Cat and Thomas Mountains Hiking Loop in the Adirondacks Near Lake George
Hiking Cat and Thomas Mountains in the Adirondacks Near Lake George
The Cat and Thomas Mountains Loop is a moderate Adirondacks hike near Lake George in Bolton Landing, New York, with about 8 miles of hiking, 1,700 feet of elevation gain, and sweeping summit views from Cat Mountain.
Cat and Thomas Mountains make for a great hiking loop in the Adirondacks near Lake George. We hiked this route in Bolton Landing as a lollipop loop and it offered a strong mix of forest walking, climbing (and descending), and wide-open views over Lake George from the summit of Cat Mountain and the shoulder of Thomas Mountain. It’s also a quick escape from Lake George with the trailhead only about 20 to 30 minutes from the downtown area.
Trail details
🧭 Trailhead: Cat and Thomas Mountains trailhead on Valley Woods Road in Bolton Landing, New York (Google Maps)
🗺️ Route: Blue Trail to Cat Mountain Summit, Return via Richard Hayes Phillip Trail, and then back out Blue Trail to trailhead
🥾 Distance: About 8 miles round trip
📈 Elevation Gain: About 1,700 feet.
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate.
📱AllTrails Information: Cat & Thomas Mountain Loop on AllTrails
🗺️ GPS Information: Cat & Thomas Mountain Loop GPX Track
📸 Highlights: Cat and Thomas Mountain vistas
👉 Best for: Those looking for moderate Adirondack hikes near Lake George village with great views, and a rewarding half-day to full-day hike.
Cat & Thomas Mountains Loop Route overview
The trail leaves the trailhead on a wide, easy-to-follow path and quickly begins working uphill through mixed Adirondack forest. Early on, the route follows old roadbed for much of the way, which makes the approach feel gradual before the footing becomes more rugged higher up. The further along, the trail leaves the old roadbeds and makes its way cross country.
As the hike continues, the trail becomes more varied and more interesting, passing by wetlands, ponds, streams and viewpoints, with sections of woods trail, rocky tread, changes in grade that keep the route from feeling repetitive. Cat Mountain is the main objective, but the viewpoint on Thomas Mountain is well worth it too.
From the trailhead, we followed the Blue Trail and at the first trail junction with the Richard Hayes Phillips Trail, we stayed to the left on the Blue Trail. From there we stayed on the Blue Trail, hiking past the trail junction with the Red Trail and past a junction with the other end of the Richard Hayes Phillips Trail, until we reached the summit of Cat Mountain and its wide open views. From Cat Mountain we backtracked back down the Blue Trail to the intersection with the Richard Hayes Phillips Trail, which we turned onto at this trail junction. From there we followed the Richard Hayes Phillips Trail over a series of unnamed hills and mountains, before climbing to the vista and old cabin site just below the summit of Thomas Mountain. After the vista, we descended Thomas Mountain, staying on the Richard Hayes Phillips Trail until we intersected with the Blue Trail where we had been earlier. From that trail junction, we followed the Blue Trail back to the trailhead where we began.
Cat Mountain Views
Cat Mountain is the highlight of this hike because it delivers some great views of the Lake George region. From the summit, you get a broad look across Lake George and out toward the surrounding Adirondacks.
The final climb to Cat Mountain is rougher and steeper than the earlier road-like sections, so expect more uneven footing and a more traditional mountain trail feel near the top.
Thomas Mountain section
Thomas Mountain adds another scenic stop to the loop and provides a quieter contrast to Cat Mountain’s big summit view. The route between the two peaks feels more subdued, with a series of forested climbs, descents, and occasional vistas that keeps the loop moving without a lot of complexity.
The old cabin area on Thomas is a good place to pause and offers a different perspective on the preserve and the surrounding Lake George landscape at its viewpoint. From there, the loop continues back toward the trailhead on a route that is straightforward and easy to follow.
For More Information on Hiking Cat & Thomas Mountains
Hire Hike On Guides for the the Cat & Thomas Mountain Hike
Need help on a hike like this? Both Moe and Jeff are NYSDEC licensed hiking and backpacking guides. Hire us through our guiding company, Hike On Guides for customized trips in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
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Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of trail can be steep and rocky, others can be muddy, so use caution and always watch your footing.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
