For the first two weekends in November, Nov. 2-3 and Nov. 8-9, and on Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, the usual toll to drive up Prospect Mountain will be waived to honor the nation’s veterans. The 5.5-mile Veteran’s Memorial Parkway begins on Route 9 in Lake George and winds up Prospect Mountain, with several scenic outlooks along the route. The Parkway ends at a parking lot just below the summit. Visitors may hike the remaining 155 feet or catch a ride on a state-operated shuttle bus to the mountaintop to enjoy the famed 100-mile view of Lake George and the surrounding mountains. The shuttle bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift and accessible walkways and view scopes are available on the summit.
“In honor and recognition of the sacrifices made by veterans here in New York and throughout the nation, DEC has chosen special days on which the public can visit Prospect Mountain for free. DEC encourages visitors to take in Prospect’s spectacular 360-degree, 100-mile view from the 2,030-foot summit and reflect on the countless contributions our veterans have made to protect and serve our country.” — DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos
At the summit, visitors may take a self-guided tour to view the remains of the inclined railroad that between 1895 and 1903 transported guests to the mountaintop and the Prospect Mountain Hotel. A picnic area with barbecue grills, accessible picnic tables, and accessible privy are located just below the summit.
The Parkway will be closed for the season after Veteran’s Day. Hikers may scale the mountain via a 1.5-mile hiking trail that begins on Smith Street in The Village of Lake George. The Parkway reopens in the spring. The regular toll is $10 per car, $5 per motorcycle and $50 for commercial buses.
