The best walks and hikes in The Saddles State Forest
4.1
(8)
150
hikers
9
hikes
Hiking in The Saddles State Forest offers a rugged and natural experience amidst diverse landscapes in New York State. The region is characterized by its undeveloped character, featuring forested hills, dense woodlands, and significant natural features. Hikers can expect varied terrain, including elevated sections and more level forest floors, with views encompassing lakes and distant mountains. The forest derives its name from two peaks reaching approximately 1,600 feet, resembling a saddle shape.
Best hiking trails in The Saddles State Forest
…Last updated: May 13, 2026
3
hikers
12.3km
04:12
620m
620m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
17
hikers
10.9km
03:22
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
hikers
15.0km
04:44
550m
550m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
29.4km
09:11
1,090m
1,100m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
27
hikers
5.42km
01:45
240m
240m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
There is no official trail to the summit of Erebus, if you are peak bagging you will need to do some serious bushwhacking to get to the top, which is forested.
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The best views from Shelving Rock Mountain are past the summit. The hike to the top is fairly easy, but the views out across Lake George and the Tongue are phenomenal.
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The trailhead has ample parking. You follow a wide path covered in smooth stones up Black Mountain to the north. The section of trail south of the summit has a number of steep switchbacks before descending onto a lovely windy forest trail by the Black Mountain Ponds.
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The trail winds its way gracefully around the marshy ponds at the base of Black Mountain. The ground is soft and springy along the trail and clear of roots.
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Black Mountain is the tallest peak in Lake George Wild Forest. The views from the summit are stunning — from the summit the landscape rolls away gently to the north and gives the feeling of flying above the Adirondacks. The wind turbine at the top is a unique summit feature.
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The trail to Sleeping Beauty Mountain is well-marked and maintained. This trailhead may be closed some parts of the year, and Dancy Clearing Road is bumpy and requires a vehicle with good clearance to get to the trailhead. You can always park at the Hog Town Trailhead down the street.
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You get views toward the forested true peak of Sleeping Beauty Mountain from the north end of Bumps Pond. The pond makes an excellent stopping point along hikes to both Sleeping Beauty and Erebus Mountain.
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From the false summit you get an excellent view of Lake George and the mountains of the Wild Forest. The true summit is a half mile north but wooded.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in The Saddles State Forest?
The Saddles State Forest offers a network of 9 hiking trails. These routes vary in difficulty, providing options for different experience levels.
What are the difficulty levels of the hikes in The Saddles State Forest?
The trails in The Saddles State Forest range from easy to difficult. There is 1 easy route, 7 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, ensuring options for various fitness levels and preferences.
Are there any circular walks or loop trails in The Saddles State Forest?
Yes, several trails in The Saddles State Forest are designed as loops. For example, the Black Mountain Loop — Lake George Wild Forest is a popular moderate loop, and the Erebus Mountain Loop — Lake George Wild Forest offers a longer, forested loop experience.
What is the longest hiking trail in The Saddles State Forest?
The longest hiking trail available is the East Shore Loop — Lake George Wild Forest, which spans approximately 18.3 miles (29.4 km) and is considered a difficult route due to its length and significant elevation gain.
What do other hikers enjoy most about The Saddles State Forest?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from around 8 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, forested hills, and the natural beauty found within the state forest setting.
Are there any easy hikes suitable for beginners or families in The Saddles State Forest?
Yes, there is an easy route available. The Hiking loop from Lake George Wild Forest is a shorter, less strenuous option, perfect for beginners or families looking for a more relaxed walk.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the hiking trails?
The Saddles State Forest features varied terrain, including forested hills and dense woodlands. Hikers can expect paths that traverse both elevated sections with significant elevation gain and more level forest floors, offering a diverse hiking experience.
What is the typical duration for hikes in The Saddles State Forest?
Hike durations vary significantly based on the trail's length and difficulty. For instance, a moderate route like the Black Mountain Loop — Lake George Wild Forest typically takes around 3 hours 22 minutes, while longer, more difficult trails can take much longer.
Are there any trails that offer notable viewpoints or scenic outlooks?
While specific viewpoints are not detailed, routes like Black Mountain Trailhead loop from Whitehall are noted to offer views and traverse varied forest terrain, suggesting opportunities for scenic appreciation within the forest.
How many people have explored The Saddles State Forest using komoot?
More than 150 hikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain and trails within The Saddles State Forest, indicating a popular destination among the komoot community.
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