The View From the Top
By John Bidell
My kind of hiking tends to be a round trip hike less than 5 miles of fairly easy difficulty with a picture worthy view from the midpoint. With that in mind, Cat and Thomas mountain at exit 24 of the Northway in Chestertown fits the bill. After exiting the Northway, you head up the hill east towards Bolton Landing and after 6 miles take a right on Valley woods road. Parking is available just after the turn. The hike is basically on logging roads and the area is owned by the Lake George Land Conservancy,
After .7 miles on the logging road, at the intersection with the yellow trail turn right, for another .7 on a logging road and you will be at a spot with a 180 degree view of Lake George. Not bad for being in the woods for less than an hour. After Thomas mountain, head back to the parking lot or continue on to Cat mountain which is another 2.0 miles on the yellow trail. The logging road ends on the portion of the hike and footing is more of a trail in nature.
The other option for Cat mountain is at the parking lot follow the blue trail to the top. This is easier but you miss the panoramic view.
Still got some left in the tank? Park at Edgecomb Pond Rd parking lot which is your first right after exiting the parking lot heading south. At the parking lot,follow the red trail for .7 miles past the pond. Take a sharp turn at the gate, turn left at the blue trail (south) for .8 miles. At the “T: intersection, turn left and follow the trail for .4 miles for a 270 degree view of Lake George.
Wow now I’m thirsty! Now head to Bolton Landing for a cold lager at one of the many restaurants in town. One of Ellen’s favorites is the Huddle which offers the hangover. This meal is a monster guaranteed to fill you up with an assortment of brunch type items.
See you on the trail
