There are three branches of Trout Brook. The North Branch simply flows between Warrens Pond and Big Marsh; the Hoffman Notch Trail follows much of its length. The trailhead is located along County Highway 2b (the Boreas or Blue Ridge Road).

The east and west branch meet farther south and flow along Trout Brook Road, just west of the town of Schroon Lake. Check for access along the length of Trout Brook Road. The state is scheduled to stock 1,300 yearling brook trout in the stream as it flows through the town of Minerva.

This imposing lake is tucked away among hardwood hills in the heart of the wilderness. The campground is on the shore of Dark Bay.

Getting there

Hard surface ramp at Paradox Lake Public Campground on Route 74, 2 miles east of the hamlet of Severance. 

Lake information 

• Elevation: 816 feet
• Area: 896 surface acres
• Shoreline length: 12 miles
• Length: ~ 4 miles
• Max depth: 52 feet
• Mean depth: 25 feet
• Max width: ~75 miles

Fishing

There is a surface ramp at Paradox Lake Public Campground on Route 74, 2 miles east of the hamlet of Severance. There is parking for 25 cars and trailers with rentals available. Motorboats are welcome here.

Species: smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, rainbow trout, lake trout, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, northern pike, white sucker.

Ice fishing

Paradox Lake has a natural population of lake trout. The long and narrow shape offers plenty of shoreline. East bay is the shallowest part.

Paddling

A mink may swim up to you as you're paddling around in this smooth lake. For paddlers interested in a challenge, Paradox Lake is included in the Schroon Paddle Challenge.

Beautiful scenery and beautiful brook trout? Cast a line here!

Getting there

From exit 28 in Schroon Lake follow I-87 north for one exit to the North Hudson exit 29. From here follow Boreas Road west toward Newcomb. Continue for around 0.5 miles to Palmer Pond; this is the first access area to the Branch. Continue up the road to access many more areas. The final access is in the small hamlet of Blue Ridge at the falls.   

Fishing

Shoreline is your only option above Palmer Pond. Locate some of the deeper pools and float a lure downstream. These access points are part of a DEC conservation easement. There is no boat access above Palmer Pond.

Special regulations: Always Follow State fishing regulations and be sure to pick up a NYS Freshwater Fishing Guide at your local outfitters or regional NYSDEC office. 

There is a slight incline to this hike, but it's very pretty and a relaxing hike. The pond gets its name from an early pioneer named Timothy Challis. 

Key takeaways

• Distance: 1.3 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 260 feet

Hiking Challis Pond

The trail traverses a hemlock and cedar forest. This is a very enjoyable just over half-mile hike to a pond; it's easy to fall in love with. The trail passes a small, attractive waterfall before it reaches the north end of Challis Pond.

Fishing

Challis Pond offers early-season anglers brook trout. Reclaimed in 1992, the Little Tupper Lake Strain of brook trout were then stocked in this 15-acre pond. Remember that trout fishing is best when the water temperatures are cool – ice out to mid-May and then again in mid-September until the close of the season. Because this is a reclaimed pond, the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited here.

Paddling

The hardest part of this paddle destination is reaching it, and that isn’t all that difficult with a lightweight boat. The portage to the pond is slightly uphill but the footing is pretty good in reaching this small backcountry jewel. It will be a 0.6 mile carry to the pond. The water is calm and well protected. There is no official launch, but anywhere along the shore can be used.

Find more trails

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!

How to get there

From Exit 29 off of Interstate 87, follow Blue Ridge Road toward North Hudson and take a left onto Route 9 and to follow it north. Continue for 2.5 miles and turn right on Caza Turn Road, then take the next right onto Ensign Pond Road. Follow Ensign Pond Road for around 2.5 miles to the trailhead on the right. There is limited parking and a fairly obscure trail, with only a small sign marking it.

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 wonderful hike and area is not to be missed!

Getting there

To get here, take Exit 28 off of Interstate 87 and follow Route 9 south toward Schroon Lake. Continue for 0.6 miles and turn onto Alder Meadow Road and follow that to East Shore Road and continue for 2.75 miles to the trailhead on the left. 

Hiking

The trail to Spectacle Pond is easy and it's perfect for an afternoon jaunt or a family outing. A slight climb from the trailhead goes past Beaver Meadow Hill before descending to cross Shanty Brook, a pleasant backcountry stream. From here, another slight climb leads to Spectacle Pond, where the trail continues along the south shore for better views. The mountainous terrain around the pond gives it a really interesting feel, with stellar vistas to boot. 

• Elevation gain: 350 feet
• Distance: 3 miles round trip

Paddling

Paddlers will need to carry a canoe or kayak the 1.5 miles to this pond. What you see from the water is a mass of imposing cliffs. Make sure that you visit on a clear day.

• Size: 33 acres

Fishing

There is plenty of shoreline fishing available. Paths lead partway around the pond to access other areas. The northern end of the pond is quite marshy and not good for shoreline fishing, but most of the other sides are good. There are great camping areas on this pond. Use them for an overnight and have fun catching bullhead.

