Pilot Knob NW Sub Peak(Lake George Wild Forest-Adirondacks)

Headed north to visit Pilot Knob's NW ridge and sub peak, a part bushwhack/ part herd path hike that I have done a couple of times before.  I opted to start from a small sliver of state land at a gate directly across from Echo Bay Lane(Elevation 400 feet), immediately picking up a wide woods road heading east.

After a short distance I left the main woods road for a foot path heading south, before eventually simply bushwhacking my way up the steep slopes of the mountain.  The woods varied greatly from dark evergreens to open hardwoods and between 850-1000 feet I hit the first of many small clearings with okay views down towards Lake George.

Wide open, grassy clearings traded off with steep, rocky terrain.

At about 1275 feet, I emerged in a larger clearing, with views of the NW ridge and some of its rock ledges towering overhead.

 

The first really good views of the day from the large, rocky clearing around 1300 feet.  French Mountain(center), Prospect Mountain(top right) and southern Lake George are all easily visible.

West views from the open ledges across Lake George. 

Climbing up through wide open, often times rocky terrain.

Higher up on the ridge, the views west/northwest stretch all the way to the Tongue Range.

A small little perch overlooking Lake George to the SW.

Ascending up the NW ridge, with a great view towards the true summit.

My turnaround spot, just below the top of the ridge, provides an up close view directly across the col towards Pilot Knob's true summit.

Climbing back up on the herd path towards the 1920 foot high spot on the ridge.

Spectacular views are aplenty on this ridge!  Here's yet another view to the south, with the true summit to the left.

Hazy south views over the south end of Lake George, with Dunham Bay to the left.

After soaking in the views, I descended via a combination of the herd path and buhshwack all the way down to the car. Felt good to back out and about for a little bit.  Covered about 3.8 miles RT, with 1580 feet of ascent.

Map below:  Blue P=Parking   Blue X=Summit