An easy trail leads back to the beautiful Goose Pond in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area. At 66-acres, Goose Pond isn't large, but it's deep waters offer anglers a chance to catch some fish.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 3 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 290 feet
- Hike includes trail junctions and a road walk
Hiking Goose Pond
Start walking along Crane Pond Road, which is not drivable past the parking area. After 0.9 miles you will come to the Goose Pond Trail on the right. Now, it's a 0.6 mile hike along a foot trail, with minimal elevation change.
Goose Pond in the winter
This section of trail is often cross-country skied in the winter. The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area is a vast wilderness, be prepared for all winter conditions, even if the hike may not seem difficult or long.
Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub
Looking for another hike? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find another adventurous hike for you!
Fishing
There are paths around part of the pond that can be used to access different fishing locations. The pond is around 100 feet deep in the middle and the best way to reach those depths, other than by canoe, is to cast from a southern peninsula, where the shelf drops off dramatically. It is possible to carry a canoe or kayak back to the pond, but no motors are allowed. Anglers will be pleased to find brook trout and rainbow trout here.
Insider tips
- The bays seem to produce and hold the best trout. The western bay in particular is fairly wide but very deep.
- There is also a deep rock shelf on the south side of the pond at the end of a wide peninsula, which is great for reaching deep waters with minimal cast.
How to get there
To get there from Schroon Lake's downtown, take U.S. 9 north for 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Alder Meadow Road for 2.1 miles. Continue straight onto Crane Pond Road for 1.4 miles, to the large parking area at the end of the road.
