Cook Mountain Preserve
Hike to scenic overlooks of Lake George and Vermont, with trails ranging from easy to moderately challenging. Perfect for a peaceful nature escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unobstructed lake views
Cook Mountain Preserve
Best Time
Unobstructed lake views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to scenic overlooks of Lake George and Vermont, with trails ranging from easy to moderately challenging. Perfect for a peaceful nature escape.
"Great hiking with nice glimpses of NY and Vermont, rewarding after a challenging climb."
Wear Long Pants
Helps navigate overgrown sections comfortably. :pants:
Bring a Trail Map
Essential for navigating the summit and finding viewpoints. :map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Top of Cook Mountain
Panoramic vistas of Lake George, Vermont, and Ticonderoga. Best seen in off-seasons for unobstructed lake views.
Ridges Trail
Ascends to the summit
A moderately challenging, steep ascent rewarded with flatter terrain and stunning overlooks.
Lake Viewpoint
North part of the summit loop
A specific spot offering a lovely glimpse of Lake George, perfect for a picnic break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Overgrowth
Parking & Trail Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Which PA State Park should I visit next? I love the rustic cabins! Also love finding salamanders and frogs 🏕️🥾🦎!
Wear Long Pants
Helps navigate overgrown sections comfortably. :pants:
Bring a Trail Map
Essential for navigating the summit and finding viewpoints. :map:
Where can I find a snowy cabin for a winter getaway?
Sturdy Footwear
Needed for muddy spots and loose rock sections. :athletic_shoe:
Arrive Early
Small parking lot fills up fast. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Long Pants
Helps navigate overgrown sections comfortably. :pants:
Bring a Trail Map
Essential for navigating the summit and finding viewpoints. :map:
Sturdy Footwear
Needed for muddy spots and loose rock sections. :athletic_shoe:
Arrive Early
Small parking lot fills up fast. :car:
Check for Mud
Trails can be slick after rain. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cook Mountain Preserve offers rewarding views of Lake George and surrounding areas, with trails suitable for various fitness levels. While some sections can be overgrown and the summit navigation requires attention, the peaceful atmosphere and scenic overlooks make it a worthwhile hike for those in the Ticonderoga region. The small parking lot and potential for muddy conditions are minor drawbacks.
"The Cook Mountain Preserve is a nice set of hiking trails located in Ticonderoga, NY. The trails here offer a variety of experiences for all hikers. Views of Lake George, Vermont, and the town of Ticonderoga can be seen from the top of the mountain.
Altogether, there are close to four miles of trails here if you choose to hike them all.
Before you start, grab a map from the trail registry and sign in. From the parking area follow the yellow marked trail. The yellow marked trail will split into two different directions, but ultimately both trails lead to the same place, which is the Ridges Trail that ascends to the top of Cook Mountain. The red marked Ridges Trail is moderately challenging and the first half mile of it is steep. After the steep part the trail flattens out towards the summit. You will have to follow the red markers and signs to find the viewpoints from the top. This can be somewhat confusing towards the top so check your trail map if you have too.
The views at the top are pretty good. Most likely the view of the lake is best in late fall or early spring when you can see more of it. The leaves on the trees obscure the view a little bit so hiking in the offseason here may actually be the best for a good view of the lake.
The parking lot for this trailhead is very small and only fits about five vehicles. Once you get on the trail it is an enjoyable hike. If you like hiking around the Lake George region, you will want to give this mountain a try. Many thanks to the Lake George Land Conservancy for maintaining such a nice set of trails."
Ryan Mazierski
"The entrance was a little before where Google directed me, but there were cars parked off to the side and and a sign so it wasn't hard to find. The first section was pretty overgrown at parts, so long pants would definitely be nice.
It's very shaded, quite and not crowded. I was there on the morning of the fourth of July and saw two couples coming down as I was on my way up, and one family coming up on my way down. Definitely some mud after rain and there are parts that are mostly just dirt and a little loose rock that can be sketchy coming down. But mostly great paths and well marked.
The Ridges trail was definitely channeling to an lapsed/out of shape hiker, but doable, if exhausting at times.
Tons of space to explore in the top of the mountain - a one way trail to the right will eventually lead you to a little view of the lake, with lots of good rocks for a little picnic. The trail to the left loops around with a view of Vermont. I did the lake view first and then went back to the Vermont side, but if I do it again I will do the Vermont loop and then come back to have a break and snack on the rocks by the lake side.
