Loons, mink, pine marten, otter, moose, beaver, deer, and red fox are just some of the wildlife that you may encounter at the lake. Lake Harris and Rich Lake is beautiful gems in the Adirondack Hub!

How to get there

To get to Lake Harris launch from Overlook Park in Newcomb, head west on Route 28N toward Long Lake. After 2.5 miles, turn right onto Beach Road and the launch is on the right.

Paddling

Lake Harris does have motorboats, but it's an absolutely beautiful lake to paddle. Connecting to Lake Harris is Rich Lake, on Adirondack Interpretive Center property. Belden Lake separates Lake Harris and Rich Lake. Paddling from one lake to the other requires portages, but all are less than 300 yards. Along the way you'll see many historical landmarks!

Fishing

Popular fish species here are: smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, brown bullhead, and pumpkinseed.

Ice Fishing

Lake Harris now supports a self-sustaining population of walleye after being experimentally stocked from 2004 until 2008. Also known for its quality panfishing.

Species: Northern pike, yellow perch, walleye.

Found in a remote part of the Hammond Pond Wild Forest. It is east and north of Hammond Pond.

Species: Northern pike

Horseshoe Pond is easy access and not far from the road, making it a great destination for little fishermen and women!

Getting there

Shoreline fishing is accessible off Horseshoe Pond Road.

Fishing

It's not a far walk from your vehicle, which is nice for youngsters fishing from shore. Yellow perch and pumpkinseed are the "big catches" here.

Part of the Hammond Pond Wild Forest, access to this pond is via the Peaked Hill Trail, which reaches the western shore 1 mile (and 400 feet of elevation gain, round-trio) from the trailhead.

Species: Yellow perch and pumpkinseed

How to get there

Trailhead is on the northern shore of Paradox Lake, via the Paradox Lake Boat Launch at the Paradox Lake Campground.

This section in the Newcomb/Minerva area comprises the Upper Hudson River, Huntley Pond, and Boreas River. Winter river fishing is entirely different from lake and pond fishing and should be done from the shore only.

Huntley Pond is a 38 acre pond along Northwood Club Road.

Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, trout

There are Special Fishing Regulations which apply to trout. All year, Any size, limit of 5

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.