two hikers with a golden retriever on a rock outcropping Hike-a-Thon 2023

Hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts participate in LGLC Hike-a-Thon 2023

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Wednesday, July 5, more than 700 people hiked and paddled through Lake George Land Conservancy parks and preserves for the Conservancy’s 11th Annual Hike-a-Thon. Hike-a-Thon 2023 offered participants 22 options, including guided hikes ranging in skill level from easy to challenging and a paddle in Northwest Bay Brook.  Participants also had the option of a self-guided hike of their choosing.

The free event is part of the Land Conservancy’s public outreach program to promote an appreciation for the lands that protect Lake George. Registered participants received official Hike-a-thon t-shirts and a stuff bag filled with Hike-a-thon swag. A helicopter, piloted by Bruce Mowery, flew Adirondack photographer Carl Heilman, II, to each site to take aerial group photos.

In conjunction with the Hike-a-Thon, Love is on Lake George Cruises organized a Wooden Boat Cruise-a-Thon along the East Shore of Lake George starting at Dunham’s Bay and cruising north to Elizabeth Island, a 9-mile route.

The Land Conservancy held its traditional After Party at the Bolton Landing Community Center with live music performed by the High Peaks Bluegrass Band. The party included food and drinks, children’s activities. Representatives from state and local government agencies and local non-profits were on hand with information and giveaways.

hike-a-thon 2023 children select prizes
At the After Party, children were awarded prizes for completing a scavenger hunt and other activities while hiking.

The Lake George Examiner sent a crew, which included a six-month-old and a three-year-old, on the Amy’s Park hike. The group also included a toddler, some in the 60-plus age group and a golden retriever. The quarter-mile hike is rated easy and brings hikers to the lily-filled Upper Pond in Amy’s Park. The 3-year-old easily conquered the trail, however, while the yellow trail is an easy hike, it is not stroller-friendly and the baby was carried.

Amy’s Park is a 500-acre parcel of woodlands and marshes with its main parking lot and trailheads on Padanarum Road in Bolton Landing. The Conservancy purchased the land in 2012 ensuring preservation of the important wildlife habitats found within. The property includes the headwaters for Indian Brook, which empties into Northwest Bay on Lake George.

Photos: Amy’s Park Wetlands Hike and Hike-a-Thon 2023 After party

Hikers traverse the Yellow Trail at Amy’s Park, one of 22 site options for Hike-a-Thon 2023 participants.
The Examiner Adventure Team pauses at the Upper Pond in Amy’s Park.
At age six-months, Examiner Associate Easton was the youngest participant of the Amy’s Park hike.
The Hike-a-Thon 2023 after party was held at the Bolton Landing Community Center on Edgecomb Pond Road.
The High Peaks Bluegrass Band performs at the Hike-a-Thon 2023 after party.
At the After Party, Nancy Kimball, a North Country Wildcare licensed wildlife rehabilitator, holds Sam, a saw-whet owl.
Alexander from Bolton Landing creates a large bubble at the Hike-a-Thon after party.
Hikers enjoy food and cold drinks at the Hike-a-Thon after party.

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