Hiking Cat and Thomas Mountains in the Adirondacks Near Lake George

If you’re looking for a moderate Adirondack hike near Lake George with rewarding views and a little more variety than a simple out-and-back, the Cat and Thomas Mountains Loop is a great choice. This scenic lollipop loop in Bolton Landing combines forest walking, rocky climbs, quiet ponds and wetlands, and wide-open views of Lake George from the summit of Cat Mountain.

The full loop is about 8 miles with roughly 1,700 feet of elevation gain, making it a solid half-day to full-day hike. While Cat Mountain is the main objective, adding Thomas Mountain creates a more complete Adirondack outing, with another viewpoint and a quieter stretch of trail through the forest.

Cat and Thomas Mountains Hike Summary

• Trailhead: Cat and Thomas Mountains trailhead on Valley Woods Road in Bolton Landing, New York

• Route: Blue Trail to Cat Mountain → Richard Hayes Phillips Trail to Thomas Mountain → Blue Trail back to the trailhead

• Distance: About 8 miles round-trip

• Elevation Gain: About 1,700 feet

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Best For: Hikers looking for an Adirondack loop near Lake George with mountain views, forest trails, and a rewarding day outside

Getting Started on the Blue Trail

The hike begins at the Cat and Thomas Mountains trailhead on Valley Woods Road in Bolton Landing. From the parking area, follow the Blue Trail as it heads into the woods and begins climbing through mixed Adirondack forest.

The opening miles follow old roadbeds for sections of the route, giving the trail a fairly gradual start. It is an easy way to warm up before the terrain becomes steeper and rockier higher on the mountain.

As you continue, the footing grows rougher, the grades change more often, and the route begins passing wetlands, ponds, streams, and smaller viewpoints that give the hike plenty of variety.

Hiking to Cat Mountain

At the first junction with the Richard Hayes Phillips Trail, stay left and continue on the Blue Trail toward Cat Mountain. The route continues through the forest, passing the junction with the Red Trail and later another junction with the Richard Hayes Phillips Trail.

The climb gradually becomes more demanding as you approach Cat Mountain. The final section is rougher and steeper than the lower trail, with more uneven footing and rocky terrain. It is not overly technical, but it is a good reminder that this is a true mountain hike rather than an easy woods walk.

Cat Mountain Views

Cat Mountain is the highlight of the loop. The summit ledges offer broad views across Lake George and out toward the surrounding Adirondack mountains.

The view is one of the best parts of this hike because it comes after a steady but manageable climb. It is a great place to take a break, have lunch, and enjoy the reward before heading back down toward the next section of the loop.

On a clear day, the combination of Lake George, forested ridges, and distant mountains makes Cat Mountain feel much bigger than its elevation might suggest.

Hiking Toward Thomas Mountain

After spending time at the Cat Mountain summit, return down the Blue Trail to the junction with the Richard Hayes Phillips Trail. Turn onto this trail to continue the loop toward Thomas Mountain.

This stretch feels quieter and more remote than the main approach to Cat Mountain. The trail travels over a series of unnamed hills and forested ridges, with a mix of short climbs, descents, rocky footing, and occasional open spots along the way.

The terrain keeps the hike interesting without becoming overly complicated. It is a nice change from simply retracing your steps, and it is one of the main reasons to complete the full loop rather than turning around at Cat Mountain.

Thomas Mountain and the Old Cabin Site

The trail eventually climbs toward Thomas Mountain, where a viewpoint and old cabin site sit just below the summit. The view here is different from the open ledges on Cat Mountain, but it is still a worthwhile stop with another look across the Lake George region.

Thomas Mountain has a quieter feel than Cat Mountain. It is a good place to pause, take in the scenery, and enjoy the more relaxed character of this side of the loop before beginning the final descent.

From the viewpoint, continue down the Richard Hayes Phillips Trail until it reconnects with the Blue Trail. Turn onto the Blue Trail and follow it back to the trailhead.

Why This Hike Is Worth It

Cat and Thomas Mountains make for one of the better moderate hikes near Lake George because the route gives you more than one destination. Cat Mountain delivers the big Lake George views, while Thomas Mountain adds a quieter overlook and turns the day into a satisfying loop.

The mix of old roadbeds, forest trails, ponds, rocky climbs, and open viewpoints keeps the hike from feeling repetitive. It is a great choice for hikers visiting Lake George who want to trade the crowds around town for a few hours on a scenic Adirondack trail.

If you want a hike with strong views, reasonable mileage, and enough elevation gain to feel like a real mountain day, Cat and Thomas Mountains are well worth adding to your Adirondack hiking list.

Important Hiking Considerations:

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