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Mount Defiance Ticonderoga New York

4.7
·85 reviews·Ticonderoga, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon

History talks enhance the experience

CrowdMedium
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Mount Defiance - Image 1

Mount Defiance Ticonderoga New York

Best Time

Afternoon

History talks enhance the experience

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(85 reviews)

"Amazing piece of history and beautiful overlook. A must see after visiting Fort Ticonderoga."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 85 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Commanding Overlook

Commanding Overlook

Summit of Mount Defiance

Breathtaking panoramic views of Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, and the surrounding Adirondack and Green Mountains.

Revolutionary War History

Revolutionary War History

Mount Defiance summit

Understand the strategic importance of this height, where British cannons once forced an American retreat.

Lake Champlain Vistas

Lake Champlain Vistas

Various viewpoints

Gaze out over the expansive waters of Lake Champlain, a crucial waterway during colonial conflicts.

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Planning Your Visit

Combine Your Visit with Fort Ticonderoga

Mount Defiance admission is included with your Fort Ticonderoga ticket. This strategic height offers unparalleled views and historical context, making it a perfect complement to your fort exploration. Plan to spend at least half a day to fully appreciate both sites.

Prepare for the Ascent

The road to Mount Defiance is a bumpy gravel path, so be prepared for a bit of a shake-up in your vehicle. While there's a parking area, a short uphill walk is required to reach the most stunning viewpoints. Wear comfortable shoes!

Best Times

When
Afternoon
Why
History talks enhance the experience
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Spring/Early Fall
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This hike is still running though my head. This is the first section of what’s considered Oregons most challenging trails, Mt. Defiance. This mountain a 6 million year old sheild volcano and is a 7 mile hike to get to the top. I do intend on completing this one day. Right now the peak is in deep snow so maybe ill go back in the summer. As for this audio it really spoke to me. I haven’t ever experi...
@jaimewash
2.9K likes • 47.7K views

🎟️ Fort Ticonderoga Ticket is Key

Your admission to Fort Ticonderoga includes access to Mount Defiance. Keep your entry coin handy! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

A short uphill walk from the parking area to the best views requires sturdy footwear. :athletic_shoe:

Who will you see at Ticonderoga in 1774? . . . #fortticonderoga #historytok #livinghistory #museumtok #visitnewyork #fypシ #historicalcostume #revolutionarywar #americanhistory #18thcentury
@fortticonderoga
2.4K likes • 49.8K views
mount defiance looking over Ticonderoga Fort. One of the battle sites in the revolutionary war. In New York
texas_realestatequeen
8 likes • 195 views

🚗 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:

Mount Defiance is an 840 ft (260 m) high "hill" on the New York side of Lake Champlain. In the 1777 Siege of Fort Ticonderoga, the British army succeeded in positioning artillery on Mount Defiance, causing the Continental Army to withdraw from both forts without a fight. #roadtrip #newyork #Newyorkstate #upstatenewyork #adirondacks #fort #Ticonderoga #fortTiconderoga #mountdefiance
funerealephemera
14 likes • 153 views

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! Reddit

👟 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

4.7
(85 reviews)

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

Spectacular panoramic views
Historical significance
Included with fort admission

What People Dislike

Bumpy access road
No facilities on site

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. Instagram

Yes, there is a parking area at Mount Defiance. From there, it's a short uphill walk to reach the main viewpoints. Reddit

While it's a relatively short distance, the terrain and road conditions make driving the recommended way to access Mount Defiance from Fort Ticonderoga. Instagram

The road is described as a 'bumpy shock absorber-testing gravel road' by visitors. Drive slowly and carefully. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

The cost is covered by your Fort Ticonderoga admission ticket. This makes it a great value for experiencing both historical sites. Reddit

No, tickets must be purchased for Fort Ticonderoga. Mount Defiance access is a benefit of that admission. Reddit

While you can visit anytime during operating hours, some visitors recommend the afternoon to catch historical talks about the mountain's significance. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The afternoon light often provides beautiful illumination for the panoramic views. Early morning can also be stunning with fewer crowds. Instagram

You can capture stunning shots of Fort Ticonderoga from above, the expansive Lake Champlain, the rolling hills of Vermont, and the Adirondack landscape. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be respectful of other visitors and any historical interpreters present. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the sweeping panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on Fort Ticonderoga. TikTok

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. TikTok

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