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Pilot Knob Trail Head

4.7 ★★★★★ 142 Google reviews · Running trail in Queensbury, New York · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Pilot Knob Trail Head's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surfaceOpen 24hScenicHillyMile markers

Kid-friendly hiking area with a gazebo, waterfall, and views of Lake George.

What runners say about Pilot Knob Trail Head

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (142 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“Gazebo area is flat and above tree line, so expect lots of wind, but the view is gorgeous and worth it!”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“The trail path is clearly marked and has some smooth hiking areas some steep hiking area and plenty of rocky staircases!”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Great day hike - uphill all the way through on the orange trail to gazebo but still beginner friendly and no snow on the trail this time of year despite last weekend’s snowfall.”

Went there with my senior dog. Hike was a little challenging because it’s rocky and all up to the mountain. If you expecting an easy brisk walk go elsewhere. When you get to the top, there is a gazebo and a nice place to rest.

★★★★★ — Katrina , May 2025

Good trail for family and group hike as there’s a beautiful gazebo overlooking Lake George. Beginner group can rest there as the intermediate group can proceed to the small waterfalls 💧😅. Met the most inspiring woman 👩 from Connecticut on the way to the waterfall.

★★★★★ — Dr. , Jun 2022

Very nice hike- steep going up. I would say is moderate- have to be in good cardiovascular health as there are many stairs.

★★★★★ — Erin , Jul 2021

Pilot Knob Trail is absolutely breathtaking! The trail path is clearly marked and has some smooth hiking areas some steep hiking area and plenty of rocky staircases! The peaceful view and crisp morning air will infuse you with energy!! Absolutely an amazing experience with my family!!

★★★★★ — Malky , Sep 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 142 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 30 mentions

“We were only planning on doing the Orange trail but went ahead and continued on through the Blue trail to see the waterfall.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 8 mentions

“The trail path is clearly marked and has some smooth hiking areas some steep hiking area and plenty of rocky staircases!”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 4 mentions

“The trail path is clearly marked and has some smooth hiking areas some steep hiking area and plenty of rocky staircases!”

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“Very well marked trail with a gazebo at the top.”

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Plan your run at Pilot Knob Trail Head

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Pilot Knob Trail Head

1195 Pilot Knob Rd, Queensbury, NY 12804

Get directions

Running trails near Queensbury

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob

4.7 ★★★★★ 200 reviews

Fort Ann, NY

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Hiking area with uphill passages leading to a gazebo with lake views and a waterfall.

under a mile away

Queensbury bike trail

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Lake George, NY

5.3 miles away

Prospect Mountain Hiking Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 378 reviews

Lake George, NY

2.5 miNatural surfaceScenic

Challenging hike path to a summit overlook featuring lake, mountain and forest views, along with picnic tables.

5.7 miles away

Sullivan Preserve

4.4 ★★★★☆ 18 reviews

Lake George, NY

Dog-friendly

7.8 miles away

Gurney Lane Recreation Area Queensbury

4.8 ★★★★★ 331 reviews

Queensbury, NY

Natural surfaceScenic

Park, playground and public pool boasting biking trails and sledding.

8.4 miles away

Meadowbrook Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 89 reviews

Queensbury, NY

LoopNatural surfaceShadedScenic

Looping nature trails meandering through wooded areas and wetlands for walking. There's also a pier to view Halfway Creek.

8.7 miles away

All running trails in Queensbury, NY →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.