
Mount Defiance Ticonderoga New York
A historic height offering commanding views of Fort Ticonderoga and Lake Champlain, crucial in Revolutionary War strategy.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
History talks enhance the experience

Mount Defiance Ticonderoga New York
Best Time
History talks enhance the experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic height offering commanding views of Fort Ticonderoga and Lake Champlain, crucial in Revolutionary War strategy.
"Amazing piece of history and beautiful overlook. A must see after visiting Fort Ticonderoga."

🎟️ Fort Ticonderoga Ticket is Key
Your admission to Fort Ticonderoga includes access to Mount Defiance. Keep your entry coin handy!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
A short uphill walk from the parking area to the best views requires sturdy footwear. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 85 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Commanding Overlook
Summit of Mount Defiance
Breathtaking panoramic views of Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, and the surrounding Adirondack and Green Mountains.

Revolutionary War History
Mount Defiance summit
Understand the strategic importance of this height, where British cannons once forced an American retreat.

Lake Champlain Vistas
Various viewpoints
Gaze out over the expansive waters of Lake Champlain, a crucial waterway during colonial conflicts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Visit with Fort Ticonderoga
Prepare for the Ascent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Fort Ticonderoga Ticket is Key
Your admission to Fort Ticonderoga includes access to Mount Defiance. Keep your entry coin handy!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
A short uphill walk from the parking area to the best views requires sturdy footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The gravel road to the parking lot can be rough; drive cautiously. 🚗
💧 No Facilities on the Mount
Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no restrooms or water fountains available. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Fort Ticonderoga Ticket is Key
Your admission to Fort Ticonderoga includes access to Mount Defiance. Keep your entry coin handy!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
A short uphill walk from the parking area to the best views requires sturdy footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The gravel road to the parking lot can be rough; drive cautiously. 🚗
💧 No Facilities on the Mount
Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no restrooms or water fountains available. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible for photography, especially in the afternoon light. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Defiance for its breathtaking panoramic views of Fort Ticonderoga and Lake Champlain, highlighting its significant historical importance during the Revolutionary War. The inclusion with Fort Ticonderoga admission is a major plus, though the bumpy access road and lack of facilities are noted drawbacks.
"This is a bit of a bumpy ride. Also, if you visit fort Ticonderoga, you get a coin to use in the machine to drive up mount defiance. Beautiful views!"
James
"Great view of the fort and the surrounding area. In the afternoon there is a speaker who talks about the history of the mountain and how important it was in some of the battles. Admission is included with what you pay to get into Ft. Ticonderoga and it was a nice way to finish our day. Note there is not a rest room or water available on the mountain."
Robert Burk
"There’s a bumpy shock absorber-testing gravel road that leads up to a parking area, then you have to walk uphill a short distance to get to the gorgeous view of Lake George, with Ft. Ticonderoga on the peninsula in the center of the picture. (This picture was actually taken at a slightly lower viewing area.)"
Gail Adams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Defiance is located just a short drive from Fort Ticonderoga. Follow the signs from the fort towards Mount Defiance. The road leading to the parking area is a gravel path that can be a bit bumpy.
Yes, there is a parking area at Mount Defiance. From there, it's a short uphill walk to reach the main viewpoints.
While it's a relatively short distance, the terrain and road conditions make driving the recommended way to access Mount Defiance from Fort Ticonderoga.
The road is described as a 'bumpy shock absorber-testing gravel road' by visitors. Drive slowly and carefully.
The walk from the parking area to the viewpoints is uphill and on an unpaved surface, which may present challenges for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Mount Defiance is included with your General Admission ticket to Fort Ticonderoga. You'll receive a coin upon entry to the fort that grants you access to Mount Defiance.
Mount Defiance generally follows the operating hours of Fort Ticonderoga. It's best to check the official Fort Ticonderoga website for the most current hours of operation.
The cost is covered by your Fort Ticonderoga admission ticket. This makes it a great value for experiencing both historical sites.
No, tickets must be purchased for Fort Ticonderoga. Mount Defiance access is a benefit of that admission.
While you can visit anytime during operating hours, some visitors recommend the afternoon to catch historical talks about the mountain's significance.
📸 📸 Photography
The afternoon light often provides beautiful illumination for the panoramic views. Early morning can also be stunning with fewer crowds.
You can capture stunning shots of Fort Ticonderoga from above, the expansive Lake Champlain, the rolling hills of Vermont, and the Adirondack landscape.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be respectful of other visitors and any historical interpreters present.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the sweeping panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on Fort Ticonderoga.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to ensure safety and preserve the experience for all visitors. Check with Fort Ticonderoga for specific regulations.


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