Definitely recommend if you are in the area!"
Michelle
"As the description states it is an easy walk at first then gets a bit tough and the top is pretty easy. No panoramic views but nice glimpses of NY and Vermont. Some odd plants on the north part of the base loop."
Dan Rossignol
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The entrance is slightly before Google Maps directs you, look for a sign and parked cars. The parking lot is small, fitting about five vehicles.
Public transport options are limited in this area. Driving is the most common and recommended way to reach the preserve.
Look for a sign and cars parked off to the side, as the entrance can be easy to miss.
Cook Mountain Preserve is located in Ticonderoga, NY, offering views of Lake George and Vermont.
While the preserve offers peace and nature, winter visits might require checking snow conditions and accessibility. The Reddit post mentions seeking snowy cabins in PA, suggesting winter getaways are popular in the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cook Mountain Preserve is a public hiking area and does not require tickets for entry. It's maintained by the Lake George Land Conservancy.
The preserve is generally open from dawn to dusk, but it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal or temporary closures.
There is no entrance fee to hike at Cook Mountain Preserve. It's a free public access area.
Yes, it's recommended to grab a map from the trail registry and sign in before you start your hike.
While not explicitly stated, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully enjoy the views.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The trails offer a variety of experiences. The initial yellow trail is easy, but the Ridges Trail (red markers) is moderately challenging with a steep first half-mile.
If you hike all the trails, you'll cover close to four miles. The hike to the top is about 2 miles round trip.
You can expect great views of Lake George, Vermont, and the town of Ticonderoga from the summit.
The trails are generally well-marked with yellow and red markers, but the summit area can be a bit confusing, so a map is helpful.
It's generally not crowded, offering a quiet and peaceful hiking experience even on holidays.
Restroom facilities are not mentioned in reviews, so it's advisable to plan accordingly and use facilities before arriving.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit viewpoints offering vistas of Lake George and Vermont are prime photography locations. The lake viewpoint is particularly good for a picnic and photos.
Late fall or early spring offers the best views of Lake George as tree foliage can obscure the lake in summer.
Drone usage policies are not specified. It's best to check with the Lake George Land Conservancy or local regulations before flying a drone.
While not a primary focus, you might encounter common woodland birds and small mammals.
Some reviews mention 'odd plants' on the north part of the base loop, which could be of botanical interest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the lower trails or the specific lake viewpoint for a shorter outing if the full summit hike seems too strenuous. The opportunity to explore and enjoy nature is present, but parents should assess their children's stamina and hiking experience before tackling the entire loop. The less crowded nature of the preserve can be a plus for families seeking a quieter outdoor adventure.
🚶♀️ Casual Hikers & Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the quiet atmosphere and the chance to observe the local flora. While not a wilderness trek, it offers a pleasant immersion in nature. The off-season visits are particularly recommended for those who prioritize unobstructed views and a serene environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails and Summit
Reaching the top, hikers will find multiple viewpoints. One trail to the right leads to a specific lake viewpoint, ideal for a break and photos. Another trail to the left loops around, offering views towards Vermont. Navigating the summit area can be a bit confusing, so consulting your trail map is highly recommended to ensure you find all the best overlooks.
Trail conditions can vary. Some sections, particularly at the beginning, may be overgrown, making long pants a good idea. After rain, expect muddy patches, and be aware that some parts consist of loose dirt and rock, which can be tricky when descending. Despite these minor challenges, the trails are generally well-maintained and marked, providing an enjoyable hiking experience.
The Rewarding Views and Best Times to Visit
For those seeking a less crowded experience, visiting during weekday mornings is ideal. Even on a holiday like the Fourth of July, one reviewer noted seeing only a few other hikers. This suggests that Cook Mountain Preserve offers a peaceful escape for nature lovers. The small parking lot, accommodating only about five vehicles, also reinforces the benefit of arriving early to secure a spot.
While the views are a highlight, some reviewers mention that they are not entirely panoramic but rather 'nice glimpses.' However, for hikers in the Lake George region looking for a solid, accessible hike with rewarding scenery, Cook Mountain Preserve is definitely worth considering.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit