Pilot Knob by Susan Beadle
From the Lake George Land Conservancy's Facebook page
The artist donated this painting to the LGLC's silent auction at their Gala
Pilot Knob is one of my favorite places in Washington County. By default that makes it one of my favorite places in the world. It's not as high as Buck or Black and there really aren't any views from its wooded summit. But you have to have some bushwhacking skills and put some effort into getting to that summit. Arriving at the cairn always feels like a satisfying achievement. Besides, if you came up from the west side over the bare ridge (result of a 1973 fire) you've had a feast of Lake George views most of the way. Then there's the sprinkling of climbing ledges hidden in the woods. Fun to do a few routes if that's your thing. Finally, part of the mountains lure is the somber monument at the site of the 1969 plane crash that claimed 14 lives. Somewhat difficult to reach, it's a place to contemplate the tentativeness of life.
Southern end of Lake George from Pilot Knob Ridge
(photo from LGLC's website)
There are actually several ways to reach the top other than the popular ridge route. The Buck Mountain/Inman Pond trail has parking at both ends with the seldom used eastern approach offering less elevation gain, interesting streams and beaver ponds and more solitude but no views. There's also an unmarked pull off on Pilot Knob Road near Echo Bay that some use as a starting point. Note that the mountains that line Lake George's east side are tilted blocks of the Earth's crust with steeper, often cliffy sides upthrown at faults on the west and more gradual slopes dipping to the east. The result is great scenery from the lake but also more arduous climbing from that side.
Pilot Knob has been in the news lately with the recent announcement that the Lake George Land Conservancy has purchased 517 acres of the mountain's western slope from the Jeckel family. Ron and Janis have been great stewards and with this transfer they insure that the watershed and scenery will remain undeveloped into the future. Combined with large blocks of preexisting publicly owned Forest Preserve the entire mountain is now protected.
Mike Horn addressing members at the Gala
(from the LGLC website)
I got to know Mike Horn when he had the difficult job of dealing with farmers who were considering protecting their land thru Saratoga PLAN. I've followed his successes when he stepped up to the Executive Director position at the Lake George Land Conservancy. He's a great guy leading a membership organization that knows just what a treasure Lake George is. Congratulations on the Pilot Knob project and best of luck in the future to Mike and the LGLC.
DEC photo
Sad to hear that the northern lean-to on Fishbrook Pond has burnt. I (and many others) have happy memories from this spot. In the summer I relished sweaty trail runs up and over Sleeping Beauty, before heading on to the pond and a dip in its cool, clear waters. Come winter I liked the ski route from Pike Brook Road past Millman Pond to Fishbrook where we'd hunker down in the lean-to to eat our sandwiches and shiver before heading back. Hope it gets rebuilt for future generations to enjoy.
Wiawaka Boat House and Dock
(web image)
On a happier note Gwenne will be hosting a S.W.I.M. (Strong Women Inspire Me) event at Wiawaka to unveil a plaque honoring her mother's historic achievement. It was in August of 1958 when Diane Struble became the first person to swim the length of Lake George. The celebration in story, poetry and song occurs on Saturday, August 23 from 2 to 4 pm. Come and share your love for the lake and swimming on the beautiful grounds of Wiawaka.
Pilot Knob is the perfect backdrop for a day on Lake George
(photo from the LGLC's website)
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