The Pinnacle for Sunrise - Bolton Landing - 9/27/15

On this day, Leesa, our dog Rev and I, along with our friend Mark, chose to head up to the Pinnacle in Bolton Landing for sunrise.  This wonderful Lake George Land Conservancy property provides an outstanding view looking east to Lake George in exchange for a meer 15 minute hike and a climb of 450 vertical.  

We parked at the parking area on Edgecomb Road and started our climb at about 6:10 and reached the summit at 6:25. On this morning there was a long thin series of clouds laying just above the lake and drifting northward.  The clouds added some interest to the panorama without blocking the view of the lake.

It was chilly (38 degrees) and a light breeze was blowing as we all stood there in amazement clicking away with our cameras.  The cool weather didn't bother me as I snapped over 200 pictures in about 15 minutes.    

I'll let the sample of pictures below speak for themselves. 

Sunshine!

As we were making our way down, I noticed a new yellow marked trail heading north from near the summit.  A laminated piece of paper indicated that it lead 1.3 miles to Edgecomb Pond.   I came back later in the day to  follow the trail.

I first went back to the summit of Pinnacle, then took the yellow trail north.  It continued north almost until Finkle Road, then turn west, reclimbing all the elevation that it had lost, until it emerged on Edgecomb Road, about a quarter mile north of the trail to Edgewood Rond (and the red trail to Cat Mountain).   The trail is marked the entire way with yellow LGLC markers, but it has not received any foot traffic yet so care is needed to follow the markers.

Once out to Edgecomb Road, I walked the 0.8 miles on the road back to the Pinnacle parking area.

To finish the day, Leesa and I went for a kayak paddle on Glen Lake.

The early afternoon view from the Pinnacle. 

The Pinnacle (Red) trail and the Yellow Trail (shown in blue)

The Pinnacle - Bolton Landing, NY - 8/1/15

I don't know of a better viewpoint for Lake George that can be reached so easily.  The Lake George Land Conservancy just acquired the Pinnacle in Bolton Landing and it provides access to a glorius view.  A trail has already been opened to the public, with the trailhead starting across the street from 139 Edgecomb Road in Bolton Landing.  There is a small parking lot if you drive in a 100 feet or so.  Alternatively you can park at the Bolton Conservation Park just to the south.

The trail follows an old woods road for the most part.  There is a short footpath section to avoid a neighboring property.  As you climb climb the woods road there are multiple switchbacks to east the grade.  After 0.7 miles and 480' of elevation gain, you reach the viewpoint.  The climb took us about 20 minutes.  This would be a fantastic climb for sunrise!

The Pinnacle, as seen from Bolton Conservation Park

The trailhead gate

A welcoming pointer

The view is a panorama from the Narrows and Tongue Mountain Range all the way to the southern tip of the lake.  While we were there, a quick rain passed through the Narrows.

Looking East - Green Island in the center left foreground

Looking NE into the Narrows before the rain

during the rain

Looking SE

Don't miss this short hike when you are in the Bolton area.  It's well worth taking an hour out of your day.  You may even decide to come back as we have. 

Hike Stats:

Hike Distance:  1.4 miles

Hike Time:  1 hour 

Total Vertical Gain:  ~ 400'