My Favorite Things to Do
Hiking
Stewart's Ledge: This is an easy 20 minute walk/hike to beautiful views of the lake. Consider bringing a picnic lunch or a snack to enjoy. You start at the trail to Buck Mountain which is 700 feet from our place. You passed it on your way to Butternut Lodge. Take the trail about 500 feet and you will come to an intersection. There will be bedrock on the path Turn right on the unmarked trail. Go approximately another 500 feet and you will see that you can take a slight left where the trail branches. Now you will begin a gentle assent that has a few steeper areas. You will notice some erratics (boulders left behind by an ancient glacier) along the way. Continue along, less than a mile, and you will get to a steeper section that brings you to the top where you will head back north and come to a series of very large outcroppings of ledge rock that overlooks the lake. Enjoy the fabulous view!
Buck Mountain – This is a beautiful, strenuous hike. In the warmer months, I prefer to go early in the morning when it is cooler. For detailed information see https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/buck-mountain-trail
Some other beautiful hikes in the area are Shelving Rock falls, Sleeping Beauty, Tongue Mountain, or check out the high peaks mountains further north. See www.alltrails.com for many wonderful options.
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Enjoying the Lake
I like to head north from our dock to explore the lake.
Fort Ann Beach
It's charmingly minuscule, lightly attended, and a comfortable kayak paddle away. A mere 1/2 a mile north of the lodge, along the east shore, you'll see it when the shoreline bends to the right into a small bay. You can also walk there from the house.
Cliff Diving
Keep going north along the east shore for about a mile and you'll come to a small indent called Calf's Pen ( It's almost directly east of Dome Island). You will often see brave souls jumping from the rocks. It's a bit treacherous because the terrain is steep and you need to jump out in order to hit the water. I jumped from the lower levels as a boy. I don't know how my parents watched! I recommend being a spectator.
Log Bay
Continue another mile north and you'll come to Log Bay. This is a very popular place for families to drop anchor, party, swim in the shallow water, or explore the adjacent nature trails. You can also get to Log Bay from the Shelving Rock Falls hike.
Explore an Island: If you'd like to camp on an island you need to reserve a spot months in advance. You can find complete information on www.Lakegeorge.com. I usually opt for a day-use pass that can be gotten on a first-come, first-served basis at a ranger station. This year, the ranger stations are officially opening at 10 a.m. They can't do credit card transaction until 10 but if you pay cash you may be able to get a pass earlier. You can purchase for the current day and two more days.
The Glen Island Ranger Station is the best place to purchase a pass. Their phone number is 518-644-9696. I recommend Black Mountain Point. It has a good number of picnic areas, connects to nature trails, and kids like to swim to the nearby, tiny island. Another plus is that it's usually available.
A Short, Five-Minute Walk
Willett's Garden Stand: 4507 Willett Blvd. on corner of Pilot Knob Rd.
Open during the daytime in the summer
Walk 900 feet down the road and it'll be on the right. We're talking fresh from the garden that's right behind the house! Typical offerings include fresh produce, cookies, pie, bread and local maple syrup. The best part is payment is on the honor system. It feels like a throwback to a better time.
Horseback Riding
Willett's Garden Stand: 4507 Willett Blvd. on corner of Pilot Knob Rd.
Open during the daytime in the summer
Walk 900 feet down the road and it'll be on the right. We're talking fresh from the garden that's right behind the house! Typical offerings include fresh produce, cookies, pie, bread and local maple syrup. The best part is payment is on the honor system. It feels like a throwback to a better time.