Buck Mountain – Overlooking Lake George

By Rich Macha

The 2,334-foot summit of Buck Mountain is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the southeastern Adirondacks. On a clear day, hikers can see the High Peaks 40 miles away, as well as many other Adirondack peaks, both low and lofty, that may be familiar to hikers.  

The mountain can be hiked via a shorter and less demanding trail from the northeast or a longer more challenging trail from the southwest.

From the Southwest – The 3.3-mile trail from Pilot Knob is the most-traveled route up the mountain despite being the longer option. The trailhead is located on Pilot Knob Road (County Route 38), 3.4 miles north of NY Route 9L – the large parking area on the right side of the road can accommodate 50 vehicles. Attesting to the popularity of the area, at mid-afternoon on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend three years ago, I counted 50 cars in the parking lot and over 60 more parked alongside the road! To avoid crowds, it is best to visit on weekdays or, at least, get an early start on nice weekends.

The trail starts out relatively flat on an old woods road where some mud may be encountered, then at 0.2 miles, bears left at a junction. The climb is gentle at first and Butternut Brook is crossed by hopping across on some rocks. Your route makes a left turn at the 1.2-mile mark (the sign says you have 1.8 miles to go but it may be more) – the trail straight ahead leads to Inman Pond and the Lower Hogtown trailhead. The trail up the mountain remains wide. It is smooth at times and full of loose rocks at other times. A couple of small waterfalls can be seen to the left. The climbing becomes a bit steeper for a while and then a lot steeper after the 2.2-mile mark.

At three miles, the trail emerges out onto a large open rock outcrop with wonderful views of the southern end of Lake George and of Crossett Pond – the latter is on private land so it is a bonus to be able to admire it from above. Blueberries can be found here and around the summit area in mid-summer. This is an excellent spot for a rest before making the final push to the top.

The junction with the trail from Hogtown is reached in a rocky area a little before the summit – bear left here. You will have gained 2,000 feet from the start of the hike. From areas of open rock at the summit the views are primarily to the south, west, and north. Lake George stretches out below and, to the west, undeveloped Dome Island contrasts with Green Island’s development where The Sagamore Resort stands out from its surroundings. Motorboats look like tiny bugs scooting across the water.

You could spend some time trying to name all the mountains in sight, near and far, many that are familiar to those who hike regularly in the Adirondacks – Gore, Crane, Snowy, Blue, Pharaoh – to name only a few. On a clear day, Mount Marcy and other High Peaks can be seen in the distance. East of the summit, the Champlain Valley and the Green Mountains can be seen from a small area of open rock.

From the Northeast – The 2.3-mile trail from Hogtown is a less-traveled route up the mountain and has an ascent of only 1,130 feet. To get to the trailhead from NY Route 149, drive about 10 miles on Buttermilk Falls, Sly Pond, and Shelving Rock roads. There are small parking areas on both sides of Shelving Rock Road.

The trail heads south and soon it passes a campsite. Several brooks are crossed and the trail gets steeper the further you go. Huge boulders are passed at the 1.7-mile mark, then the route crosses a brook twice in a small gorge, before reaching the junction with the trail from Pilot Knob. Bear right to the summit.

Fall foliage colors in the area should be good in early- to mid-October, but the views are impressive at any time of year.

Be Prepared – As we move into late summer and fall, hikers have less daylight to work with. Always carry a headlamp or flashlight and spare batteries, just in case of a delay. Start out with food, high-energy snacks, and at least a quart of water. Bring a zip bag for your trash (food wrappers, fruit peels, tissues, etc. – used toilet paper can be carried out or buried six inches in the ground at least 150 feet from the trail and covered up).

Bring a paper map, like the National Geographic #743: Lake George/Great Sacandaga map, and compass – and know how to use them. Phone apps should be used only as a backup; I keep my phone on “airplane mode” to save power. You should have extra non-cotton clothing in your pack – it gets colder the higher you go and can get quite chilly at the summit whenever the wind is blowing.

A pocket knife, a basic first-aid kit, fire-starting equipment, and some repair materials (such as some duct tape) are always in my “essentials” kit.

Groups should stay together and should pace their hike to the slowest person – stop at every intersection to make sure everyone is accounted for. Each hiker should carry a whistle. Most experienced hikers use trekking poles to minimize the stress on their knees, especially on the descent. Poles also make it easier to cross streams and to help maneuver around rough and rocky areas.  

More detailed advice can be found on the NYSDEC website: dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28708.html

For more information on Buck Mountain and the Lake George Wild Forest, visit: dec.ny.gov/lands/53165.html.

A lover of wild places, Rich Macha has led many trips for the Adirondack Mountain Club, and has spent 20 years in the paddle/snowsport business. More of Rich’s adventures can be found at northeastwild.blogspot.com.