The Cook Mountain Preserve covers 200 acres with a wide variety of terrain. The summit of the mountain offers views of Lake George, the Champlain Valley, and Vermont's Green Mountains.

Hiking in the Preserve

The different trails of Cook Mountain Preserve offer a variety of experiences for hikers of all ages and abilities. There are three different trails in total.

Starting from the parking area and kiosk, the yellow trail follows a wide flat path into the preserve. After about 0.12 miles the trail’s loop begins. Stay straight to follow the trail another 0.4 miles along a gently climbing path (which turns into a dirt road) to its junction with the Ridges Trail, or turn right to wind along the shore of what was once an active beaver pond. The absence of beavers resulted in a breached dam and loss of water; grasses and shrubs recolonized the pondflat, and it is slowly returning to woodland. After about 0.2 miles, the trail joins the Ridges Trail, marked with red round disks.

The Ridges Trail ascends steeply – 680 feet over 0.5-mile – then climbs more gradually for the remaining 0.6 miles to an elevation of 1,213 feet. A short loop to an eastern view into Vermont is reached after 0.75 miles from its base.  Continue following The Ridges Trail to its end for a fantastic, clear view down Lake George. Flat Rock and Anthony’s Nose can be seen on the left, and Rogers’ Rock on the right.

For history buffs, there is a new blue trail that takes you to a cemetery that dates to the Civil War. It is reached from the yellow trail about 0.15 miles past the beginning of the loop.

In the winter

The Preserve is open in the winter, but be aware that the parking lot typically does not get plowed. Be sure to be prepared for all winter conditions.

Find more legendary trails in the Lake Champlain Region

Does the Cook Mountain Preserve sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Lake Champlain Region’s extensive trail network, we can easily help you find a hike that fits!

Birding

The waterfront offer a whole other type of terrain for migrating waterfowl. The Lake George watershed is home to many species of birds.

How to get there

Cook Mountain Preserve and Cook Mountain are located just south of the village of Ticonderoga.