The Pinnacle Bolton
Hike to breathtaking Lake George vistas via accessible or challenging trails. A must-visit for scenic beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
The Pinnacle Bolton
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to breathtaking Lake George vistas via accessible or challenging trails. A must-visit for scenic beauty.
"What a beautiful view for such a short hike! Totally worth it."
Trail Difficulty Varies
Blue trail is easy, red trail is moderate. Choose based on your fitness! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Trekking Poles
Helpful for steady elevation, especially on the red trail. Crampons recommended in winter. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bradley's Lookout
Blue Trail
A short, sweet hike with beautiful views of Lake George. Perfect for a quick scenic escape.
The Pinnacle Summit
Red Trail
The full experience! This moderate 1 hour 45 minute hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramic vistas.
Lake George Vistas
Various viewpoints
Unforgettable, expansive views of Lake George that make the trek worthwhile.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Adventure: Hike or Relax
Best Footwear for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Trail Difficulty Varies
Blue trail is easy, red trail is moderate. Choose based on your fitness! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Trekking Poles
Helpful for steady elevation, especially on the red trail. Crampons recommended in winter. :hiking_boot:
Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning! Don't forget your camera or phone for amazing photos. :camerawithflash:
Plan for the Red Trail
Allow about 1 hour 45 minutes for the full red trail experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Trail Difficulty Varies
Blue trail is easy, red trail is moderate. Choose based on your fitness! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Trekking Poles
Helpful for steady elevation, especially on the red trail. Crampons recommended in winter. :hiking_boot:
Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning! Don't forget your camera or phone for amazing photos. :camerawithflash:
Plan for the Red Trail
Allow about 1 hour 45 minutes for the full red trail experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, expansive views of Lake George offered by The Pinnacle, especially from the Red Trail summit and Bradley's Lookout. The Blue Trail is praised for its accessibility and suitability for disabled hikers, while the Red Trail offers a more challenging but rewarding experience. Some note the need for good footwear and trekking poles for the steeper sections.
"What a beautiful view for such a short hike! We took the shorter blue trail (Bradley’s lookout) and I can’t wait to return and try the red. #disabledhikers steady elevation until the hill just before the view but totally worth it. Used crampons & my trekking pole."
Jenny
"We hiked the Blue trail to Bradley's lookout it was short and sweet without getting too steep and the view were beautiful."
Emily Fell
"Easy walking & Amazing point"
Dominiq Kim (Gangnam guy)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pinnacle is located in Bolton Landing, NY, near Lake George. While specific public transport options directly to the trailhead might be limited, driving is the most common method. Many visitors stay at nearby resorts like The Sagamore Resort, which offers a beautiful lakeside getaway and can be a good base for exploring the area.
Yes, The Pinnacle is accessible by car. Parking is available near the trailheads, though it can fill up during peak times. It's a popular spot for those looking for outdoor adventures near Lake George.
Trailheads are generally well-marked. Using a GPS or a reliable mapping app on your phone can help you navigate to the specific trail you wish to hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Typically, hiking The Pinnacle does not require purchasing tickets. It's a natural area accessible for public enjoyment. However, always check local park advisories for any potential fees or access restrictions.
As a natural hiking area, The Pinnacle is generally accessible from dawn to dusk. It's best to plan your visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience.
Generally, there are no entrance fees for hiking The Pinnacle itself. However, if you are visiting a specific park or preserve that contains the trails, there might be associated parking fees or day-use charges.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Pinnacle offers multiple trails, including the shorter Blue Trail leading to Bradley's Lookout, and the longer, more challenging Red Trail which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete.
Visitors can expect beautiful, expansive views of Lake George from various points, especially from Bradley's Lookout and the summit reached via the Red Trail.
The Blue Trail to Bradley's Lookout is noted as being suitable for disabled hikers, with steady elevation until a final hill. The red trail is more challenging.
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip are recommended, especially for the red trail. Trekking poles can be helpful, and crampons might be necessary in winter conditions.
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, many natural hiking areas allow dogs on leashes. It's always best to check local regulations before bringing pets.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints overlooking Lake George, particularly from Bradley's Lookout and the summit of the red trail, offer stunning photographic opportunities. The golden hour light in the late afternoon can be particularly magical.
Absolutely! The panoramic views of Lake George are breathtaking and make for incredible photos. It's a popular spot for capturing the natural beauty of the region.
Mornings often offer clearer skies and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Red Trail is more challenging, families with older children or those who are more experienced hikers might enjoy the longer trek. It's always a good idea to pack snacks and water, and ensure everyone is wearing appropriate footwear for a comfortable outing.
🚶♀️ Disabled Hikers
It's always advisable to check the latest trail conditions and accessibility information before your visit, and consider using trekking poles for added stability, as recommended by some visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails at The Pinnacle
The Red Trail provides a more immersive and challenging experience. This trail is estimated to take around 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete and leads to the summit, offering more expansive and potentially dramatic views of Lake George. It's recommended for those seeking a more vigorous workout and a deeper exploration of the natural landscape.
Both trails offer opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of Bolton Landing. Proper footwear and preparation are advised for either choice, especially for the Red Trail.
Capturing the Lake George Views
For photographers, the best times to visit are often in the early morning for clear skies and fewer people, or in the late afternoon to capture the warm, golden hour light that can transform the landscape. The combination of the lake, surrounding mountains, and the sky creates a picturesque setting that is highly photogenic.
Whether you're an avid photographer or just want to capture memories, The Pinnacle provides ample opportunities to snap stunning shots of the Lake George region. Remember to bring your camera or smartphone to document the beauty you encounter.
Social
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