Prospect Mountain Trail is a 2.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Lake George, New York that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and snowshoeing and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This trail is a steep hike up an old tramway trail from Lake George Village to the top of Prospect Mountain with great views of the southern end of Lake George. The tramway was once the largest cable railroad in the world. Expect to see other hikers as this is a very popular hiking trail due to the beautiful views. Parking area is alongside the Smith Street (at the trailhead at the bottom of the mountain). This beautiful hike starts with an enclosed bridge that crosses over the Northway (I-87) and then proceeds as a typical Adirondack region trail in New York state. The beginning is fairly easy with some steeper sections starting around midway. You can also drive the toll road up the mountain for $10 and enjoy the panoramic views that way or take the shuttle bus. There are picnic areas at the summit. If you plan ahead there is an alternate and very enjoyable route down the other side of Prospect that ends at the Lake George Recreational area - this descent includes a beautiful waterfall as well. If you choose this route you will need to leave a second car at that trailhead prior to your hike.
Directions to the hiking trail (Prospect Mountain Trail Footpath): In Lake George Village, turn west from Route 9 onto Montcalm St. and proceed 5 blocks to Cooper St., turning right one block to West St., and then left one block to Smith St. where you turn left again. Up a short distance is an elevated walkway that crosses over the Northway (I-87). N 43 25.528 W 073 43.207
Trailhead Directions: From Lake George Village turn west onto Montcalm street and head away from teh lake towards Smith Street. Turn left on Smith Street and head a half block to the trailhead sign. No fees to park here. Local Tip (I grew up here): They don't open the Prospect Mountain Scenic Highway to the top until tourist season starts. This is usually in May sometime. If you are a long boarder try hiking your board up to the top with you for an epic descent on your long board without the worry of cars coming at you. I've done this a half dozen times (one time at night with a headlamp dodging porcupines on the way done the road). At the bottom of the road you'll be a couple miles south of the trailhead you will have to find your way back to.
April 7, 2021No ice, no bugs, no mud, buts lots of people. Weather was perfect and the sky was clear.
March 29, 2021The trail was slightly muddy and wet in places, but you could get around most of this fairly easy. the terrain is what makes it difficult(lots of roots, rocks, etc while climbing. It was easy to follow the trail, a great workout, and quite a nice view at the top. great day!
March 28, 2021Most of the snow and ice are gone now, so microspikes aren't needed, but be careful with rock faces that are wet and slippery due to snow runoff. The trail going up is steep, so climbing it makes a great workout. Beautiful view at the top. From the summit you can take stairs down to the big parking lot that's empty except during the warm season, and then walk the road back to the trail while enjoying the distant views. As you're walking down the trail, you can soon see the lesser-used blue trail on the left; you can take this down to where it rejoins the main trail after a mile or two. This trail isn't quite as well marked, so it's a good idea to have a GPS, but it's a great way to get away from the crowd and enjoy a solitary walk through a beautiful evergreen wood.
March 21, 2021Icy, worse going down because of the ice. Very clear and beautiful, though
March 21, 2021It was still very icy! I appreciated my spikes. Pretty steep climb the whole way. Very cool to see all the ice melting. Really incredible views :) would do again!
March 17, 2021Lots of ice on the trail the day we did it (3-17-21). Microspikes were mandatory. Encountered other hikers turning around due to having no traction devices. Great views at the summit, though a little hazy in the distance.
March 7, 2021March 6, 2021March 6, 2021March 6, 2021February 23, 2021The trail is pretty steep but well packed for the most part except towards the top. Definite patches of ice so spikes are a must. There was a pretty light snow that made the trees look so magical. Lots of fun (:
February 21, 2021hardpacked snow. use spikes
February 20, 2021Always nice all season long. Spikes a must
January 27, 2021well marked, pretty rocky which made snowshoeing a bit tedious and I would recommend using them if you don't wanna dull out your snowshoe spikes. microspikes would be a must if you chose to not use snowshoes, its very slippery. great views uptop completed in about a hour and a half solo.
January 16, 2021Very well marked
January 16, 2021January 9, 2021Great hike ! Easy to follow trail . First half of the hike is a nice gradual incline . After You pass the first access road it gets steeper from there . Will definitely get your heart pumping . I hike this trail often while traveling thru the area for work . Thanks to all who help keep the trail clean and maintained!
January 1, 2021Loved this trail. Definitely challenging and had some very slippery spots. Views at the end were gorgeous. Worth the time and effort.
December 31, 2020Nice easy hike, we completed Easter 2019.
December 29, 2020The trail is hard, but it is also easy to follow thank to the great job done by locals. Today the temperature was perfect with light snow that makes the trail look beautiful! Ice everywhere, so pay attention. Once on the top the visibility was around 10 to 15% and the wind was blowing strongly. Great fun
December 27, 2020Just finished this hike and really liked it. The trail was snow covered and a large part of it was ice so we walked along the edge of the trail a lot of places. We had our dog along, too, which added to the fun, especially on the way back when he wanted to run where we knew there was ice.
December 1, 2020
