Hike Pilot Knob Ridge Preserve

After more than a decade of planning and negotiation, the Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob was added to the list of protected lands within the Lake George basin in August 2000. Originally, this parcel was illegally cleared, and a house and mile-long driveway were constructed. The five-acre house lot became a focal point throughout the south basin and around the lake because it disrupted the unbroken wilderness of the Pilot Knob range. Further proposed development would have greatly changed the quality and character of the entire basin. Clearly visible from nearly any point in the southern half of Lake George, the house and its outlying buildings scarred the once-pristine ridgeline and galvanized support for conservation. The property was subsequently confiscated by authorities and resold to the Zug family who stewarded the land for over ten years.

A trail marked with orange disks climbs from the parking lot to a lookout and gazebo. Ascent from the parking lot to the gazebo is around 620 ft. Behind and to the east of the gazebo a trail marked with blue disks crosses a small boardwalk and on an old woods road leads through hemlocks and grassy oak meadows. Heading uphill the trail leads to the top of a waterfall. After exploring the waterfall the blue trails leads back to the gazebo. From the gazebo a gravel and asphalt road can be followed back to the trailhead / parking lot.

The combined orange marked and blue marked trails cover 2.2 miles. This hike should be completed in 4 hours.

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Minimum age is 8 (8-15 yrs must have a participating adult with them, 16-17 yrs must have a parent/guardian sign participant agreement but do not need to attend)

• Wear appropriate hiking clothing. Please be dressed for the weather (layers and no cotton)

• wear appropriate hiking footwear

• please bring water, snacks and any personal medicines you may need as well as sunscreen, sunglasses, rain gear and day pack

•camera and/or binoculars, if you have them

Dogs are not permitted at any of this group's outings.

If you have any trouble finding us, my cell is 518-641-9660, feel free to call or text if you have any questions. Cell phone coverage may be spotty in this area.

Hope you can join Carl and I for this hike.

Directions: From I-87 (Northway) take Exit 20 (below all the outlet stores) go past all the outlets and turn right onto Route 149. Continue on Rt 149 until you reach Route 9L (Ridge Road). There is a Stewart’s store at this intersection. At the light turn left onto Ridge Road (Rt. 9L). Go north for 4.7 miles taking a right onto Pilot Knob Road. The parking lot is on the right after .7 miles.

NOTICE If your plans change please change your rsvp in advance to give someone from the waiting list a fair chance to attend the event. Please be considerate in regards to your attendance and rsvp's.

Thank you!