Pilot Knob(Adirondacks)

Have wanted to hike up to the true summit of Pilot Knob for quite some time now, and finally had the opportunity to go for it today.  I thought it would be creative to hike in from a small piece of state land near Echo Bay.  There is a small, unmarked parking area across from Echo Bay Road on the east side of Pilot Knob Road, with room for a couple of cars in front of a gate.  Elevation to start was about 400 feet.

 A small, pretty stream was running swiftly down from the slopes above.

 Winter has been holding on as tight as possible this year, with ice and snow still found in some sheltered pockets.

I followed a woods road up a bit, before leaving it to head up through the steep woods.

 It didn't take long before views to Lake George were visible through the trees.  And just above that...the views became downright spectacular.

 Headed up to the ridge, which was very open and offered up lots of opportunities for exploring.  Here's a view towards the bump just north of the true summit.

 From a series of ledges, I spotted this view up at the rocky false summit.

One of many open ledges with great views of the southern basin of Lake George. 

Light mist was falling as I tried to enjoy the vista, with fog hanging over Kattskill Bay.

 There are literally so many great views of Lake George on this ridge, you can pick whatever you want to be your favorite.

 From the 1900 foot false summit is a spectacular view towards the true summit of Pilot Knob, which was shrouded in fog.

 Dropped down into the tiny col between the 1900 foot north summit bump and the true summit, before heading back up on a well trodden herd path.

Just below the summit is an amazing view back at the ridge I had just come up.  Notice just how open it is.

 The last push to the wooded 2153 foot summit was steep and marked with a rock cairn.

 Continued south just past the summit, where a small opening provided a great view over the foggy valley below.

 Every time it seemed like it was about to clear out, another light shower would move back in, keeping the surrounding areas covered in fog.

 A couple of more foggy shots over Warner Bay and the southern Lake George basin.

 Heading back up the open ridge, I enjoyed some clearing skies, as the sun tried to make an appearance.  It gave a much different appearance over Cleverdale and Long Island towards Diamond Point.

 The herd path along the open ridge.  One of the most beautiful, open ridge lines I have ever hiked.

 Finally getting some clearing northwest towards Bolton Landing.

 To the north, clearing mist provides a nice view of Buck Mountain.

Headed down the steep slopes back to the car as skies continued to clear out.  Hiked about 3.7 miles RT, with over 1800 feet elevation gain.