The loop around Rock and Heart pond brings you into some pretty ponds in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area. From beautiful views to historical remains, this hike has it all.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 5.5 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 625 feet
• Hike includes a road walk, 

Hiking Rock and Heart Ponds

From the day-use area locate the trail on the right of the parking lot near a couple out-buildings. Follow this through the woods of tall pines to the campsite road and follow this to the left. Continue on the road for around a half mile to the trailhead on the left.

The trail goes through an attractive forest and after 0.6 miles comes to an intersection near Heart Pond, which will very soon be on your right. Take a left here and pass by Heart Pond, a small path leads to a wonderful overlook. After a decent descent you will come to North Pond which you will hike by and soon be at the shore of Rock Pond. This is a lollipop loop of sorts and for the sole purpose of this description follow right.  

Heading in a counterclockwise direction you can enjoy a wonderful loop around the pond, but heading in either direction you won’t be disappointed. The portion around the north side will access you past an old mine shaft and the remnants of the mining village located there. But soon after this the hike gets very interesting. Scrambling up steep cliffs, walking atop steep drop-offs, and taking in outstanding vistas over the pond await you. Big Clear Pond Mountain and Peaked Mountain can be seen across the way. Once you drop down off the rocky shore you will come to rock peninsula that juts out deep into the pond, a perfect place to take an extended lunch break or if the temperatures agree, a nice dip could be in order. There is also a lean-to nearby. As you move along the shore just keep the pond to your left and follow the signs for the loop. Once around the pond proceed to follow your route back out to the campground or extend your day by hiking the Bear Pond Loop.

Rock and Heart Pond Loop in the winter

Depending on where plowing ends, this hike may be a lot longer. Be prepared to walk additional miles on the road. Experienced skiers can do this as a cross-country skiing trip. Otherwise, bring your snowshoes and be prepared for all winter conditions.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does the Rock and Heart Pond Loop 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 the intersection of Route 9 and Route 74 in Schroon Lake follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. Continue for around 12-miles to Putts Pond Road on your right. Follow Putts Pond Road to the end to the Putnam Pond Campground. Enter the campground (day-use fees apply during operational periods), and take a right and then a left to the day-use parking area near the beach.

Explore the wild forests of the Adirondack Hub!

Getting there

From Exit 29 off I-87, follow Blue Ridge Road east toward North Hudson, then drive north on Route 9. Continue for 2.5 miles and turn right on county Route 4C, then turn right on Ensign Pond Road. Follow Ensign Pond Road for just over 2.5 miles to the Hammond Pond trailhead on the right.

Hiking

From the parking area, locate the trail to Hammond Pond. There are two trails here — the one you want is on the left; right leads to Moose Mountain Pond.

You will quickly come to an unmarked split in the trail. Left leads to Hammond Pond and dead ends there, so take time to check it out. Right leads slightly uphill toward Black Brook Pond.

There is a crossing of Black Brook, which can be tough if the water is high, but under most instances it’s not too hard. It can always be waded, so bring a towel if it's warm out. From here the trail stays mostly flat and eventually brings you to the west end of the pond. The pond is more grass than water, but it is a nice, attractive location to hang out.

Elevation: 1,047 feet

Elevation gain: 100 feet

Distance round trip: 3.8 miles 

It's not all about fishing at Bass Pond. The hiking is wonderful, too!

Getting there

From Exit 29 on Interstate 87, follow Blue Ridge Road toward North Hudson and take a left onto state Route 9 and follow it north. Continue for 2.5 miles and turn right onto Caza Turn Road, then take the next right onto Ensign Pond Road. Follow Ensign Pond Road for just under 3 miles to the trailhead on the right.

Hiking

At the trailhead there is an immediate split; left leads toward Hammond Pond and right leads toward Bass Lake. Bass Lake can also be approached from the west, so a through hike is possible if a second car is spotted. The trail is mostly gentle, with only a couple of spots that might be considered a moderate climb. The path remains high above Berrymill Brook before branching away and starting the climb to the lake. To lengthen the trip, continue along the shore to the western portion of the lake, where additional views await.

• Elevation Gain: 250 feet
• Distance Round Trip: 6.0 miles

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. 

Hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing to Big Pond in the Hoffman Notch Wilderness Area is a classic trip for those looking to experience what this low-trafficked Wilderness Area has to offer. While there aren't many trails up the densely-wooded summits here, there are many bodies of water to check out with trails to them.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 3.3 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 325 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and bridges

Hiking to Big Pond

This trail maintains an easy grade with very little change in elevation. It's mainly on a wide course through the forest ,but will get slightly narrower in spots.

Leaving the trailhead, the path soon drops slightly to a bridge near the outlet of a narrow pond. This narrow pond does not have a name, but it could be considered South Big Pond. The trail climbs gently from here. Big Pond is slightly off the main trail, but it can easily be seen through the trees to the left. A path will lead the 100 feet downhill to the shore, where there are outstanding vistas. The trail continues straight and connects to the Hoffman Notch Trail. 

