Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
658.00 ft (200.56 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.50 mi (5.63 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Shelving Rock Mountain rises along the eastern shore of Lake George in the Shelving Rock area of the Lake George Wild Forest. The 1.7-mile hike to the top is made easy by following a former carriage road with easy grades and a number of switchbacks. Once at the top, hikers will enjoy views of Lake George from the summit and 180-degree views of the lake from a hidden lookout that is located off the trail. This lookout is at the end of an unmarked footpath that winds through the woods to the edge of the mountain.

Near the trailhead, hikers can find their way to a popular waterfall, Shelving Rock Falls, that is a short walk from the parking area.

The Shelving Rock area also hosts a large trail system that leads down to the lake’s shore at Log Bay and to other nearby mountains. Thirteen state-owned primitive campsites also dot the area along Shelving Rock Road and Dacy Clearing Road. A total of nine designated parking areas for day-use guests also line Shelving Rock Road.

Lake George itself is a massive 45-square-mile body of water that stretches 32.2 miles north to south along the eastern border of New York and connects to Lake Champlain via the La Chute River. The lake and village of Lake George are two of the most popular tourist destinations in New York.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Wide trail. Great views.

Cons

None.

Trailhead Elevation

495.00 ft (150.88 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Bird watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers

Location

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