—just don’t expect big views from Erebus.