Mount Defiance is more of a hill than a mountain with a summit of only 853 feet, but it offers commanding views of Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain Valley and the Green Mountains of Vermont.  This is a hike with history, that (currently) you can either drive the "toll" road to just below the summit or walk the road to the summit.  We noticed that most walk the road to the summit.  There is a "toll" to drive the road but we are unsure if there is a fee to walk the road. 

The history of Mount Defiance dates back to the Revolutionary War and in 1777 the British constructed a road to the summit of the hill to place artillery overlooking Fort Ticonderoga as well as Fort Independence.  The walk along the current road is walking the historic road made by British General Burgoyne's army in 1777.

The road travels one mile to the summit of Mount Defiance, where you'll find cannons pointed at Fort Ticonderoga and a nice pavilion with picnic tables.  The total elevation gain is 502 feet for the whole hike.  For those visiting and exploring Fort Ticonderoga or the Ticonderoga area,  a visit to Mount Defiance is a must do. 

Directions:  It can be difficult finding the Mount Defiance Toll Road.  It is located in Ticonderoga, off Mount Defiance Street.  From NY 22, take Montcalm Street into the village and turn left on Champlain Avenue, then veer left on The Portage.  Mount Defiance Street is the second left.  The toll road is on the right (gated).  There is a small parking area across the street from the main toll road (for those who want to hike the road). 

Look below for a few pictures and map of this hike.

View of Fort Ticonderoga from Mount Defiance

The final section of the "Toll Road" to the summit

Looking southeast from Mount Defiance

;