black mountain loop

Would have liked to hike a little more. But the views are spectacular. No real maps of the area that would have helped us to hike.

summer along the lake is great. and hiking black mountain on a summer day was so worth the experience. it is a tough hike, the beginning is easy, but the higher you go, the more rocks you have to climb on to reach the summit. we only went to the summit, we were a bit pressed for time, but it took us about 1.5 hours to reach. that's 2.5 miles. you know you're close when you see the wind turbine whirring above! then behold, the summit pans out to the northern part of the lake and it's amazing. start in the morning, as the sun shines right overhead and there is no covering at the summit. if you walk a bit further, there is a pond to go swimming.

This is a more difficult hike as compared to Buck Mountain and it is worth the extra effort This is the highest peak along Lake George and it provides fabulous views both north and south on the lake. I came in from the lake side - allow about 5 hours round trip from the lake side - get a dock permit for Black Mountain Point (north or south docks but north is easier) and start the journey up the mountain Truly a good hike and workout - the last mile or so is the most strenuous and seeing the old fire tower is nice

This trail is about 1160 up from the trail head off of Pike Brook Road. This is listed as a moderate trail by many experts, as easy by one or two and "challenging" by the people who write the official PR materials for Lake George. The latter folks are pobably closest to the truth. Although this is not a long hike to the top (2.5 miles), nor one with a large change of elevation, it is arduous. The whole second half is almost all rock outcrops and loose rock. You have to watch each step. It is not for little kids. The faces of the people coming off the mountain told the whole story. I guess I would classify it as moderate plus. We started at 2 and did not get to the top until 4:30. Start early - 10 or 11. The views are good to great. It is a bit confusing on the top - you need to go all around the fencing to see the best views. Because we got to the top so late we did not have time to do the loop. Going back down the same way we came up - not fun.

We didn't complete the loop and hiked the section to the summit of Black Mountain (5.2 mi round trip). It's a fairly easy hike that is recommended for families. Gradual inclines except in a few places near the top. Can't beat the amazing views of Lake George from the top, in a clearing just before the fire tower. Great place for a picnic. I would highly recommend this hike if you're looking for a 1/2 day activity and want outstanding views of the lake and high peaks.

Great view of both the Southern and Northern basin of the lake. It is a walk through the woods with only one or two lookouts along the way, but the view from the top is outstanding.

We started our hike at the trail head on Pike Brook Road (free parking area). And went down the other side to pass 2 ponds- the trail eventually looped back to the the Pike Brook trail. The trail was clearly marked. The trail ascending the mountain wasn't that spectacular, but the view from the top was gorgeous and there was a fabulous 180 degree view from the top. The trail that we took descending the mountain was a little prettier than on the way up, but nothing extraodinary. The loop hike was about 6.5 miles long and took less than 4 hours (including our time at the top enjoying the views). There is a fire tower at the top, but it is fenced off so you can't climb it. I would recommend this for active people for a great half day activity!

Reserved a dock pass with the parks service (this does have a fee associated) and boated in to the recreation area at the base of the lake side approach. The hike was a fairly steep incline most of the way up with some rocky and/or mucky sections. If you have hiking boots, wear those instead of sneakers to keep your feet dry. Fairly easy-to-follow trail, though at times the brush was so thick that you'd really have to push through it (be careful to check for ticks afterward.) Beautiful landscape on the way up - saw wild blueberries and raspberries. Several lookout points as you near the summit and at the top a very rewarding view - bring a lunch and enjoy it from the rocks below the fire tower! 3 miles each way, same way down as up.

In this area of New York, you'll never fall short of amazing scenery, quiet trails, and trail ratings from 1 - 10. So get out and explore on foot - you won't believe what you discover.

Very nice hike. I haven't hiked a whole lot, so I don't know whats good and bad but I enjoyed this trek. With that being said I am in decent condition and can handle pretty strenuous physical activity and can say that this was a moderate hike. It got intense at times, but it all depends on the speed of your climbs. The air was cool and fresh and the scenery at the top was well worth the climb. I enjoyed it and didn't feel burnt out after it was over. I would certainly recommend, but make sure to be careful because a misstep can easily gain you a sprained ankle or worse. Lots of rocks up there.

The trail is perfect for those who can handle a moderate difficulty hike. It is not good for young children or hikers who can not navigate steep inclines and declines independently. The views of Lake George are amazing from the summit and the hike is a great workout. Plan on about 4 hours of hiking.

Great views of Lake George from the summit, fun windy trail, nice loop to a pond for swimming and shelters. Bring some hot dogs and smore fixings for a barbecue.

The best part of getting to the top is the scenery. The cabins that were on the trail were really neat for the kids.

Hike in from the Fort Ticonderoga side trail head then down to Lake George access and back again. Nice views along the way.

My husband and I did this trail with other family members who are experienced hikers. They rated this as a "moderate in difficulty" trail. It is not for small children or older adults afraid of turning an ankle. It is a beautiful hike throuh the forests of Black Mountain and rewards hikers with an amazing view of Lake George and surrounding peaks of nearby mountains, making it well worth the trek. There are a lot of steep, rocky paths the last 3rd of the trek up the mountain. It is an excellent workout and a hike you need to expend moderate effort in at, but in a very satisfying way. Gi\ve yourself 3-4 hours for this hike.