• Fish species present: bullhead, brown trout

Always follow New York state fishing regulations and be sure to pick up a NYS Freshwater Fishing Guide at your local outfitters or regional NYSDEC office.

Camping

There are backcountry camping sites around the pond.

Hiking to Blue Ledges in the Hudson Gorge Wilderness Area will lead you to famous cliffs and a swimming hole along the Hudson River.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 575 feet

Hiking to Blue Ledges

Blue Ledges extends 2.4 miles from the trailhead to the rock ledges on the northern rim of the Hudson Gorge. Follow the trail around the east end of Huntley Pond. Look for the blue DEC markers. At the river there is a small sandy place for wading and viewing. At the end of the trail are cliffs known as the Blue Ledges. There are many boulders at this right angle bend which put on a fine show, depending on water levels. Be careful if you decide to swim here, and look out for whitewater rafters!

Blue Ledges in the winter

This is a well-marked trail and recommended for snowshoeing. It is a wonderful snowshoe destination, mainly because it freezes up the typically-wet early stages of the trail as you pass by Huntley Pond. The ice formations on the cliffs and in the Hudson River are quite interesting. Since the Hudson is a swift moving river, we do not recommend that you step onto the ice that forms on the river. It is a dangerous activity to cross frozen water bodies. Be prepared for all winter conditions.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Blue Ledges sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!

Fishing

Once at the river, the fishing is quite good and you can work your way up and down the beach areas to access eddies, flat calm waters, and rapids. The shore is lined and dotted with boulders that work perfectly as platforms to fish from. This is also a great area for fly fishing. The pool at the base of the ledges is quite deep, allowing you to fish the cooler waters as well.  

Fish species types: brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout 

Special regulations: Always follow state fishing regulations and be sure to pick up a NYS Freshwater Fishing Guide at your local outfitters or regional NYSDEC office. 

How to get there

To get here from the intersection of Route 9 and Hoffman Road in Schroon Lake, follow Hoffman Road (CR24). Continue on CR24, which eventually turns into Irishtown Road. Take a right onto O’Neill Road just over 11 miles from Route 9 and a left onto Longs Hill Road (CR24A). This will bring you to Route 28N in Minerva in roughly 2 miles. Take a right onto Route 28N for 2.5 miles to Northwoods Club Road on the left. Follow Northwoods Club Road for 6.5 miles to the Blue Ledges Trailhead parking on the right. 

Wolf Pond is a stunning 59-acre pond in the High Peaks Wilderness Area, with a lean-to and shoreline views that include some of the High Peaks. The trail follows Wolf Pond Brook all the way to Wolf Pond, but since it steers clear of the marshy woods that line the stream’s western bank, the brook is out of sight for more than half the trail.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 450 feet
• Hike includes bridges

Hiking to Wolf Pond

Leaving the parking area, the trail follows Wolf Pond Brook and soon crosses it on a wooden bridge. The trail gains a little elevation and continues to follow the brook, sometimes at a distance and sometimes along the bank, before finally swinging left and away from it to avoid the marshy area. Some ups and downs follow with the path gaining some elevation in spots, but those sections are brief and things never get too steep. Wolf Pond comes into view on the left at the 2.3 mile mark. There’s a lean-to that’s set back from the shore and a trail that follows the pond’s shore for stunning views of the mountains.

Wolf Pond in the winter

This parking area is typically plowed, and while this trail is hiked in the winter, you should expect to break trail. Bring your snowshoes, or grab some skis if you have the proper experience. You should be well-prepared for this hike in the High Peaks Wilderness Area.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Wolf Pond sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!

Fishing

This pond is stocked with native strain brook trout.

How to get there

The trail to Wolf Pond starts on Blue Ridge Road, about 10 miles west of Exit 29 (Route I-87) and about 14 miles east of Newcomb. The large parking area is on the right if you’re coming from the highway. There is a designated primitive tent site at the parking area.

Crane Pond is a beautiful gem in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 3.8 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 340 feet
• Based on an out-and-back to the western shore of Crane Pond
• Hike includes trail junctions, bridges, and a road walk

Hiking to Crane Pond

This dirt road is one of the major northern access points for the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area. The road is becoming very rough since it is NOT maintained. The road travels 2 miles to Crane Pond. Hiking is the best option for travelers to the area, since the road often becomes impassable due to mud. Crane Pond Road travels 1.7 miles from the Crane Pond Trailhead to the western shore of Crane Pond. The trail gains around 160 feet in the first 1.2 miles to the high point on the trail, then descends 60 feet to the end of the trail. The last 0.7 miles of trail follows the north shore of Alder Pond. DEC discourages the use of the trail by motor vehicles, however, hikers should be alert for motor vehicles on the trail.

Hikers can then choose to explore many other trails found around this area. A map, compass, and GPS are recommended because of the density of trails found here.

