There's no doubt that there are a lot of fantastic viewpoints overlooking Lake George. On the east side of the lake, one of the best is from Spruce Mountain, a little known location near Huletts Landing. Today was my third visit here; all in winter.
It was a warm day and a fleece and microspikes were all that was needed for extra gear. I parked at the end of the plowed portion of North Road and Rev and I started out. We followed the unplowed potion of North Road until we came to the Richard Phillips Hayes property and his marked trails that lead to state land.
The steep portion of this hike is near the beginning. Once you get up on the ridge, there is not too much more elevation gain and you are treated to a series of viewpoints. The best viewpoint is just before the true summit, near where the airway beacon used to be.
There are several trails in the area. Some are marked with red discs and there is also a white blaze trail that hugs the western edge of the ridge. There are also some signs. That being said, portions of the marked trails are not well marked. If you go, make sure you have map and compass.
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Today's view. Some ice this year.
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| This photo was from 2 years ago 1/18/16 |
It was overcast at the start, but luck was on my side and the clouds began to break just as I was getting to the viewpoints.
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| Interesting sign at the start |
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| The seasonal portion of North Road |
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| Richard Philips Hayes has a vision. Thank you! |
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| Choices, choices. |
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| A first look |
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| Sugarloaf Mountain back left, Black Mountain back center. |
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| A closer look |
Blue skies beginning to emerge!
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| Mother Bunch islands in the distance |
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| The hamlet of Huletts Landing is tucked on the cove on the left. |
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| My trusted scout... Rev |
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| Framed! |
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| A zoom view |
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| Remains of the airway beacon |
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| Rev on the descent |
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| Richard Philips Hayes does a great job with his signs. He also did the Shore Owner Association (SOA) signs in Lake Placid |
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| The old schoolhouse. There is a #2 on the other side. |
Hike Stats:
Hike Distance: ~ 4 miles
Hike Time: 3 hours, including stops
Elevation Gain: ~ 1000'
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| The route |
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| The route on the Nat Geo map. |
For a challenging and somewhat scary hike, try the trail from the Spruce summit down to the lake. Wow...
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