Gobblers Knob — Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

In Sum:

• Road: No issues up to where the road is closed.
• Trail: Well-marked and obstacle free
• Bugs: Bugs were noticeable but not bothersome throughout the hike.
• Road: A fair amount of parking - there were about a dozen cars when I got there mid-morning and that filled about 70% of the parking area.
• Gear: Some folks might want a bike to ride the road up. Otherwise, no technical or specialized gear required.
• Comments: Overall a straightforward and relatively easy day hike. The grade is fairly consistent throughout and the trail is in great shape. Views at the top were great and Lake George is very tranquil and would be worthy of a quick trip by itself. 

A little More Detail:

• Hike stats:
  • Trailhead - 3.8mi, 1,160ft EG
  • Lake George - 4.65mi, 1,615ft EG
  • Small Pond - 5.4mi, 2,135ft EG
  • Goat Lake Junction - 5.7mi, 2,345ft EG
  • Fire Lookout - 6.1mi, 2,535ft EG
  • Trip Total (returned via same route)  - 12.1mi, 2,600ft EG

The Route: 

• Due to a significant washout, the hike begins as a 3.8 mile walk up a gravel road. The elevation gain on this stretch of the hike is very gradual the entire time. If so inclined, a mountain bike (or electric one) will make very quick work of the longest section of the hike. As a side note, the road is actually in very good shape. Most cars would be able to drive all the way to the actual trailhead if the road were open... I expect the park is just concerned that the large washout is a bit hazardous to drive by and/or could expand with increased traffic.But otherwise, the road is in great shape - there were park workers actively working on re-grading it the day I was there.
• Once at the trailhead, the trail is very self-explanatory. Signage is clear, obstructions are non-existent, and the grade itself is very moderate throughout. There are a couple of short, steep sections that will work you hard enough to get a sweat going - but will quickly (relatively) give way to much more moderate stretches of trail.
• Side notes:
• The trail (not the road section) is almost entirely in the woods. You exit the woods just in time to have a nice clearing for the fire lookout itself. There are unimpeded 360 degree views at the fire lookout.
• Lake George: I found the lake to be very pleasant actually. Pretty large and calm and seemingly different from other alpine lakes. A number of tent sites, a group camping area, a shelter, and an outhouse are all present at the lake.