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

This lake is on north of the town of Newcomb, with nice views of the Santanoni Range and Ermine Brook Slide. Because you have to park at the beginning of the road that leads to Camp Santanoni, the hike to Moose Pond is a long one! There are some designated primitive tent sites on Moose Pond that can allow you to extend your stay in this backcountry body of water.

Key statistics

• Distance: 14 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 1,450 feet

Hiking

The hike will take you on Newcomb Lake Road for 2.25 miles before you take a left onto Moose Pond Road, which is more of a hiking trail nowadays. Continue on this until you've hiked around 6.7 miles, where there will be a fork. Go left at the fork to reach tent sites with water access.

Fishing

• Size: 185 acres.
• Mean depth: 24 feet 
• Species: lake trout, brook trout

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.

This giant lake has plenty of room for every recreational wish. Amenities and supplies are in the town of Schroon Lake, with its stores and marina. Paddling, boating, fishing, and ice fishing are all popular activities on Schroon Lake.

How to get there

There are three main launches on the western side of the lake. All are not far from, or directly off, Route 9.

By the numbers

• Elevation: 807 feet
• Area: 4,107 acres
• Length: ~ 9 miles
• Shoreline Length: 23.7 miles
• Max Depth: 152 feet
• Mean Depth: 56 feet

Paddling

Lovely and tranquil, the waters of Schroon Lake have been attracting canoeists and kayakers for many years. Explore the shoreline with its abundant wildlife. Schroon Lake is large and shared with motorboats so be prepared for larger waves if you are away from the shoreline. There are three boat launches on the western side.

Boating

There are three boat launches on the western side. No motor restrictions. Schroon Lake does have, however, non-native invasive species, so boaters should take care to clean, drain, and dry watercraft.

Fishing

Species found here include: lake trout, landlocked salmon, large mouth bass, yellow perch, and others

Ice fishing

Schroon Lake stays busy in winter too, with all the ice fishing that goes on. Every March there's the annual Fishing Derby, first Saturday of the month.

Ice fishing special regulations are for Schroon Lake, and Schroon River from Schroon Lake downstream to Starbuckville Dam.

Trout: all year, any size, limit 5

Lake trout: all year, at least 18" limit 2

Landlocked salmon: all year, at least 15" limit 3

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

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. 

Hiking

This dirt road is one of the major northern access points for the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. 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. From the DEC: Crane Pond road "extends 1.7 miles from the Crane Pond Trailhead at the edge of the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness to the western shore of Crane Pond. The trail ascends 160 feet in the first 1.2 miles to the highest point on the trail and then descends 60 feet to the end of the trail. The last 0.7 mile of the trail parallels the north shore of Alder Pond... This trail is neither designated nor maintained for motor vehicle use. DEC discourages the use of the trail by motor vehicles, however, hikers should be alert for motor vehicles on the trail."

Fishing

Crane Pond is 167 acres. There is plenty of shoreline fishing available. This pond is great for bass and panfish. The road back to Crane Pond is typically not very good, so driving it is not recommended. Consider this a pond you need to portage to. The portage is 2 miles along the dirt road, upon which 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. The pond can be accessed from Crane Pond Trailhead via Crane Pond Trail. Be prepared for a portage.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

A not-oft used road leads through old growth forest to this lovely pond, offering wonderful winter scenery!

Camping

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

Putnam Pond Campground is perfect for every camping need. It's location near a wilderness area is prime for exploration, but the maintained facilities take away some of the backcountry stress.

Camping

Large, well-forested campsites with lots of privacy. This is a key start-off point for hiking in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.

Choose from interior site camping, which requires a boat for access, or the developed area where visitors can rent a canoe or rowboat.

Day users can pay a small fee to use the facilities even if not camping.

Paddling

There are rowboats and canoes available for rent for paddling on Putnam Pond only. Kayaks and canoes are allowed on the ponds in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, though they must be portaged at least 0.5 miles to access any of the other ponds.

Boating

Putnam Pond is a popular pond for boating because of its spectacular scenery. The only point of public access to the pond is located at the campground. Motor boats are allowed on Putnam Pond.

Fishing

Fish species in area ponds are smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and northern pike.

