Challenging

 

1307 Acres

 

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TRAILS

The entrance to the Pole Hill Pond trails is on the west side of Route 9N.  Look for the prominent sign.

The Blue Trail starts at the parking area. It follows a logging road for 0.25 miles until it intersects again with the yellow trail, where it bears to the right and crosses a stream. It then continues on a logging road for 0.75 miles, before leaving the road and climbing steadily to the top of the ridge.  The trail undulates for 1.5 miles until it drops down into a knoll, then climbs steeply to the top of Walnut Ridge, which has spectacular views of Lake George. It then drops down for 0.5 miles to Pole Hill Pond.

Continuing on the loop, the trail leaves the eastern shore of the pond for 0.10 miles, before hugging the shore again until it reaches a logging road. It then follows the logging road, except for two short diversions, for 2.40 miles. At 2.40 miles it turns sharply left off the road and climbs gradually until it intersects with the Yellow Trail. Turn right on to the Yellow Trail to return to the parking area and complete the loop.

To take the Yellow Trail loop from its southern end, turn off of the blue trail about 75 feet in. The Yellow Trail climbs steadily for 0.3 miles until it reaches a ridge (passing the blue trail intersection). It then undulates for 0.3 miles to Bear Knob (watch for some sharp turns).  There are seasonal views at a couple of points.  The trail then descends gradually until it intersects with the Blue Trail again.

Sunlight dances on the water of a tranquil pond, illuminating a cluster of water lilies in bloom.

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"

Please follow DEC guidelines when visiting the Preserve.

Hunting is permitted according to New York State regulations. Please use caution when hiking during hunting seasons – wear bright colors and hike in groups. Hunters – please be aware of hikers and hunt away from trails. Please follow NYS DEC’s Hunting Safety Rules.

Pole Hill Pond is owned by New York State. To report any problems or acquire any permits, please contact DEC Forest Ranger Rick Schroeder at 518-335-3888 or the DEC Regional Office at 518-897-1300. For emergencies, call 518-891-0235 or call 911.

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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