Tongue Mountain Range Trail

Tongue Mountain Range Trail is a hard ridge-line hike on the western shore of Lake George in the Lake George Wild Forest (Bolton Landing area, NY). Expect relentless elevation changes as the route crosses summits and cols along the Tongue Mountain peninsula.

On the commonly hiked out-and-back style of effort along the Range Trail portion, the distance is about 10.5 miles from the northern end (near NY 9N/Deer Leap Trailhead) to Montcalm Point where it meets the Northwest Bay Trail. For the full loop option that includes the lakeshore return, plan roughly 15–16 miles and most of a day.

The terrain is rugged and often raw—plan for steep climbs, rocky sections, and technically awkward footing. The route is frequently described as very difficult to move quickly on, with a sustained pattern of up-and-down hiking across the peaks rather than long steady grades.

Key high points along the Tongue Mountain Range include Brown Mountain (1,965 ft), Fifth Peak, French Point Mountain, Third Peak, and First Peak as the route works south toward Montcalm Point. Many hikers time their day so they hit viewpoints near the lean-tos and summit areas during daylight.

This trail system includes lean-to shelters used for backpacking, including the Fifth Peak Lean-To and a Tongue Mountain Camp Lean-To at the Five Mile Mountain area. The upper ridges tend to be dry, so water can be limited away from the lakeshore and small streams.

Wildlife is a real consideration here: the area has timber rattlesnakes, especially around rocky ledges and sunny stretches. Stay alert near ledges and don’t wander off the marked tread, particularly if you’re moving through open, bright rock areas.

Dogs are allowed, but the combination of difficult, rocky ground and rattlesnake habitat means you’ll need a leash and a dog that can handle sustained steep terrain. The surface is ground/footway and trail visibility is described as excellent, but footing can still be challenging in the roughest sections.

More information: The Tongue Mountain Range - A Little Wild, Tongue Mountain Range, Lake George Wild Forest - The Hiker Guy, Our Best Campsite Yet – Tongue Mountain Backpacking Trip