Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Perfect winter activities, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing are some of the best ways to get exercise and enjoy the beauty of Ticonderoga when our town becomes a winter wonderland.
Trails
Champlain Area Trails (CAT)
Cook Mt
Located on Baldwin Road, this trail offers several routes at varying levels. The easiest is a simple loop (.75 miles), the most difficult is a steep climb (1.1 miles, 2.2 round trip) to the top of the mountain, providing a beautiful view of either the mountains of Vermont. Or a little further (.02 miles), there is a stunning view of Heart Bay looking south over Lake George. There is limited road-side parking.
Mount Defiance
This small mountain provides incredible views of Fort Ticonderoga and is an easy and well-traveled route. It is one mile to the top and there is a small parking lot at the trailhead.
Bicentennial Park
There are several paved trails in this park, just before downtown Ticonderoga when entering town from Route 22. There is a covered bridge and a picturesque waterfall where the La Chute River connects Lake George and Lake Champlain.
La Chute River Walk Interpretive Trail
This is an easy 1.7-mile loop that goes through Bicentennial Park.
Roger’s Rock Campground
This campground provides 6.2 miles of trails through forests and provides beautiful views of Lake George. It also has 3.2 miles of trails lit for night skiing.
Equipment Rentals
There are no equipment rentals or stores in Ticonderoga, but there are some in the greater region.
Cunningham’s Ski Rentals
North Creek, NY: there are also 25 kilometers of groomed trails in this area.
The Inside Edge Ski and Bike Shop
Queensbury, NY
Beaverbrook Outfitters
Weavertown, NY
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Glens Falls, NY
Plattsburg
Maui North – Ski, Bike & Board
Viking Ski N’ Cycle
Play it Again Sports
Queensbury, NY
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Lake Placid, NY
Charter & Guide Services
Public parking is available at these public places.
Adirondack Mountain & Stream Guide Service
Provides guide services for all four seasons, with a range of activities including hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Phone 518-251-3762.
Ponds
The ponds around Ticonderoga are beautiful, quiet, secluded, and fun.
Lost Pond
Bear Pond
Putnam Pond
Springhill Ponds
Gooseneck Pond
Pennfield Pond
Local Groups
Ticonderoga Fish & Game Club
Hague Fish & Game Club
Fishing Derby
King George Fishing Derby
The biggest fishing derby on Lake George is the King George Fishing Derby, held in September every year. There’s up to $15,000 in prizes!
Season
The season starts once the first snow sticks on the ground, usually between December and January, though it does vary heavily depending on the year. The snow may become sparse on the trails/mountains by the end of March or beginning of April, but early or late snows often extend the season.
Local Groups
There are no local groups specifically for Cross Country Skiing or Snowshoeing, though there are general recreational groups and some in the regions surrounding the Ticonderoga Area.
Other Helpful Information
Some businesses in and around Ticonderoga are seasonal, including some restaurants, it may be a good idea to call ahead to make sure they are open during that time of year.
Three Perfect Days: Winter Activities
Day 1: Snowshoe or Cross Country Trails
Hit the trails on snowshoes or cross country skis. There are miles and miles of trails around Ticonderoga. A great place to start is the Roger’s Rock Campground, which has nice trails alongside Lake George, a beach to warm up next to a fire, and several lit trails so you can keep going after sunset.
Day 2: Gone (Ice) Fishing + (Ice) Skating
Head out on the frozen Lake Champlain or Lake George for some ice fishing, and bring skates too (links to these pages)! Or, go skating at the rink in Ticonderoga.
Safety first! Safety is a top priority when ice-fishing or doing other activities on frozen bodies of water. Click this link for important safety information for fishing and other activities on the ice!
Day 3: Snowmobile Adventure
Spend the last day going fast and furiously through the snowmobile trails around Ticonderoga. S88 and S88A are great, long trails starting in Hague at Jabes Pond and ending at Island Pond.
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