If you're looking for a short hike with a big payoff near Schroon Lake, this one is hard to beat.

At just over 1 mile each way, the trail is pretty short but it's also steep in spots. AllTrails rates it as moderate, and I'd say that's pretty accurate. At the top you're rewarded with sweeping views of Schroon Lake and the surrounding mountains.

This is a beautiful hike in the fall. It's also a great option for mud-season (spring - early summer) because it's relatively dry. Just keep an eye out for Eastern newts so you don't step on them! They love the micro-climate on this trail and we saw loads of them last time we went.