Mount Defiance Ticonderoga New York
A historic height offering commanding views of Fort Ticonderoga and Lake Champlain, crucial in Revolutionary War strategy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
History talks enhance the experience
Mount Defiance Ticonderoga New York
Best Time
History talks enhance the experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic height offering commanding views of Fort Ticonderoga and Lake Champlain, crucial in Revolutionary War strategy.
"Amazing piece of history and beautiful overlook. A must see after visiting Fort Ticonderoga."
🎟️ Fort Ticonderoga Ticket is Key
Your admission to Fort Ticonderoga includes access to Mount Defiance. Keep your entry coin handy!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
A short uphill walk from the parking area to the best views requires sturdy footwear. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Commanding Overlook
Summit of Mount Defiance
Breathtaking panoramic views of Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, and the surrounding Adirondack and Green Mountains.
Revolutionary War History
Mount Defiance summit
Understand the strategic importance of this height, where British cannons once forced an American retreat.
Lake Champlain Vistas
Various viewpoints
Gaze out over the expansive waters of Lake Champlain, a crucial waterway during colonial conflicts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Visit with Fort Ticonderoga
Prepare for the Ascent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Fort Ticonderoga Ticket is Key
Your admission to Fort Ticonderoga includes access to Mount Defiance. Keep your entry coin handy!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
A short uphill walk from the parking area to the best views requires sturdy footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The gravel road to the parking lot can be rough; drive cautiously. :car:
💧 No Facilities on the Mount
Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no restrooms or water fountains available. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Fort Ticonderoga Ticket is Key
Your admission to Fort Ticonderoga includes access to Mount Defiance. Keep your entry coin handy!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
A short uphill walk from the parking area to the best views requires sturdy footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The gravel road to the parking lot can be rough; drive cautiously. :car:
💧 No Facilities on the Mount
Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no restrooms or water fountains available. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible for photography, especially in the afternoon light. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Defiance for its breathtaking panoramic views of Fort Ticonderoga and Lake Champlain, highlighting its significant historical importance during the Revolutionary War. The inclusion with Fort Ticonderoga admission is a major plus, though the bumpy access road and lack of facilities are noted drawbacks.
"Great view of the fort and the surrounding area. In the afternoon there is a speaker who talks about the history of the mountain and how important it was in some of the battles. Admission is included with what you pay to get into Ft. Ticonderoga and it was a nice way to finish our day. Note there is not a rest room or water available on the mountain."
Robert Burk
"There’s a bumpy shock absorber-testing gravel road that leads up to a parking area, then you have to walk uphill a short distance to get to the gorgeous view of Lake George, with Ft. Ticonderoga on the peninsula in the center of the picture. (This picture was actually taken at a slightly lower viewing area.)"
Gail Adams
"Amazing piece of history and beautiful overlook. A must see after visiting Fort Ticonderoga. There is also a nice pavilion here to have lunch."
Rob Zuber
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Defiance is located just a short drive from Fort Ticonderoga. Follow the signs from the fort towards Mount Defiance. The road leading to the parking area is a gravel path that can be a bit bumpy.
Yes, there is a parking area at Mount Defiance. From there, it's a short uphill walk to reach the main viewpoints.
While it's a relatively short distance, the terrain and road conditions make driving the recommended way to access Mount Defiance from Fort Ticonderoga.
The road is described as a 'bumpy shock absorber-testing gravel road' by visitors. Drive slowly and carefully.
The walk from the parking area to the viewpoints is uphill and on an unpaved surface, which may present challenges for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Mount Defiance is included with your General Admission ticket to Fort Ticonderoga. You'll receive a coin upon entry to the fort that grants you access to Mount Defiance.
Mount Defiance generally follows the operating hours of Fort Ticonderoga. It's best to check the official Fort Ticonderoga website for the most current hours of operation.
The cost is covered by your Fort Ticonderoga admission ticket. This makes it a great value for experiencing both historical sites.
No, tickets must be purchased for Fort Ticonderoga. Mount Defiance access is a benefit of that admission.
While you can visit anytime during operating hours, some visitors recommend the afternoon to catch historical talks about the mountain's significance.
📸 📸 Photography
The afternoon light often provides beautiful illumination for the panoramic views. Early morning can also be stunning with fewer crowds.
You can capture stunning shots of Fort Ticonderoga from above, the expansive Lake Champlain, the rolling hills of Vermont, and the Adirondack landscape.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be respectful of other visitors and any historical interpreters present.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the sweeping panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on Fort Ticonderoga.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to ensure safety and preserve the experience for all visitors. Check with Fort Ticonderoga for specific regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with Fort Ticonderoga for a full day of historical exploration. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited on the mount. The afternoon historical talks can be particularly captivating for younger audiences, bringing the past to life.
🚶 History Buffs
Take your time to absorb the tactical significance of the location. Consider attending the afternoon historical talks, which provide detailed accounts of the events that transpired here. The views themselves tell a story of strategic importance, making it an immersive historical experience.
📸 Photographers
Aim for the afternoon for warm, golden light, or consider an early morning visit for softer light and fewer people. Don't forget to capture the iconic view of Fort Ticonderoga from above. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to do justice to the expansive scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Strategic Importance of Mount Defiance
Visitors can stand at the viewpoints and easily grasp why this location was so vital. The unobstructed views allow one to visualize the troop movements and the tactical advantage gained by controlling the high ground. A speaker often provides historical context in the afternoon, detailing the mountain's significance and the events that unfolded here, adding a rich layer to the visual experience.
Understanding this history transforms the visit from simply enjoying a scenic overlook to appreciating a critical moment in American history. The combination of natural beauty and historical weight makes Mount Defiance a compelling destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Experiencing Mount Defiance: What to Expect
Once at the top, the reward is immediate: spectacular panoramic views. You'll see Fort Ticonderoga situated on the peninsula, the vast expanse of Lake Champlain stretching out before you, and the distant mountains of Vermont and New York. Many visitors find this overlook to be a perfect spot to reflect on the history of the area and enjoy the natural beauty. There's a pavilion available, making it a pleasant place to have a picnic lunch while taking in the scenery.
It's important to note that there are no restroom facilities or water fountains directly on Mount Defiance. Visitors are advised to bring their own water and snacks. The historical talks offered in the afternoon by a speaker are a popular feature, providing engaging insights into the mountain's past.
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