Cat and Thomas Mountains Preserve

(click here for preserve brochure and trail guide)

1850 acres in the Town of Bolton

Rising almost 2,000 feet above sea level and located in the fastest growing town on Lake George, the Cat and Thomas Mountains Preserve directly protects the watershed of Edgecomb Pond, Bolton’s drinking water source, and the headwaters of Finkle Brook. This magnificent stretch of land is one of the largest, intact, ecologically significant landscapes remaining on Lake George and features over seven miles of trails and unsurpassed mountain vistas. The property has been enjoyed recreationally for years by the residents of Lake George and the Lake George Land Conservancy plans to keep it open for public enjoyment for years to come.

Just a five-minute drive from Bolton Landing, the trails to the summits of Cat and Thomas Mountains reward hikers with outstanding views of Lake George’s south and central basins and the southern Adirondacks. The trail  to Thomas  Mountain  follows  a logging road as it  winds up the mountain through varying forest types for approximately 1.5 miles (3 miles round-trip), and ends at a quaint cabin that takes in the region's scenic beauty.  The trail to Cat Mountain also follows a logging road, past a number of wetlands and beaver ponds, ultimately taking in a 270°  view of Lake George and the Adirondacks.  From its start at the intersection with Thomas Mountain's orange trail (0.75 miles from the parking area), the trail to Cat's summit is approximately 2.5 miles long, or 3.25 miles from the parking area (6.5 miles round trip).  

Intensity: Moderate/Challenging

Directions to the Cat and Thomas Mountains Preserve:

From the I-87 Northway: From exit 24, head east on County Rt. 11 for ~2 miles. Turn right onto Valley Woods Rd. The preserve is ~0.1 miles on right.

From Bolton Landing: From the intersection of Rt. 9N & County Rt. 11, turn west onto County Rt. 11 for ~2.5 miles. Turn left onto Valley Woods Rd. The preserve is ~0.1 miles on right.