I'd highly recommend the southern section of the Tongue Mt. Range. from Clay Meadows, rather than the northern access which leads to the rather overrated and easy Deer Leap. The section up on the ridge is rugged and interspersed with absolutely spectacular views, the lake section of the trail from Montcalm Point has beautiful forest and waterfalls. Farther back in this section I have a report from this past winter. Just be cautious around the ledges, this area has lots of timber rattlers, that are now out. They are not aggressive and no one seems to ever be bit, just be cautious and a great photo op may present itself! In the Lake George Wilderness Area,Shelving Rock Falls can be combined with hikes to Shelving Rock, Buck, Sleeping Beauty and Black Mts., along with some very pretty ponds. All those peaks will have great views down on the Lake and the islands and views out to Vermont.
My favorite is Sleeping Beauty and making a loop to come out around the shore of Bump's Pond for the return to Dacy Clearing. Black Mt. from the trail to Black Mt. Point is steep but very rewarding. Parking is near the end of Hogtown Rd.. Bring bug dope and a head net, the black flies can be bad. The best short hike is Sleeping Beauty if you have a high clearance vehicle to get into the second lot at Dacy Clearing rather than the lot right on Hogtown. , otherwise Buck Mt. or Shelving Rock if time is short.