Pilot Knob Ridge Preserve
(click here for preserve brochure and trail guide)
Check out this blog
created by our Pilot Knob Ridge Preserve volunteer
steward and see what's new at PKR!
223 acres in the Town of Fort Ann
After more than a decade of planning and negotiation, the Pilot Knob Ridge
Preserve was added to the list of protected lands within the Lake George basin
in August 2000. Originally, this parcel was illegally cleared, and a house
and mile-long driveway were constructed. The five-acre house lot became a
focal point throughout the south basin and around the lake because it disrupted
the unbroken wilderness of the Pilot Knob range. Further proposed
development would have greatly changed the quality and character of the entire
basin. Clearly visible from nearly any point in the southern half of Lake
George, the house and its outlying buildings scarred the once-pristine ridgeline
and galvanized support for conservation. The property was subsequently
confiscated by authorities and resold to the Zug family who stewarded the land
for over ten years.
"After spending time on the mountain, it became clear that there was really
no other choice but to do what was necessary to preserve this amazing place,"
say Steve Szymanski and Carli Zug, referring to their decision to sell this
wonderful area to the LGLC. With the help of hundreds of donors, the LGLC was
able to purchase the property at below market value.
A two-mile hiking loop rewards hikers with a panorama of the entire south basin, distant views of the southern Adirondacks, and a chance to observe some of Lake George’s well-known plant and animal species, such as jack-in-the-pulpits, ferns, pink lady-slippers, barred owls, deer, moose, and red-spotted newts. Take a break at the overlook’s gazebo or continue an additional mile and a half to view the preserve’s waterfall.
Intensity: Moderate - steep slopes
Directions to the Pilot Knob Ridge Preserve:
From the I-87 Northway: Take exit 21 (Lake Luzerne/Lake George Village). Follow signs towards Lake George, onto Rt. 9N. Follow Rt. 9N to a “T” intersection with Rt. 9. Turn left (north), and proceed ~0.5 miles. Turn right (north/east) onto Rt. 9L. Follow Rt. 9L for ~7 miles. Turn left (north) onto Pilot Knob Rd. Proceed ~0.7 miles to a gravel U-shaped parking area on the right.
From Ticonderoga, east side: Follow Route 22 towards Whitehall. In Whitehall continue south to Fort Ann on Route 4 (~11 miles). In Fort Ann turn right (west) onto Route 149. Follow Route 149 for ~ 7 miles and turn right (north) onto Route 9L. After ~ 5 miles turn right onto Pilot Knob Road. Proceed ~ 0.7 miles to a gravel U-shaped parking area on the right.
