• Hike length: 5 - 7.5 mile loop

• Difficulty: moderate

• Elevation gain: 1,437 ft

Sleeping Beauty Mountain is a local favorite along the east side of Lake George. The trail is easy to follow and is generally moderate with a few areas of steep switchbacks. This hike is fine for older children and is considered family friendly.

The real views for this mountain are on the false summit. From there, you'll have expansive 360 degree views. On a clear day, you can see Crane Mountain to the west, Killington to the east, and Lake George down in the distance.

The true summit is about 0.5 miles up the trail, but it's mostly wooded and not worth making the hike unless you're determined to "finish" the hike.

If you want to add an extra stop to your hike down, head up to the summit and follow the trail markers to Bumps Pond and then to Fish Brook Pond. This trail loops back around to the parking area. Note that these extra stops add about a mile or so to your overall hike.

To get there:

Parking is available just off Shelving Rock Road. Google Maps will take you to the correct spot.

There are two starting points for the hike:

1. Hog Town Trailhead

2. Dacy Clearing Trailhead

You'll come to the Hog Town trailhead first. A 1.5 mile dirt road connects it to Dacy Clearing.

During dry seasons, the road from the Hog Town Trailhead to Dacy Clearing is open to vehicle traffic. It is a single-lane, bumpy dirt road. If your car can't handle rough terrain or the gate is closed, you will need to park in the Hog Town lot and start your hike from there. If the gate to Dacy Clearing is open, you can drive the 1.5 miles to the Dacy Clearing trailhead.

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. For more information, please visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9195.html