Place · 0.3 mi away
This is the Adirondacks at their friendliest: a well-marked loop with real payoff and options. The classic loop runs about 7.8 miles total and strings together a switchback climb to Sleeping Beauty’s open ledges and a mellow circuit past Bumps Pond before closing the loop. Expect a moderate effort with some rocky, eroded, and occasionally muddy stretches.
The money view is from open rock ledges and craggy outcrops near the “false summit,” where you’ll get sweeping looks over Lake George and the surrounding Adirondacks. The true summit is wooded and viewless—don’t feel like you’re missing out by savoring the outlooks below it. The descent toward the pond trades big scenery for quiet forest, cliffs, and a shoreline loop where you’re likely to spot dragonflies, butterflies, and plenty of bird activity.
Route-finding is straightforward if you pay attention at junctions: colored markers (yellow, blue, red) guide you to the summit, around Bumps Pond, and back. Surfaces vary from a broad old road to singletrack with rocky switchbacks and wet spots where stepping stones keep your feet dry—most days. Elevation gain is roughly 1,300 feet, spread out enough to feel steady but not brutal.
Access matters here. If the seasonal gate to Dacy Clearing is open, you can start high and keep things shorter; if it’s closed, you’ll park at Hogtown and add roughly 3 miles round-trip on the approach road. Either way, the loop connects cleanly and returns to your starting point.
Best time to hike: Late spring through fall. Summer often means easier access to Dacy Clearing and long daylight; fall brings standout foliage and crisp, clear views (also the biggest crowds). Early spring can be muddy or icy. Winter is doable for experienced hikers with proper traction and layers, but expect ice.
Bottom line: this loop earns its popularity with flexible logistics, big lake vistas, and a peaceful pond circuit. It’s family-friendly for older kids who can handle rocky, sometimes steep sections, and it’s a great intro to the east side of Lake George without feeling tame or touristy.
Pros
- Open ledge “false summit” gives the best views without needing the true summit
- Loop past Bumps Pond adds a serene, wildlife-rich detour without major effort
Cons
- Seasonal Dacy Clearing gate closure adds about 3 bonus miles from Hogtown
- Trail can be muddy and eroded in spots, especially after rain or in early spring
Parking
Start at Dacy Clearing when the seasonal gate is open; otherwise park at the Hogtown trailhead and hike the road to Dacy Clearing, adding about 3 miles round-trip.
Caution
Rocky, eroded, and sometimes wet sections; can be muddy or icy in spring. Watch junctions for color-coded markers. Winter requires traction and experience.
