The Cat and Thomas Mountains trails are about 5.6 miles and 3 miles, respectively. Both trails start along an old logging road and wind about 1.5 miles up the mountain. The Thomas Mountain trek's midpoint lookout gives a 270 degree view of Lake George and the Adirondacks. The Cat Mountain trail continues a few miles past it toward an even larger view of the landscape.
Five Mile Mountain is a difficult 7-mile climb through rugged and heavily forested terrain. For the advanced hiker, there is a steeper and slightly longer (7.4 miles) route that starts at Clay Meadow. The trail is punctuated by cleared viewpoints along the way.
The visual treats along the French Point Mountain trail make up for the 8.8 difficult miles that it takes to get to the top. Those treats include waterfalls, uninterrupted views along the way and a majestic drop-off ledge that marks the end of the ascent. From the top, hikers can see where the narrows on either side meet to become Lake George.
The Hudson River Recreation Area is a natural playground for families. The trails are mostly easy and are peppered with waterfalls, brooks and plenty of wildlife. One such trail follows along the banks of the Hudson River; others lead off from canoe access (portage) sites.
Lakeshore Trail presents hikers with 3.5 easy miles of historic carriage trails that go along Shelving Rock Road, Shelving Rock Falls, past peaceful views and picnic areas. The trail ends at the lake.
The Northwest Bay Trail is a long (10.8 miles) but moderately easy stretch of trail. Along the trek, hikers enjoy some scenic lookout points, low waterfalls, brooks, hemlock glens and several cliff drops. The trail finishes at Montcalm Point.
Charles Lathrop Pack Forest is an easy 1-mile nature walk that consists of hardtop trails. The wheelchair accessible path winds through marshes, hemlock groves and forests. The centerpiece of the trail is a giant white pine tree, colloquially named The Grandmother Tree.
