Mount Gilligan is a somewhat popular hike with really nice views of the Giant Mountain Wilderness Area and the Dix Range. Don't judge this mountain based on its mileage, there are some steep sections that can make the hike challenging.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 2.1 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 725 feet
- Summit elevation: 1,420 feet
- Hike includes
Hiking Mount Gilligan
The trail starts to climb almost immediately through an attractive but dark forest under tall evergreens. There are several small, steep sections, and one in particular that can be a bit tricky. There are a couple of viewing areas along the way as you approach the end of the trail. The trail doesn’t go all the way to the summit, but stops ever so short of the highest point at the final overlook of the ridge leading to Giant Mountain.
Take care towards the top, as there are several unmarked herd paths that could lead you in the wrong direction.
Mount Gilligan in the winter
This trail is not recommended for crosscountry skiing in the winter, and can make for a difficult hike in the winter because of its steepness. If you decide to go, be prepared with the right equipment and knowledge, and bring microspikes for the steeper sections of trail.
Find more legendary trails in the Lake Champlain Region
Does Gilligan sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Lake Champlain Region’s extensive trail network, we can easily help you find a hike that fits!
How to get there
From the intersection of state Route 9 and 73 near Exit 30 on Interstate 87, follow Route 9 toward Elizabethtown. Continue for just under 4 miles to the trailhead on the right. There is a large parking area for fishing access here. The trailhead is less than a quarter of a mile up that dirt road, which is called Scriver Road.
Packages and Promotions
Valid Jan. 25
Valid Jan. 19 - Jan. 25
Ti Mill Monday
Paper and Pencil
Ti Mill Monday
Dinner, drinks and music with Dan Rabideau, Monday January 26 at The Paper and Pencil. Happy hour starts at 3:00 pm, music
Valid Feb. 13
Valid Feb. 5 - Feb. 13
Valentine's Day at Mountain Dog Restaurant and Pub
Mountain Dog Restaurant & Pub
Valentine's Day Special Menu
The event takes place on February 14th from 4:00 pm – 8
Valid Feb. 7
Valid Feb. 3 - Feb. 7
Super Bowl Specials at Taco Temptation
SUPER BOWL SPECIALS at Taco Temptation!
Valid Feb. 13
Valid Feb. 10 - Feb. 13
Valentine's Dinner at The Deer's Head
The Deer's Head Inn
Valentine's Day at The Deer's Head Inn Restaurant
Celebrate Valentine’s Day a
Valid Oct. 21 - Apr. 30
Valid Oct. 21 - Apr. 30
Exclusive Indoor Pickleball at The Essex Inn
Essex Inn & Restaurant
Two miles north of the Inn lies our newly-built, state-of-the art, private indoor pickleball court. “Our new court is the finest indoor pickleball
Valid Feb. 13
Valid Feb. 8 - Feb. 13
Valentine's Day Specials at Suzie's
Suzie's
Valentine's Day Specials
Valid Feb. 13
Valid Feb. 5 - Feb. 13
Olde Miners' Tavern Valentine's Day
Olde Miners' Tavern Valentine's Day
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special dinner made to impress.
Valid Feb. 7
Valid Feb. 3 - Feb. 7
Super Bowl Sunday Specials at Suzie's
Suzie's
Super Bowl Sunday Specials at Suzie’s
Game day calls for big flavor, and Su
Valid Feb. 13
Valid Feb. 5 - Feb. 13
Valentine's at Piper and Pine
Piper & Pine Florals Valentine's Day Specials
Thoughtfully designed blooms for Valentine’s Day
Valid Feb. 11
Valid Jan. 11 - Feb. 11
Galentine's Day Sip and Shop
Vintage Reimagined
Vintage Reimagined invites you to join them as they reopen for the first night in 2026; Thursday, February 12 from 5:00-7:00 pm.
Valid Feb. 7
Valid Feb. 1 - Feb. 7
Boyea's Super Bowl 2026 Specials
Boyea's Super Bowl 2026 Specials
Boyea's Grocery & Deli is offering 5 dining specials for Super Bowl Sunday.
Valid Feb. 13
Valid Feb. 1 - Feb. 13
Burleigh's Luncheonette Valentine's Dinner
Burleigh's Luncheonette
Valentine's Dinner
Looking for a place to take your sweetheart? Check out our Valentine's Day dinner specials!
Valid Feb. 12 - Feb. 13
Valid Feb. 12 - Feb. 13
Valentine's Day special at Essex Ice Cream Cafe
Essex Ice Cream Cafe
Enjoy this special all week long
For $20 you can get:
Valid Feb. 7
Valid Feb. 3 - Feb. 7
Willsboro Diner's Super Bowl Specials
Willsboro Diner
Valid Feb. 7
Valid Feb. 1 - Feb. 7
Super Bowl Feast at K&D Deli
K&D Deli
Super Bowl Feast
K&D Deli and Grocery are hosting a watching party for the game!
Valid Nov. 30 - Jan. 3
Valid Nov. 24 - Jan. 3
Sail Champlain in 2026
Sail Adirondacks LLC
Set Sail on a Lake Champlain Adventure in 2026!
Dreaming of a unique Lake Champlain experience?
Valid Feb. 13
Valid Feb. 2 - Feb. 13
Valentine's Night at the Pleasant Valley Cafe
Pleasant Valley Café
Celebrate Valentine’s Night at The Pleasant Valley Café
Treat your special
