Hundreds hit the trails for Lake George Hike-A-Thon 2025

The Lake George Land Conservancy held its 13^th Annual Lake George Hike-A-Thon this Saturday, July 5. Approximately 750 hikers, a number that represents full capacity for each site, joined one of more than two dozen guided hikes around and on Lake George, says the Conservancy’s Communications and Outreach Manager, Sarah Hoffman. Registration opened at the beginning of March, and “The hikes fill up faster each year,” says Hoffman.

Participation is free, and early registration includes a free Hike-A-Thon t-shirt.

The first Hike-A-Thon was launched in 2013 to celebrate the Conservancy’s 25^th anniversary and has been held each year since on July 5. That inaugural year, it featured nine simultaneous hikes and was designed to showcase lands protected by the LGLC. The event has since expanded to include more hikes, on-water paddles, and a Wooden Boat Cruise-A-Thon organized by Love is on Lake George Cruises.

The 2020 Hike-A-Thon, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, introduced a virtual option that the Conservancy continues to offer. Virtual hikers select their own hiking path and submit photos to the Hike-A-Thon social media pages.

The hikes range in difficulty from strolls in a park to rugged climbs. The Lake George Examiner team, which included two preschoolers, selected The Sembrich hike for Hike-A-Thon 2025. The Sembrich Museum grounds include mostly level nature paths that curve through towering hemlocks and follow the Lake George shoreline in Bolton Landing. Hikers at The Sembrich were also offered free admission to the Sembrich Museum.

*The Lake George Examiner Adventure Team poses along the trail at The Sembrich.*

The Sembrich Museum is dedicated to the memory of Marcella Sembrich, a Metropolitan Opera star who performed across Europe and the United States for thirty years, retiring from the stage in 1909. She purchased her estate on Lake George in 1922 and gave lessons in her studio that now houses a collection of artifacts from her career.

Hike-A-Thon 2025 concluded as it does each year with the After Party, which was open to the public. This year’s party was held at the Festival Commons in Charles R. Wood Park and featured live music by the Stony Creek Band, food trucks, complimentary beverages supplied by the Adirondack Brewery, arts and crafts for children, lawn games and door prizes.