Spotted in the Adirondacks: The Capital Region’s Own Elephant Rock

An Elephant in Upstate NY

One of the best parts about taking a road trip through Upstate New York is the unexpected things you’ll spot along the way. In the Adirondacks, it’s not unusual to see black bears, bald eagles, or even the occasional moose. But an elephant? Not unless you’re cruising along NYS Route 8 near Brant Lake.

That’s where you’ll find Elephant Rock, a quirky roadside landmark that’s been making travelers smile for decades. Recently, photos of the rock were shared by the Adirondack Aerial & Ground Imagery Showcase Page, sparking plenty of curiosity — including mine.

The Story Behind Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock is a natural formation that, with a bit of imagination, resembles the head of an elephant.  In 1980, a Hague resident, Michael Coffin, gave the boulder its personality by painting tusks, a trunk, and eyes on it.

The result?

A friendly “cartoon elephant” that’s become an unofficial Adirondack mascot ever since.

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Where to Find It

If you want to see Elephant Rock yourself, it’s about an hour and 45 minutes north of Albany, on Route 8 on Graphite Mountain, just past Brant Lake. According to the Adirondack Aerial & Ground Imagery Showcase Page, it sits just before North Pond if you’re heading up from Hague.

So next time you’re road-tripping through the ADKs, keep your eyes peeled — you never know when you’ll stumble across a black bear, a bald eagle… or a roadside elephant.