May 31st marks the last day to order 2018 Hike-A-Thon shirts with your registration, plus there are only 2-1/2 weeks left to register – period! Don’t miss out on this huge annual lake-wide event. Register online at https://lakegeorgehikeathon.org/register and secure your spot!
The event is filling up, with less than 100 spots still available at 7 sites. Need some help deciding where to go? Here’s a quick look at your options:
Amy’s Park, wetlands hike: Located in the back country of Bolton, this is our most family-friendly preserve with lots of natural features to keep the hike interesting. A 1/2-mile easy hike leads to rocky outcrop overlooking an active beaver pond. Great for birders, too!
Charles R. Wood Nature Park: Situated on property once part of the Gaslight Village Amusement Park in Lake George Village, this section of the renovated site includes a gravel path that winds around several retention ponds used to filter water before entering the lake. Handicapped accessible, this site offers a quick and easy option for those with limited mobility or time. A tour of the ponds, with explanation of the restoration project and plants found there, is included.
Cook Mountain Preserve: The first of LGLC’s preserves, Cook Mt is in Ticonderoga, with an unbeatable view looking straight down the lake, as well as eastern views of Lake Champlain and Vermont. This 3-mile round-trip hike is also one of our more challenging options, so those participating should plan on a good workout!
Godwin Preserve: This recent addition to the LGLC roster is located just south of Amy’s Park in Bolton. The 1.8-mile round-trip hike is moderate, with a few steeper sections but overall level footing that is good for families. The view from its lookout includes a glimpse of Lake George and a clear visual of the ponds of Amy’s Park, as well as the mountains beyond.
Jabe Pond: There are only a few spots left at this site in Hague, new for 2018! Owned and managed by the NYS DEC, a gravel road leads to a parking area a short portage away from the water’s edge. Take your time following the shoreline, checking out the islands, and take a rest at any of the small beach-like areas around the 151-acre pond. Paddlers must bring their own canoe or kayak.
Northwest Bay Paddle: This easy Bolton paddle meanders through the Northwest Bay Brook marsh for 1.2 miles to the point of the Loines Preserve, where the water opens into Northwest Bay. Suitable for canoes and kayaks, the marsh is home to lots of native plants and wildlife. Paddlers must bring their own canoe or kayak.
Pole Hill Pond Forest Preserve: Owned by NYS DEC and managed by the LGLC, this Bolton property is another of our more challenging options, with a hike nearly 6 miles round-trip and lengthy steep sections. The trail loops up to Walnut Ridge for a clear view overlooking Lake George and the tip of Tongue Mountain, then continues to Pole Hill Pond before descending to the trailhead.
Ready to make your choice? Register today!
