The Lynn LaMontagne Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob
223 acres in the Town of Fort Ann
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**Pilot Knob has a new trail! Please note that the Orange Trail
no longer follows the old driveway for its southern portion. The gazebo loop now
follows a wooded trail the entire way. Please stay on marked trails.
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After more than a decade of planning and negotiation, the Schumann Preserve
at Pilot Knob 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.
This property, first named the Pilot Knob Ridge Preserve, was renamed on
August 9, 2010 at a dedication ceremony in honor of LGLC's past executive
director, Lynn LaMontagne Schumann, who was instrumental in its preservation.
Lynn passed away from breast cancer in March, 2010. More can be read about Lynn
and her time with LGLC here.
Intensity: Moderate - steep slopes
