Cat Mountain is truly a one-of-a-kind hike in the gorgeous Adirondack Mountains of New York. In just three miles, hikers will experience the largest view of Lake George that any hike can show. This is a perfect hike for the end of the fall season to watch the leaves change colors across the Lake George Valley.
There are many places in the Adirondacks to get a good view of Lake George, however, Cat Mountain gives you a view of the whole lake. For anyone looking to go hiking from New York City, it is just a four-hour Amtrak ride into Whitehall, a neighboring town. Not to mention that this is the best opportunity to view train line runs through the beautiful Catskills and Adirondacks.
The trail is a little bit longer than three miles long, one way. Hiking up this trail, you will see beaver ponds, heavy tree cover and a myriad of streams and smaller lakes. It’s a very pleasant hike that captivates the true natural beauty of upstate New York’s forests. The last mile, leading to the summit, is a steep rock scramble.The hard work is worth it, once the lake is in sight.
As hikers reach the peak of Cat Mountain, they get a magnificent view of Lake George. This peak offers a view of a vast majority of the 32-mile lake. A view that cannot be seen from any other peak in the Adirondacks. Hikers will also be exposed to many of the gorgeous valleys and peaks of the Adirondacks. The peaks get lost in the clouds. You can see boats of all sizes cruising over the royal blue water and a large number of parasailers.
The wildlife is another reason to visit Cat Mountain. There is a wide variety of rodents, bats, snakes, deer, and members of the avian family like falcons or a majestic bald eagle. If hikers are lucky enough, there is a chance that they’ll get to experience seeing a moose.
There is no charge for entering the hike and it is extremely accessible! This hike is worth every bit of effort because the view from the peak is unmatched by anything else in the area.
