5.0
(7055)
11,353
hikers
00:50
2.61km
170m
Hiking
The Shelving Rock Mountain Trail offers an easy hike through beautiful wooded scenery. You'll follow what was once an old carriage road, enjoying gentle grades and switchbacks as you ascend. This 1.6-mile (2.6 km) route involves a 566-foot (172 metres) elevation gain, making it a quick adventure you can complete in about 50 minutes. From the summit, you'll find expansive views of Lake George, especially from a hidden lookout offering a 180-degree panorama. It's a perfect way to experience the area's natural beauty without a strenuous effort.
Parking is typically available right at the trailhead, providing straightforward access to this scenic route. The trail is generally well-maintained and suitable for families looking for a pleasant outing. While it's a popular spot for snowshoeing during winter, always check local conditions before you head out in colder months. This ensures you're prepared for any changes in weather or trail accessibility. Planning your visit around good weather will enhance your experience on the mountain.
Before you even start the climb, don't miss the picturesque Shelving Rock Falls near the trailhead. This 50-foot cascade adds another natural highlight to your trip, offering a lovely spot to visit. The trail itself is located within the Lake George Wild Forest, an area known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. It's a great option if you're seeking a rewarding view without committing to a long or difficult journey.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.47 km
139 m
Surfaces
2.47 km
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (320 m)
Lowest point (150 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Wednesday 6 May
13°C
6°C
97 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
This trail is generally considered easy to moderate, making it a great option for families and hikers of various skill levels. The path follows a former carriage road, which means gentle grades and switchbacks that keep the ascent manageable. It's well-maintained, wide, and has very few roots or rocks, especially in its initial sections.
You'll enjoy beautiful wooded scenery along the way. From the summit of Shelving Rock Mountain, you can catch glimpses of Lake George. For the best panoramic experience, look for a hidden lookout off the main trail via an unmarked footpath. This spot offers expansive 180-degree views of the lake from large, exposed boulders, including the Narrows and the southern basin.
Yes, absolutely! Its gentle grades, wide path, and well-maintained surface make it an excellent choice for novice hikers, young families, and larger groups. It's often highlighted as one of the Adirondacks' easier mountaintop hikes.
Parking is available near the trailhead. It's always a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak season, as parking areas can fill up quickly. There are no shuttles mentioned for this specific trailhead.
Yes, the Shelving Rock Mountain Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best practice to keep your dog on a leash and ensure you clean up after them to preserve the natural environment for everyone.
The trail is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is popular, but can be warmer. It's also a popular destination for snowshoeing in the winter, offering a different kind of experience.
Generally, day-use permits are not required for hiking in the Lake George Wild Forest, and there are no entrance fees for accessing the Shelving Rock Mountain Trail. However, it's always wise to check the official New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website for any updated regulations or advisories before your visit. You can find more information at ny.gov.
Yes! Near the trailhead, you can take a short walk to the picturesque Shelving Rock Falls, a 50-foot cascade. This area also provides access to stony pools where you can cool off and leads to Log Bay, a popular spot on Lake George.
Yes, the Shelving Rock area is part of a larger trail network within the Lake George Wild Forest. This provides options for more extended hikes to other nearby mountains like Sleeping Beauty. The route itself also passes through sections of the official trails named Shelving Rock Mtn Trail, and Lakeside to Shelving Rock Trail.
The primary path to the summit of Shelving Rock Mountain is typically hiked as an out-and-back route. The komoot tour for this trail is also an out-and-back, covering approximately 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) in total. You can explore the full route details on komoot.
Even though it's an easy trail, it's always good to be prepared. Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days, as there's no water available on the trail itself. Comfortable hiking shoes, snacks, a map (or the komoot app downloaded offline), and appropriate layers for the weather are recommended. Don't forget your camera for those lake views!