This new trail features a historic cemetery and a large summit expanse, with views from angles not easily reached by any other trail.

How to get there

From Port Henry travel south on Route 22 to Edgemont Road, then turn left on Harry Allen Road, left again on County Route 7 and left again on the Lang Road. This brings you to the dirt road that will lead to the trailhead. Park near the historic cemetery and take a look at memorials for locals who passed well over a century ago. From the parking area it is less than a half mile hike to the summit.

* Note: in winter, the road may not be plowed all the way to the parking lot.

By the numbers

• Distance to summit: 0.35 miles
• Summit elevation: 1,102 feet
• Elevation gain: 177 feet

Hiking

This out and back hike is not long, so it's perfect for the entire family. Plus, the views are really hard to beat! The short hike is along a rock spine that takes you all the way to the lookout. Off both sides, the ground falls away - the Champlain Valley is to the east, Big Hollow (a 400-foot glacial chasm) to the south. Blueberries are abundant on the summit. Farm fields stretch out below, reaching the lake shore. Beyond the lake, the Green Mountains of Vermont rise above the waters. 

Birding

Coot Hill has gained fame with birders in recent years as a good place to watch hawks during migration – including Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Osprey, Broad-winged Hawks, and anything else which passes along the lake. The forest along the road also has breeding songbirds during the warm months.

Find out more

There is a lot of history here. Did you know that Robert Rogers, an 18th century British guerrilla fighter, spied from this lookout on the French fort below at Crown Point?

Read our blog about this hike and some interesting history: New Champlain Area Trail with a view.