Views of the High Peaks dominate the scene from the shore of Boreas Ponds, the 320-acre waterbody for which this region is named. LaBier Flow, Boreas River, LeClaire Brook, Casey Brook, Slide Brook, and White Lily Brook can also be found on this tract. Boreas Ponds is one of the newer additions to the Adirondack Park Forest Preserve and the NYSDEC is in the process of adding new features, so keep up to date on the latest information.

Hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing

Gulf Brook Road is currently the main route to Boreas Ponds, and the only other "trails" in the area are overgrown and difficult to navigate.

Hikers can park at the first lot to walk the entire 6.7 mile Gulf Brook Road to reach Boreas Ponds, or they can park at one of the other three lots along the road to shorten the trip. The road travels through a dense, young forest for most of its length and doesn't really get scenic until it reaches LaBier Flow, a mile or so from Boreas Ponds. Shortly after that is a four-way intersection — take a right to pass another view of LaBier Flow before reaching the shore of Boreas Ponds. In the winter, you will have to ski or snowshoe the entire length of the road.

Paddling

In low water, the best option is to do the walk from Four Corners parking area to Boreas Ponds, instead of putting in at LaBier. Once on Boreas Ponds, you can make your way northeast through the main parts of the ponds and into the Boreas River, where depending on the water level it can be quite navigable and scenic.

Cycling

Bicycling is permitted along Gulf Brook Road, from Blue Ridge Road to Boreas Ponds Dam. Bikes are not allowed past the dam. The Handlebarley, an annually-organized social gravel bike ride, includes stopping at Boreas Ponds. 

Fishing, hunting, and trapping

Boreas Ponds is open to fishing, hunting, and trapping.

How to get there

Gulf Brook Road is the main route to Boreas Ponds. It's located off Blue Ridge Road, about 16.5 miles east of Newcomb and about 7 miles west of Exit 29 on I-87. Visitors are permitted to drive on Gulf Brook Road, and if paddling you'll want to park at the Four-Corners parking area, which is 500 feet beyond LaBier Flow access, and just under a mile walk to Boreas Ponds. 

The hikes listed here can only be accessed as a guest of the Elk Lake Lodge or with special permission. Please abide by this rule so these trails can continue to be enjoyed. Elk Lake Lodge is wonderful and we highly recommend you stay for a night or two! The four mountains are: Sunrise, Clear Pond, Lightening Hill, and Grandpa Pete. There are 40 miles of private trails on the property -- explore them all!

Getting here

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 4.25 miles to Elk Lake Road on the right. Follow Elk Lake Road to the end at Elk Lake Lodge.

Sunrise Mountain

Sunrise Mountain is one of the Adirondack 100 Highest. It's a delightful hike with fantastic views. The trail follows an old abandoned woods road, which is a pleasure to walk on, so soft and colorful. The trail narrows and becomes tighter as you ascend, but the colorful mosses of the forest keep the mood light. Multiple viewing rocks are passed en route to the summit, each one with a finer view than the last. The trail is mostly moderate with only one really steep section near the summit. Check out our blog about hiking Sunrise Mountain!

Clear Pond Mountain

The trail is very soft under foot and not very long. This is a great leg stretcher! Check out our blog about hiking Clear Pond and Grandpa Pete mountains!

Lightening Hill

An awesome little hike that is enjoyed by everyone!

Grandpa Pete Mountain

Grandpa Pete Mountain is not named as such on any other map than the one you get from Elk Lake Lodge itself. Its open summit and interesting trail will help you understand why this trail is so important to the area. The footing is a little tougher, with exposed roots and rocks.