Pilot Knob Hike: A Gazebo, A Waterfall & Amazing Views of Lake George
The Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob hike in Fort Ann, NY offers breathtaking Lake George views, along with an extended waterfall hike option. Being an extremely popular family-friendly hike in the Lake George region, Pilot Knob welcomes hikers of all skill levels.
About the Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob
The trailhead will be located just 10 minutes outside of Lake George Village, not a far drive from Queensbury or Glens Falls. The hike will begin on the orange trail, going .7-mile. In this section, you will have some steeper sections of trail, but nothing too difficult for children if you take your time.
Reaching the top of this section of trail will take an average of 20 minutes for an average hiker, but if you are going with the family, plan on it taking around 30 minutes. Here you have reached the gazebo, which will offer you a gorgeous view of Lake George from above. This is an ideal place to let the kids run around and relax, with an open field for them to run around in while you keep a watchful eye from the gazebo.
Once ready to move onward, you can continue your hike up the blue trail. This section of the trail takes around 30 minutes and is a mile long. This will bring you to the waterfall which is typically flowing from early spring after periods of rain.
Directions to the Pilot Knob Hiking Trail
Recommended Route: From I-87, you can take Exit 21 and turn on to Route 9N toward Lake George Village. At the intersection, turn left on to State Route 9. Continue on State Route 9 until you reach its intersection with 9L (there is a Walgreens at this intersection). At the light, turn right on to 9L.
Follow 9L all the way around the lake for 7 miles: you'll pass the Harris Bay Yacht Club and the Cleverdale Country Store (which is a great place to stop and pick up your picnic lunch). After you pass these locations, you are very close.
Prepare to take a sharp left on to Pilot Knob Road, then continue for .7-mile to the parking lot on the right.
Check out details about Pilot Knob from the Lake George Land Conservancy: https://lglc.org/preserves/the-schumann-preserve-at-pilot-knob/