This small peak has some of the best views in the area and is quite a popular hike when the Putnam Pond DEC Campground is open.
How to get there
From I-87 in Schroon Lake, follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. Continue to Putts Pond Road on the left. Follow Putts Pond Road to the end at the Putnam Pond State Campground. Head straight through the booth area and head up the hill, the trailhead will be on the left at the day-use parking area. There is a day-use fee when the campground is seasonally operational.
By the numbers
- Distance: 3.9 miles, one way
- Mountain elevation: 2,218 feet
- Ascent: 900 feet
Hiking
From the trailhead, start along a flat trail that passes by Putnam Pond passing by a short spur trail that leads to Putnam Pond on your right. There is then a short climb before a rather long descent, which tends to feel even longer on the way out. Soon there is a major intersection on the opposite side of a small bridge and from that intersection take a right, left leads to Grizzle Ocean, another fine destination. Continue around Putnam Pond for a bit longer to another cross-roads; this is where the Treadway Mountain Trail comes in on the left and to the right is another short trail down to Putnam Pond. From here you will start a moderate climb that will swing you through an attractive forest with mixed stands and rocky steps. While the climb is fairly moderate, it will be a 900 foot ascent to the very top. As you approach the summit, many views will start to appear and the summit ridge is an exceptional location for near endless photography.
*A note for winter... depending on where plowing ends, this hike may be a lot longer. Be prepared to walk additional miles on the road.
Paddling
Combine the hike up Treadway with a paddle. Start from the campground and traverse the pond westward to a small bay, where a trail links up with the aforementioned hiking trail.
