GAGE BROOK CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS LAKE GEORGE RECREATION PARK
NEAREST TOWN: Lake George, NY, Upwards of 8 miles of trails GENERAL DESCRIPTION: We can't tell you exactly how many miles of cross country skiing trails there are in this great little park. Depends on the routes you take on these daisy loop trails. But there are upwards of 8 _ miles of trails in this area and you can actually branch out from there we are told. ACTIVITIES: At this park there is cross country skiing and snowshoeing on the basic trail network. If there is no snow, you are free to hike or bike this same network of trails.
SEASON-HOURS-FEES-PARKING: Open year round for a variety of activities, but only during daylight hours. There are no fees and there is plenty of parking.
DIFFICULTY: The trails are generally marked as easy, more difficult and most difficult. Use caution and don't exceed your own capabilities.
FACILITIES: You MAY find rest rooms open in the building across from the trailhead. We never have. So you may very well be on your own for any “facilities.”
SURFACE: These are generally wide and open trails, but may or may not be groomed. All the trails are also open to snowshoers. Underneath that snow may be loose gravel, rocks and other obstacles. Expect some washout areas during thawing periods.
WHAT WE FOUND: This is a great resource and recreational park for year round use. It is pretty, generally quiet and we found many friendly people along the trails all willing to discuss snowshoeing and skiing, as well as what a beautiful day it was to be out there. There is a map of the trail system on the kiosk at the trailhead, but we found no other maps to carry along. So study the kiosk map before you leave so you can get the lay of the land. Then, just enjoy the day as much as we have.
RENTALS: None WHAT YOU MAY SEE: This is a very nice recreational area. You will travel along wooded trails, often with pine trees on either side of you. There is a picturesque babbling brook running adjacent to many of the trails. HOW TO GET THERE: From I-87 take Exit 21 and turn south onto Rte. 9N for about .8 miles. Turn right at the Lake George Recreation Center sign and follow the access road in for about .5 miles until you see the kiosk and trail entrance. Sign in at the trailhead. GPS READING: Parking lot: N 43° 24.079' W 073° 43.956' 28 ecolocalliving.com
CAUTIONS: Know your own limitations. Some of these trails can be difficult and can have exposed rocks and washouts at times. Sign in and out at the trailhead. We have been temporarily lost in this trail system and we have received feedback that others have been as well. So take a compass reading and a GPS reading at the trailhead before you leave. In this series of loop trails it is easy to get disoriented.When you come to a sign that says, “This is the end of the Xcountry trails,” turn back. Trust us on this one!
ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Mike Carpenter and Roger Fulton consider themselves ordinary guys who enjoy getting “Up and Out” and exploring all there is to do in our great region. “Outdoor books for ordinary people” is the theme for several of their regional books on casual hiking, biking, kayaking and other topics. You can access all of their titles at www.RogerFulton.com or www.commonmanbooks.com or ask about their Common Man Books at your local bookstore or other selected area retailers.