Overview:
This is a wonderful hike. You will park at the southern trailhead for the Tongue Range, Clay Meadows next to a quarry. From there you will follow a nice trail around the shore of the lake to Montcalm Point where you'll have great views of the Narrrows. Then you'll gradually ascend the southern end of the Tongue Range over 3 nice peaks with great views over the lake below.
Tips:
Directions to Clay Meadow Trailhead:
Take exit 24 off of I-87 and head east on the Bolton Valley-Riverbank Road toward Bolton Landing. When you get to Route 9 turn left to head north. Clay Meadows is 4.5 miles from the turn and the trailhead is on the east side of the road next to a rock quarry filled with water. No fee to park here.
Tip: There is a specific species of rattlesnack that only lives in the Tongue Range so be aware of this, not necessarily scared of this as they certainly are more afraid of you than you are of them.
This trailhead is next to a small quarry. Start hiking down the trail which will cross the outlet of Northwest Bay shortly and then come to a trail junction.
Here you have the choice of continuing straight to head right up into the mountains or head along the bay towards Montcalm Point. Head along the lake towards Montcalm Point and you will return to here on the way out.
At 1,572 feet you are the top of the first mountain in this loop hike, First Peak. In the photos the summit is shown in the upper left hand side of the photo. The other photos show the views down to the lake.
At 1,798 feet you are now at the top of Fifth Peak. From here you will head down to Deer Leap Junction and head back to the car. So relax and snap a few photos.