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.

This DEC State Campground is set amid rolling hills of hardwood along a quiet scenic road. Located on the shore of Dark Bay, on Paradox Lake.

Camping

There are hot showers, flush toilets, trailer dump station, recycling center, boat launch site, picnic area with pavilion rental, and firewood sales.

Boating

Motorboats allowed. The boat launch is a single lane, launch ramp over natural sand and gravel substrate. Canoes and rowboats are available for rent at the registration booth.

Hiking

There is a whole network of trails south of the lake that campers can access within a few minutes of departing. Hike to Crane, Oxshoe, Crab, Putnam, and Horseshoe ponds. Deeper into the wilderness, explore Pharaoh Lake and Pharaoh Mountain, which has a delightful view from the summit.

Take a boat to the opposite shore of the lake for a short trail which leads to Peaked Hill and Peaked Hill Pond.

Cycling

Many quiet paved roads give access to the grounds on Dark Bay. Low traffic, low speed limit, and excellent for children.

A day use pass offers boat rental availability, restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and showers. 

Distance: 2 miles of interlocking paths. Paved road, mostly flat, narrow shoulders but very low traffic. Follow the loops around the shore of the lake, along different campsites, and through the woods.

The Bear Pond loop is a popular hike for those staying at Putnam Pond State Campground, and makes for a great walk through the woods, with intermittent views of a few different bodies of water. 

How to get there

Follow Route 74 from Schroon Lake toward Ticonderoga. Continue to Putts Pond Road on the left. Follow Putts Pond Road to the end at the Putnam Pond State Campground. There is a day-use fee, and parking is in the day-use area near the beach.  

By the numbers

• Distance: 5.7 mile loop
• Elevation gain: 800 feet

Hiking

From the day-use area, locate the trail on the right of the parking lot. Follow this through the woods to the campsite road and to the left. Continue on the road for around a half mile to the trailhead on the left. There is no parking at this trailhead. 

The trail continues easily through an attractive forest and passes by Heart Pond on your left through the trees. Stay right at this intersection and start a moderate to easy climb to the height-of-land before descending to the shore of Bear Pond. The trail sweeps around the south end of the pond and onto the western shore with outstanding views. 

The trail eventually climbs again up and over the shoulder of Bear Pond Mountain on your right before descending quickly to the shore of Rock Pond. At this intersection take a left and head back toward Heart Pond. En route you will pass by North Pond which is essentially part of Putnam Pond, separated by a narrow strip of water. There is a decent climb away from North Pond before you reach Heart Pond again and the trail you came in on. Retrace your steps back along the campground roads and to the day-use parking area.