Easy to Challenging

 

173 Acres

 

Trail Guide

 

Directions

 

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LGLC Preserves Quick Guide (PDF)

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Hiker Survey Please take our survey and tell us about your visit!

TRAILS

The three trails of Cook Mountain Preserve offer a variety of experiences for hikers of all ages and abilities.

Starting from the parking area and kiosk the yellow trail follows a wide flat path into the preserve. After about 0.12 miles the trail’s loop begins.  Stay straight to follow the trail another 0.4 miles along a gently climbing path (which turns into a dirt road) to its junction with the Ridges Trail, or turn right to wind along the shore of what was once an active beaver pond.  The absence of beavers resulted in a breached dam and loss of water; grasses and shrubs recolonized the pondflat, and it is slowly returning to woodland.  After about 0.2 miles, the trail joins the Ridges Trail, marked with red round disks.

The Ridges Trail ascends steeply – 680′ over 0.5-mile – then climbs more gradually for the remaining 0.6 miles to an elevation of 1,213′.  A short loop to an eastern view into Vermont is reached after 0.75 miles from its base.  Continue following The Ridges Trail to its end for a fantastic, clear view down Lake George.  Flat Rock and Anthony’s Nose can be seen on the left, and Rogers’ Rock on the right.

For history buffs, there is a new blue trail that takes you to a cemetery that dates to the Civil War.  It is reached from the yellow trail about 0.15 miles past the beginning of the loop.

The view from the top of a mountain overlooking a lake and forest.
  • A boy in green looks towards Lake George from Cook mountain. There are lush green trees and mountains peaks in the background.
  • Northern view from Cook Mountain over looking a lake and a small town.
  • The view from the top of a mountain overlooking a lake and forest.

Preserve Guidelines

A blue circular trail sign with white lettering is pinned to a tree trunk. The sign reads "Blue Trail Lake George Land Conservancy 518-644-9673 LGLC.org"

Cook Mountain Preserve is open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Winter hikers: note that the parking lot does NOT get plowed.

Please stay on the marked trails.

Please be courteous of other preserve guests.

No removal of plants or animals without permission.

Hunting is not permitted at this preserve. Please visit Hunting at LGLC Lands to learn more about the LGLC’s hunting rules and regulations.

No camping, littering or fires.

Motorized or non-motorized recreational vehicles are NOT allowed.

Leashed dogs are permitted. Please clean up after your dog.

Off-street parking is available but limited. Please use caution when parking and be mindful of traffic.

New to hiking, or just need a refresher?
Check out our Hiking Basics for Beginners page for lots of tips on how to enjoy a successful hike.
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About Us

Protecting the land that protects the lake since 1988. The Lake George Land Conservancy is an accredited not-for-profit land trust dedicated to working with willing landowners and other partners to protect the world-renowned water quality of Lake George and to permanently preserve the natural, scenic, historical and recreational resources of the Lake George Region.

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