The namesake of the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is indeed a beautiful location! It is surrounded by Forest Preserve and completely peaceful. The lake itself is 441 acres, the largest lake in the Wilderness Area and, one of the largest lakes in the Adirondacks completely surrounded by Forest Preserve lands.

How to get there

Please see the DEC website for directions, as this lake can be accessed and hiked to via many trailheads in the area.

Paddling

This is a beautiful paddle, but will require some work. Paddlers will be required to carry their boats here. No motors are allowed.

Fishing

Good things come to those who walk — that’s what Pharaoh Lake is all about. From the south, it’s a 4-mile hike into this 442-acre lake, but once you get there you’ll find brookies and lake trout. In 2012, the lake got an air-stocking of 2,000 5-inch brookies, but it’s the lakers that make the hike worth it. Your daily limit is three lake trout of at least 15 inches. Keep in mind that the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited here. Access is from Pharaoh Mountain Trail and during the summer’s warmer weather, you’ll want to carry in a lightweight canoe or inflatable boat to get away from shore and to target the cooler, deeper waters.

Camping

There are several lean-tos available at the lake.

Birding

This remote location is a fine spot for waterbirds like loon and merganser, or raptors such as bald eagles, kingfishers, and many kinds of hawk. This area includes wetlands, boreal, and mixed forest habitats.

Find out more

Read our blog post: Hiking in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness