- Photo by Wendi Wing
Prospect Mountain is one of Lake George Region’s iconic landmarks. This beautiful mountain, located in the foothills of the Adirondacks, has a 2030 foot summit with magnificent panoramic views of Lake George & Adirondack Region. It is very popular among tourists, locals, and hikers because of its 100 mile view at the peak, and anyone can either hike or drive up to the top. The views are so spectacular & breathtaking, one must not leave Lake George before going to Prospect Mountain… it’s so unbelievably amazing!
Drive Up Prospect Mountain:
Drive up to the summit on the Veteran’s Memorial Highway, built and dedicated in 1969 in honor of America’s War Veterans. Take this 5.5 mile drive up and stop at three different scenic overlooks (1. The Narrows, 2. Lake George Panorama, 3. The Eagle’s Eye), as well as the Summit.
Ride the Prospect Shuttle (an open air view mobiles during summer season and an enclosed van during cooler months) from the parking area to the Summit – to see the panorama (100 mile view) of the Lake George Region. While at the summit, see historical ruins including the Bullwheel, and the Old Cable Railway (see the remains of what was once the world’s largest cable railroad from 1895-1903. This Cable Railway brought passengers to the summit for an overnight stay at the Prospect Mountain House, a hotel located at the Summit of Prospect Mountain, which eventually burned down twice). Picnic facilities and restrooms are available at the Summit. There are also self-guided hiking & nature trails on well marked trails on the mountain.
Location:
Vehicle entrance to Prospect Mt. is on Route 9 in Lake George – opposite the Lake George Chamber of Commerce. Look for this sign (pictured).
Admission:
$10 per car load
Hours:
9AM-5PM during season.
2012 Season:
Begins Sat., May 26, 2012 and ends Sun., Oct. 21, 2012.
Hike Up Prospect Mountain:
Instead of driving up, one can hike up Prospect Mountain for free. Well-marked nature trails provide hikers the route to the summit. Round Trip is approximately 4 miles which will take approximately 3 hours to complete (depending on how long you take to explore the summit). Prospect Mountain is suitable for experienced and non-experience hikers. Be sure to pace yourself, bring plenty of drinking water, and take your camera for amazing photo shots.
Directions to the hiking trail (Prospect Mountain Trail Footpath): In Lake George Village, turn west from Route 9 onto Montcalm St. and proceed 5 blocks to Cooper St., turning right one block to West St., and then left one block to Smith St. where you turn left again. Up a short distance is an elevated walkway that crosses over the Northway (I-87). You can now begin your hiking adventure!
