Hike Cat & Thomas Mountains Preserve
With picturesque views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains this hike is a gem you will return to often.
There are a few ways to approach these two peaks. We chose to do a traverse using two vehicles.
Starting at Edgecomb Pond Rd you will park along the road. There will be a sign and yellow discs directing you to the start of the trail. The first 0.4 miles is following a dirt road. You will then reach a junction in which you will turn left following the red trail 1.4 miles to the summit of Cat. As you begin to approach Cat you will get views of Lake George below and the surrounding mountains.
After enjoying the views on Cat you will follow the Blue trail. At the junction to the summit and cabin, you will want to check out the cabin first. You can actually stay at the cabin. It is free and treated like a lean-to, therefore you may be sharing it. The views at the cabin are beautiful and the setting serene. Now you will continue back to the junction and head to Thomas. There is a viewpoint however, the true summit has no views.
The total length of the blue trail is 3.2 miles. You will then reach another old dirt trail. Here you will turn left and follow the last 0.8 miles to the next trail head on Valley Woods Road.
If you're into Geocaching there are dozens of caches in the preserve!
Pack List
- Hiking Shoes
- Snack
- Water
- Camera
| RT Distance | 5.8 Miles |
| Activities | Hiking |
| Skill Level | Beginner |
| Season | Year Round |
| Trail Type | Point-to-Point |
| Features |
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
|
Reviews
Leave a ReviewOverall rating:
Cabin gone but worth the hike
Per NYS DEC - "DEC purchased the 1,900 acre Cat and Thomas land from the Lake George Land Conservancy in the Town of Bolton in 2013, and added it to the forever wild forest preserve. It has become a public nuisance and public health threat. The cabin is also considered non-conforming under the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. The Lake George Land Conservancy supported DEC’s decision to remove the cabin. " As much as I loved the cabin I also agree with the decision! The last time I came upon it there was a fire left burning at the pit outside. There was garbage in and around it. Its a shame we have to protect people from themselves!
Thomas mnt
It’s a nice short hike that’s good for exercise and a good view. Unfortunately they tore down the cabin at the top, but it’s still worth the hike.