Big Pond in the winter

This trail is a great snowshoe in the winter, and is a classic cross-country ski for those with some backcountry experience. The parking area does get plowed in the winter. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing over a frozen body of water is a winter past time, but it can be a dangerous activity and should be done with care. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything, including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice if you decide to head out onto Big Pond while it's frozen in the winter.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

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 the intersection of Hoffman Road (County Route 24) and Route 9, follow Hoffman Road. Continue for 2.5 miles or so to the trailhead parking on the right. The trailhead has parking for several cars. The trail is on the left of the parking lot.  

A hike that circles three ponds with side trips to more possible. The hike to Moose Mountain Pond gets you into the backcountry of the Hammond Pond Wild Forest, and includes a side trail to Bass Lake (1.4 miles round trip added).

Key takeaways

• Distance: 8.4 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 770 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and bridges
• Based on a hike of both Moose Mountain Pond and Bass Lake

Hiking Moose Mountain Pond and more

This route leads to two ponds and an open beaver meadow. From the parking area, take the right trail to Moose Mountain Pond, not the one for Hammond Pond — both trails are side-by-side, so be careful. The path stays in a nice valley as you pass by Berrymill Hill and the attractive Berrymill Brook. It heads uphill slightly, but never undergoes any major elevation change. At around 1.5 miles in you'll come to a trail junction. Turn right for Bass Lake and head left for Moose Mountain Pond. Turning right leads 0.9 miles to the east end of Bass Lake and its rock ledges, cliffs, and great fishing. Turning left, you'll soon come to the grassy Berrymill Pond, which has a large bridge over its outlet. The trail remains easy as it goes through a hemlock forest. You'll reach the south end of Moose Mountain Pond at 3.2 miles, with Bald and Owl Pate mountains towering over you, and Moose Mountain joining in. The trail continues along the shore to an attractive lean-to at 3.5 miles. Return the way you came, and take the side trip to Bass Lake on the way back.

In the winter

This trail can be accessed in the winter, but is not well-trafficked, so expect to be breaking trail with your skis or snowshoes on. Because it isn't highly trafficked, you'll want to be ready for all winter conditions. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing over a frozen body of water can be fun (like on Moose Mountain Pond or Bass Lake), but it can be a dangerous activity and should be done with care. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything, including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice if you decide to head out onto the frozen ponds.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Moose Mountain 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!

How to get there

Take Exit 29 off I-87 and follow Blue Ridge Road east toward North Hudson, then drive north on Route 9. Continue for 2.5 miles, turn right on county Route 4C, then turn right on Ensign Road. Follow Ensign Road for just over 2.5 miles to the trailhead on the right. This trailhead is shared with the Hammond and Bloody Pond trails.

Towering trees and peaceful forest are the norm on this lovely hike to Crowfoot Pond. This hike is also part of the Moriah Hiking Challenge. 

Key takeaways

• Distance: 5 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 550 feet

Hiking Crowfoot Pond

The trail is relatively flat with a slight gain in elevation that is spread out over a long distance. 

This old forest road turned foot trail climbs through a dark evergreen forest as it passes over the low shoulder of Stiles Hill, which is on the left. The trail reaches the pond and passes left of it. The trail eventually ends at private property on the north shore of Crowfoot Pond. Please respect the rights of private landowners and do not proceed farther.

Crowfoot Pond in the winter

This trail is accessible in the winter, and could make for a great cross-country ski. Make sure to be prepared for all winter conditions.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

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

Ensign Pond Road is 2.5 miles north of North Hudson (Casa Turn Road/Route 4C leads to Ensign Pond Road.) Continue for 10.7 miles and turn left on Tracy Road. Continue for 1.75 miles to the trailhead on the right. The trailhead parking is down a steep dirt entrance, so take your time pulling off the road. 

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 car to car traverse between the Sharp Bridge Campground and Ensign Pond Road trailheads of the East Mill Flow trail has gentle changes in elevation, many footbridges, and wonderful views of Schroon Brook alongside most of the trail. Midway it crosses East Mill Brook, has views of Round Pond, and is all within the Hammond Pond Wild Forest.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 4.9 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 600 feet
• Hike includes bridges and trail junctions
• Based on a point to point hike of the East Mill Flow trail

Hiking the East Mill Flow trail

From the parking area, locate Schroon Brook to the right and head down to it. Follow it upstream to the main trail. The hike now leads you to a climb up the saddle between Clap and Greenbough Mountains, the majority of your elevation gain, then descend towards East Mill Flow. You then hike above East Mill Flow to an intersection at 3.3 miles. Keep right and cross an outlet for Round Pond at around 3.7 miles. After just over a mile from this point, after skirting by the shores of the small Trout Pond, you make it back to your stashed car on Ensign Pond Road.

East Mill Flow in the winter

This route can be accessed in the winter, but is seldom done during the season, so be prepared for all winter conditions (including breaking trail). If you have experience cross-country skiing in the backcountry, with good coverage this could be a classic trip. Otherwise, bring snowshoes and microspikes, and all other winter essentials.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does East Mill Flow 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 North Hudson, follow Route 9 for 7 miles to Sharp Bridge Campground on the right. There is parking near the entrance. Hikers using the East Mill Flow Trailhead are required to pay a day use fee when the Sharp Bridge Campground is open. Leave a car at the eastern trailhead on Ensign Pond Road.