Summiting Black Mountain: The Lake Route

Of the half-dozen peaks that can be hiked on the east side of Lake George, I think most hikers will agree that Buck Mountain offers the best view. You have the entire 36-mile span of Lake George spread out before you and the High Peaks distinctly visible to the northwest. If we’re ranking the Lake George peaks by sheer scenic impact, I think we have to go with Buck.

But Black Mountain is a very close second, as I was reminded Friday on a hike with Dave Godette and Bill Walker. We’re doing as many as we can before losing the fall colors. Just last week we did Peaked Mountain. I’d say our ascent up Black was equally strenuous and worthwhile. We’re focusing mostly on the First Wilderness in western Warren County, but we had an opportunity here that was too good to pass up.

From the summit of Black Mountain, we look up the northern fork of Lake George toward Ticonderoga. In the distance to the left, we see the Adirondack High Peaks. To the right, we see Vermont's Green Mountains. 

The usual route to Black Mountain is to come in from the east, driving up through Whitehall and following Route 22 to Pine Brook Road. This is a rewarding hike, a 7.7-mile loop that includes not only the summit, but also Black Mountain Pond and Lapland Pond.

But since Dave owns a boat, we decided this time to do something different: Ascend the peak from the west starting at Black Mountain Point on Lake George. That’s a 5.6 mile out-and-back trail.

On yet another beautiful fall day, Dave, Bill and I left this marina in Bolton Landing on Friday at 10 a.m. The fog that had obscured the lake earlier had lifted.

The Department of Environmental Conservation had closed its docks at Black Mountain Point for the season, so Dave instead reserved a dock at Commission Point. That required a hike of nearly three miles on the Lakeside Trail to reach the trail to Black Mountain. We wound up doing nearly 13 miles.

Note: Commission Point day passes are available through October 14. After that, you’re going to have to wait to next spring.

We skirted Tongue Mountain. 

There's our objective. 

We docked at Commission Point. 

Then we hiked to Black Mountain Point. 

A panoramic view of a remarkable stream you'll find along the way. 

Be sure you take the trail to the summit.

You'll know you're getting close when you come to this headwall. 

You'll enjoy this view to the south. 

We don't often see the Green Mountains this close.