The High Peaks Wilderness Area is the largest Wilderness Area in the Adirondack Mountains and New York state. At 275,460 acres, the High Peaks Wilderness Complex includes Eastern (Central) and Western (Outer) zones, as well as the former Dix Mountain Wilderness Area, 11,411 of the Boreas Pond Tract, 4,418 acres of the MacIntyre East Tract, and 1,490 acres of the former Casey Brook Tract.

Hiking and camping in the High Peaks

From the highest peaks in New York state to extensive wetlands and river systems, the High Peaks has a diversity of landscapes to get out and enjoy. Much of the hikers and campers going to this Wilderness Area are hiking the Adirondack 46 High Peaks, part of a popular hiking challenge. Amongst those High Peaks are hundreds of others smaller mountains, trails that carve through their valleys, and campsites on bodies of water big and small. Whether you come to challenge yourself on a High Peak, or simply go on a short hike or scenic drive, you'll experience one of the most unique areas in the state. 

With the increasing number of people recreating in the High Peaks, it's important to follow Leave No Trace principles, follow all guidelines for this specific Wilderness Area, and be prepared for whatever you decide to do in the Forest Preserve. Listed below are some important rules to remember.

• No campfires in the Eastern Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness Area
• Maximum of 15 people in a group for a day trip, and 8 people for an overnight
• No camping on summits or above 3,500 feet (except at lean-to)
• If necessary, at-large camping is allowed as long as sites are at least 150 feet from all roads, trails, bodies or bodies of water. Place your tent on a durable surface (hardened soil, leaf litter, pine duff). Do not place your tent on vegetation. Only at-large camp when no other designated site is available
• Bear canisters are required for all overnight campers in the Eastern Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness Area
• Carry out what you carry in. Properly dispose of waste and pack out all gear and garbage. Do not leave waste at trailheads.
• Dogs must be leashed at all times in the Eastern Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness and at trailheads, campsites, and above 4,000 feet everywhere else
• If accessing the High Peaks from the AMR trailhead, dogs are not allowed on AMR property.
• Bikes, drones, and ATVs are prohibited
• Skis and Snowshoes required when snow depths are at least 8 inches
• Reservations are required for parking, daily access, and overnight access at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) between May 1 and October 31. Reservations can be made as early as two weeks in advance at hikeamr.org. Walk-ins are not permitted.

Popular trailheads to access the High Peaks:

• The Adirondack Loj and High Peaks Information Center at Heart Lake
• The Garden in Keene Valley
• Upper Works Trailhead in Newcomb
• Corey's Road between Tupper lake and Saranac Lake
• Northville-Placid Trail parking areas are located on Averyville Road and in Long Lake

Hunting in the High Peaks

The High Peaks might be best known for Mount Marcy, New York state’s highest peak, but hunting opportunities abound here, whether they be small or big game. Be aware this is true big woods hunting, and it’s best to be well-prepared before striking out.

Clear Pond is as quiet a pond as you will find anywhere, and although many hikers use the trails surrounding the pond, very few access it by boat. Use the area trails to extend your adventure, and even consider a second carry to Rock Pond to the north.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 9 and 74 near Schroon Lake, follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. Continue to Putts Pond Road on the right — this is also the entrance road for Putnam Pond State Campground. Drive this to the end to access the campground and the pond. A day use fee is required.    

Paddling

You will need to paddle through Putnam Pond to the narrows that separate it and North Pond. From the narrows you can access the 0.6 mile portage trail that leads to Clear Pond. This is a well-marked trail with decent footing. No motorboats are allowed on Clear Pond, but they are allowed on Putnam Pond. The waters are typically calm. Clear Pond is relatively small, with only approximately 1 mile of shoreline.

Fishing

Listed as one of the top brown trout waters in Essex County by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Clear Pond is also home to rainbow and brook trout, as well as their cousin, the kokanee salmon.

At 26 acres, Clear Pond is not large, but it still manages to draw anglers at ice-out. The use and possession of baitfish is prohibited. Access is via a trail from Putnam Pond Campground or paddle/portage from Putnam Pond itself. A lean-to provides shelter at the pond.

Hiking

The Clear Pond Trail extends 3.8 miles from the Putnam Pond Campground Trailhead North looping around Putnam Pond to the Grizzle Ocean Trail at a location approximately 1.2 miles from the Putnam Pond Campground Trailhead South. The trail drops 100 feet in 0.1 mile to the shore of North Pond, after passing along the northern shore of the pond it ascends 170 feet in 0.1 mile. Between Rock Pond and Clear Pond the trail ascends 265 feet and descends 135 feet in a 0.5 mile. The trail descends 120 feet in the 1.1 miles from Clear Pond to the Grizzle Ocean Trail. Clear Pond and the Clear Pond Trail can also be accessed from the western shore of Putnam Pond via a 0.6-mile spur trail.

A day use fee is required to park a vehicle at the Putnam Pond Campground when the campground is open. The trailhead may not be plowed in winter.

This large, 40,000-acre tract covers portions of two towns – North Hudson and Schroon. While the wild forest designation allows this area a higher degree of human interaction, the trails in Hammond Pond are not as heavily traveled as nearby wilderness areas and you can find some solitude here.

Hiking in the Hammond Pond Wild Forest

Here are a few hikes you can do in the Hammond Pond Wild Forest! 

• Belfry Mountain firetower
• Crowfoot Pond
• Courtney and Shingletree Ponds
• Baxter Mountain - This hike close to the High Peaks is surprisingly located on a section of the Hammond Pond Wild Forest!