Birding

This campground is in an especially lush environment for water birds. Putnam Pond flows into North Pond, is surrounded by Rock and Clear ponds to the west, and Haymeadow Pond and Cranberry Marsh to the east. Expect to see such wetland birds as tanagers, warblers, vireos, and woodpeckers, and perhaps even the elusive American Bittern.

Several trails can be accessed from the shore of Putnam Pond and North Pond, including Treadway Mountain, which is a wonderful hike with outstanding views of the surrounding Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.

Paddling

These two ponds are connected by a set of narrows. The best launch is located near the beach which is just over a small hill from the main parking area in the campground, and there is a motorboat launch which can be used.

• Pond sizes – Approximate shoreline length: Putnam Pond: 3.75 miles; North Pond: 2.5 miles
• Type of launch: Sand and grass
• Portage/carry details: Less than 100 feet, no portage to North Pond
• Type of water: Both ponds are well sheltered and calm

Boating

Putnam Pond is accessible to motorboats. There is a narrow hard ramp located in the DEC campground.

Fishing and ice fishing

Fish for northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed and yellow perch on this tranquil pond. Popular with ice anglers. The northern section is at its best for fishing in the winter and early spring.

How to get there

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

Eagle Lake is a beautiful spot that sits right alongside Route 74 between Ticonderoga and Schroon Lake. Visitors can boat, paddle, fish, and even camp at this scenic spot. It is approximately 420 acres and has a mean depth of 19 feet. At the farthest east end of the lake away from the boat launch, there is a nice sandy beach and campsite.

Fishing

Eagle Lake has easy access and is known for brown trout. It is stocked by the Essex County Fish Hatchery.

Species: smallmouth bass, northern pike, brown bullhead, pickerel, pumpkinseed, brown trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, rock bass, yellow perch, and lake whitefish.

Shoreline fishing: There is a decent amount of shoreline fishing on this lake. The long shores near the launch area, on the eastern end near the campsite, and from near the bridge on Route 74 are all great spots. Much of the remaining shore is private property. Fish for bass at the launch area near the lily pads. Panfish and perch can be caught just about anywhere from shore. 

Boat fishing: The best boat fishing is in the main body of water and around the islands or in the bays especially if you are searching of bass. Trolling is the best method for northern pike and the northern shore is the spot. Cast a night crawler into the shallows if you wish to have a good time with perch, and some of the perch are quite substantial in size. 

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. Also please refer to the state regulations and preventative measures in regards to Aquatic Invasive Species, boat wash facilities, and the state law of “Clean, Drain, and Dry.” 

Paddling

You will launch into the western portion of the lake which is a very beautiful section to explore. The lily pads and aquatic wildflowers are amazing. You can access the eastern portion of the lake by paddling under Route 74. Loons are very common on this lake. There are a few islands on the lake, but unfortunately they are all private as well as much of the shoreline. The far end of the lake will access you to an attractive wetland and a lean-to if you so choose to use. The lake is well sheltered, calm, and typically just used by small motorboats.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 74 and Route 9 in Schroon Lake follow Route 74 east toward Ticonderoga. Follow this for 8.5 miles and there is a launch on the left. It should be noted for motorized boats that to access the main part of the lake, you will need to pass through a culvert under Route 74. This can be very swallow depending on conditions and there are rocks to navigate around to not damage propellers. 

There is parking at the launch for about six cars. Trailers can be kept a short ways down the road at roadside pull-offs; the launch area is not very big and can be tricky to maneuver a trailer through.

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.

Take a pleasant hike through Hammond Pond Wild Forest to reach Trout Pond. If you choose, continue on to Round Pond.

How to get there

Trout Pond Trailhead: On Ensign Pond Road (County Rt. 4) between North Hudson and Moriah. Marked by a large DEC sign, it is 6.2 miles east of Rt. 9 N of North Hudson on the left side of the road. One can also continue 1.3 miles to Round Pond.

Key statistics

• Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 250 feet
• Based on visiting both ponds

Hiking

A pleasant hike through Hammond Pond Wild Forest, with a trail following the Trout Pond's west shoreline. Continue on the trail to reach Round Pond's southern end.

Snowshoeing

The shoreline trail makes this showshoe trek easy to follow even with a fresh snow.

Fishing

Brook trout, which also means the use or possession of bait fish is prohibited. Unwanted introductions of minnows/bait fish are a primary factor in the decline of brook trout fisheries.