Tongue Mountain Range, Lake George Wild Forest
Complete this strenuous loop hike in a day, or make a night of it.
Parking: 43.629156, -73.608312 Right side of the road facing a rock quarry pond. NYS Thruway I-87, north of Albany, exit 24 (Route 11).
Miles: 13-14
Hours: 8-10 or overnight
What I took for an overnight:
Park alongside the road in front of the rock quarry pond. The trail begins just south of the lot. The first part of the hike is easy and runs along the shore of Lake George's Northwest Bay. The hard afternoon will see sprawling south views of Lake George.
Begin by signing in at the trail register. This helps keep the park service informed of the trail usage. Follow the trail markers on the Northwest Bay Trail for half a mile. Make a right at the trail intersection and continue on the NW Bay Trail. The trail rolls along the shore of the lake, gently rising and falling for 5 miles.
Keep your eyes out for the next trail junction. If you wish to proceed straight you will reach Montcalm Point (add 1 mile for this detour). Making a left will start you towards the Tongue Mountain Range. There will be 3 named Peaks before the lean-to; First Peak 1,586', French Point Mountain 1,756' and Fifth Peak 1,813'. No signs mark these summits but the views are incredible. You will descend each peak into a col before reaching the next. A col is a pass or depression in a mountain range or ridge. After you have made the left and proceeded northbound, there will be a small running stream. This is the only water I saw on the hike. Unfortunately and unbeknownst to me, I had cracked my water filter. I could not refill, but I could drink. I consumed as much as possible and was forced to ration my remaining water until I returned to my car the following day. Fill up while you can and continue on the trail. Be wary of the trail markers and path at your feet. The trail became difficult to follow for me due to several downed trees. It is almost 6 miles to the lean-to. There will be a trail to your right that is marked and climbs for about a 1/4 mile.
Since I was rationing my water for the toughest part of the day, I was dehydrated when I reached Fifth Peak Lean-to. I collapsed and rested for 30 minutes before I had something to eat. I used my remaining energy to gather firewood after setting up my tent.
After breakfast and java, I headed down the shelter trail to the main Tongue Mountain Range Trail and proceeded right. Half of a mile later you reach an intersection. Make a left onto the Five Mile Point Trail. From here you have 2.2 miles before you reach the road again. Sign out at the register and give yourself a pat on the back!
I was lucky to have a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the high 60's. I love to camp out so I chose the overnight, but this could definitely be done in a day. Watch the weather and plan accordingly for the most enjoyable experience possible.
Miles: 13-14
Hours: 8-10 or overnight
What I took for an overnight:
- 3L water
- Lunch, dinner, snacks, breakfast, lunch
- Overnight pack - 62L capacity
- First aid
- Knife
- Tape
- Compass
- Map - National Geographic #743 - Lake George/Great Sacandaga
- Trekking poles
- Synthetic clothing
- NO COTTON - Why no cotton? Cotton is a thicker material and isn't as breathable as synthetic materials. Once it's wet, it becomes heavier and takes longer to dry.
- Hiking boots or trail running shoes
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Inflatable mini pillow
- Tent with rain-fly
- Tent-poles
- Ground tarp/tent footprint
- Headlamp
- mini lantern
- 550 Para cord
- Carabiners
- Stove
- Cook-set
- Aero Press coffee press
- Waterproof matches, lighter
- Vaseline/petroleum jelly lathered cotton balls
- Water filter
- Bug repellent (spring and summer trips)
- Mini lightweight shovel
- Hand wipes
- Emergency blanket
- Space blanket
- Lightweight rain shell
- Washcloth
- This is MY list – add or subtract depending on your likes/needs
Park alongside the road in front of the rock quarry pond. The trail begins just south of the lot. The first part of the hike is easy and runs along the shore of Lake George's Northwest Bay. The hard afternoon will see sprawling south views of Lake George.
Begin by signing in at the trail register. This helps keep the park service informed of the trail usage. Follow the trail markers on the Northwest Bay Trail for half a mile. Make a right at the trail intersection and continue on the NW Bay Trail. The trail rolls along the shore of the lake, gently rising and falling for 5 miles.
Keep your eyes out for the next trail junction. If you wish to proceed straight you will reach Montcalm Point (add 1 mile for this detour). Making a left will start you towards the Tongue Mountain Range. There will be 3 named Peaks before the lean-to; First Peak 1,586', French Point Mountain 1,756' and Fifth Peak 1,813'. No signs mark these summits but the views are incredible. You will descend each peak into a col before reaching the next. A col is a pass or depression in a mountain range or ridge. After you have made the left and proceeded northbound, there will be a small running stream. This is the only water I saw on the hike. Unfortunately and unbeknownst to me, I had cracked my water filter. I could not refill, but I could drink. I consumed as much as possible and was forced to ration my remaining water until I returned to my car the following day. Fill up while you can and continue on the trail. Be wary of the trail markers and path at your feet. The trail became difficult to follow for me due to several downed trees. It is almost 6 miles to the lean-to. There will be a trail to your right that is marked and climbs for about a 1/4 mile.
Since I was rationing my water for the toughest part of the day, I was dehydrated when I reached Fifth Peak Lean-to. I collapsed and rested for 30 minutes before I had something to eat. I used my remaining energy to gather firewood after setting up my tent.
Waking the next morning was incredibly pleasant. Opening my tent to a view like this is unbeatable, and something I had been anticipating for some time. There are 2.5 miles remaining and it is all downhill. I had saved enough water to get me back to the car, and to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee.
After breakfast and java, I headed down the shelter trail to the main Tongue Mountain Range Trail and proceeded right. Half of a mile later you reach an intersection. Make a left onto the Five Mile Point Trail. From here you have 2.2 miles before you reach the road again. Sign out at the register and give yourself a pat on the back!
I was lucky to have a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the high 60's. I love to camp out so I chose the overnight, but this could definitely be done in a day. Watch the weather and plan accordingly for the most enjoyable experience possible.
SO Awesome!!!
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