Crane Pond in the winter

A not-oft used road in the winter, but people do use it for a cross-country skiing. The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area is a vast wilderness, be prepared for all winter conditions.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Crane Pond sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!

Fishing

Crane Pond is 167 acres. There is plenty of shoreline fishing available. This pond is great for bass and panfish. Consider this a pond you need to portage to. The portage is the same as the hike above, and a cart could easily be used. No motors are allowed in this Wilderness Area. Insider tips: troll the deep portions of the lake on the west end for lake trout, use the shallows for panfish and perch, and the south side of the pond and a northwest peninsula are decent for smallmouth bass. Cast out and reel back slow to bring them out from the steep slopes. Fish species types: bullhead, lake trout, bass, perch, and panfish.

Ice fishing

Look for lake trout, northern pike, and yellow perch. The lake trout are open season all year, with a minimum length of 15 inches and daily limit of three. Use or possession of baitfish prohibited.

Paddling

Crane Pond is the most popular paddling location within the wilderness because it is the most easily accessed and has shoreline tent sites.

Camping

There are nine designated tent sites on the shore of Crane Pond, which can only be accessed by water.

How to get there

Take Exit 28 off of Interstate 87 and follow Route 9 south, toward Schroon Lake. In just over a half mile, take a left onto Alder Meadow Road, follow it for about 2.2 miles, then turn onto Crane Pond Road. Follow that for 1.5 miles to the large parking area at the end of the road. Crane Pond Road is typically not in very good condition so be prepared for a longer walk or ski if it is not drivable. 

This short hike ends at a particularly scenic pond. On the northeastern side of the pond is a long finger created by a beaver dam and on the north end of the pond is an attractive wetland where birding could be quite good. There is the option to explore the second pond on an unmarked trail.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 2.2 miles round trip for both ponds, 0.8 miles for Rankin
• Elevation gain: 280 feet round trip for both ponds
• Hike includes unmarked trail

Hiking to Rankin and Little Rankin Ponds

From the parking area cross the road carefully and quickly, as the trailhead is located on a corner where traffic tends to move quickly. Once at the trailhead, you will sign into the trail register and follow the trail behind the register, not the old road to the right. The trail is marked with blue disks. Along the 0.4 mile trail (one way) there is a sweep around a small knob on your right known as Crusher Hill, while not changing much in elevation. There is a slight descent at the end to reach the eastern shore of Rankin Pond.

If you wish to continue to Little Rankin Pond be aware that there is no marked trail or designated route to reach the small back-county body of water. Map and compass and GPS knowledge is highly recommended. Not recommended for inexperienced hikers or children. To continue on to Little Rankin Pond, locate a herd path to your right from the end of Rankin Pond Trail. This anglers herd path is very faint and blowdown does cover it in spots. This herd path will bring you to another small spot with a great view of the pond. The herd path from here starts to become much less apparent and eventually disappears, but keep the pond to your left and continue down the finger to a beaver dam crossing.

Once you cross the beaver dam you will need to make your way through a somewhat open forest and head northwest, keeping the slopes of Rankin Pond Mountain to your right. Remain in the valley. Little Rankin Pond is a quaint little pond with a faint trail, but gives a nice, backcountry, secluded feel.

Rankin and Little Rankin Ponds in the winter

From the parking area which should be plowed out regularly, you will need to cross the road to access the trail. This trail is a good, mellow introduction to snowshoeing to the first pond. Only experienced hikers should attempt to reach the farther pond. Be prepared for all winter conditions.

Birding

Most of these species are found during the migration and breeding season. This is considered a lowland boreal forest, with species like Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Boreal Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Cape May Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, and Pine Siskin.

Paddling

At the trailhead there is room for one car to unload a car-top boat, but park across the road (north via a slight curve) at the designated parking area. The trail is narrow, but overall fairly easy with a brief, somewhat steep, drop near the end. This trail is not the best option for a cart; it is recommended that you use a boat that you can carry.

Once on the pond you will have a wonderful secluded paddle, and most likely to yourself. The shoreline length is approximately one mile and the water is well-sheltered/mostly calm.

Fishing

There is a deep area good for brook trout, and only accessible by boat. As a result, there's not much angler competition. There is a limited amount of shoreline fishing but it’s decent in a few spots. At the end of the trail which is 0.4 miles from the parking area and slightly further along the shore on the east side via a short herd path. At the deepest it is around 20 feet, but the best fishing is had from the deeper portion and the finger on the NE side, which is accessed best by boat.

Fish species: brook trout, bullhead

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Do the Rankin Ponds sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!

How to get there

From exit 28 in Schroon Lake, follow I-87 north for one exit to the North Hudson Exit 29. From here follow Boreas Road west toward Newcomb. Continue to Route 28N and take a left and head toward Minerva. Continue for just under 10 miles to the trailhead on the right, parking is on the left just prior to the trailhead.