Stony Pond Trail is part of an intricate network of pond trails in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. The trail continues for just over a mile more along the shores of Little Sherman Pond and Big Sherman Pond to the southern shore of Big Sherman Pond.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 5.6 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 750 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and a bridge
• Based on a hike to near the end of Big Sherman Pond

Hiking the Stony Pond Trail

From the trailhead the path climbs slightly before descending to a newer bridge overlooking a wetland. As you approach Stony Pond you will have a beautiful brook babbling to your left with small cascades that produce a wonderful sound. The intersection reached at Stony Creek Pond has a lean-to and a picnic table, and there are views across Stony Creek Pond of Green Mountain.

Many people stop here for the day. There is an option to continue on to Center Pond by taking a left at the picnic table and crossing the outlet. The trail here continues over rolling terrain to another backcountry pond. There is a 0.2-mile spur to Center Pond. The round-trip addition would be 2.4 miles and 390 feet of elevation gain.

Going right at the lean-to, the trail continues for just over a mile more along the shores of Little Sherman Pond and Big Sherman Pond to the southern shore of Big Sherman Pond. The trail does continue, but most do not bring a second car, and turn around to where you came from.

Stony Pond Trail in the winter

This is a designated snowmobile trail in the winter, but does see much use by snowmobilers. It is a classic cross-country ski for those with backcountry experience, and also makes for a nice snowshoe. Do not expect this trail to be broken out, and be prepared for all winter conditions. Be especially careful around frozen bodies of water, and don't go out on ice without knowing its thickness.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Stony 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!

Snowmobiling

This trail doesn't receive a lot of usage because of its limited miles. It is not groomed.

How to get there

Take Exit 29 off of Interstate 87 and follow Boreas Road west toward Newcomb. Continue to Route 28N, take a left and head toward Minerva. Continue for just under 10.5 miles to the trailhead on the left.

Avalanche Lake is beautiful and remote, but well-travelled. It's well worth the trip for those who are prepared for the miles. Avalanche Pass is usually approached from the Adirondack Loj, but it can also be approached from the Upper Works, and when the two are combined make for an excellent through hike. Below both routes are described for those who want to hike the complete pass from Lake Placid to Newcomb or vice versa.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 13.6 miles round trip
• Elevation: 2,165 feet
• Elevation gain: 1,625 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions, bridges, and ladders
• Based on a hike from Upper Works

Hiking Avalanche Lake

Primary approach via Upper Works

This is a 6.8 mile hike, one way to the south end of Avalanche Lake. Starting from Upper Works it is a long day to the south shore of Avalanche Lake and back, but a rewarding through hike to Adirondak Loj.

From the parking area at Upper Works. the trail starts mostly flat, but starts its climb to Flowed Lands after a junction at 1.6 miles. Flowed Lands, reached at 4.5 miles offers amazing views through the valley past Mount Colden. From Flowed Lands you will hike its perimeter along a difficult trail of many ups and downs to the dam on Lake Colden. From the dam you will pass through a heavily-used camping are along the shore of Lake Colden. Past Lake Colden you will climb a bit to the south end of Avalanche Lake where the views are breathtaking.

Secondary approach via Adirondack Loj

This is a 4.8 mile hike, one way to the south end of Avalanche Lake. From the Loj follow the hikers' approach trail to the High Peaks that leads to Marcy Dam. From Marcy Dam, follow the trail toward Lake Colden. The first mile is a gentle climb, but the next half-mile is steep. Passing by a couple of newer (2011) slides on the side of Mount Colden you make your way through the apex of the pass where the temperatures are typically much cooler. Vast cliffs and wet rocks loom over you. The trail then descends to Avalanche Lake.

The hike past the lake is a bit demanding, especially with full packs, many choose to stop here and enjoy the views of the sheer rock cliffs of Colden and Avalanche Mountain. Past this point you will contend with boulders, ladders and a very windy trail, but the views along this section of trail are amazing and well worth the effort.

Avalanche Lake in the winter

Following the same route, winter hikers may snowshoe or ski to the lake. Note: Short winter daylight hours and a long route necessitate proper winter gear and emergency equipment. Do not snowshoe or ski out onto the lake during early spring or early winter, or when weather has been warm.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Avalanche Lake 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

Primary trailhead/Upper Works: From exit 29 on the I87, follow the Blue Ridge Road (CR84) toward Newcomb. Continue for roughly 18 miles to the Tahawus Road (CR25) on the right. Follow this road for 6.3 miles to a left at a sign for the High Peaks and then to its end at Upper Works at 9 miles.

Secondary trailhead/Adirondack Loj: Leave Lake Placid on Rte 73, follow Route 73 toward Keene. Continue for about 3 miles to Adirondack Loj Road on the right. Follow Adirondack Loj Road to its end at Heart Lake and park in the main parking lot. A parking fee will be required.

The hike to Round Pond along the East Mill Flow trail in the Hammond Pond Wild Forest takes you through the Sharp Bridge State Campground, along the Schroon River, to a pretty backcountry pond.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 7.3 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 770 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions
• Based on a hike on the East Mill Flow trail from Sharp Bridge Campground

Hiking to Round Pond

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. At this intersection you can head straight to the edge of the Round Pond and outstanding views from a rocky location.

Round Pond 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). This route, as well as the car-to-car option connecting to the Ensign Pond eastern trailhead, are great options for a cross-country ski for folks with prior backcountry experience.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Round 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

To get here, take Exit 29 off of Interstate 87, turn right and then turn left on Route 9 to follow it north. Continue to the Sharp Bridge State Campground, which will be on the right. There is parking near the entrance.

This destination is a herd path at best and only used this in part the summit lies off any developed and mapped trail system; the use and understanding of GPS and/or map and compass is highly recommended. When traveling off-trail you will experience hazards not realized on a trail, expect more difficult and varying conditions and always lean toward safety as a priority. 

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 9 and Route 74 in Schroon Lake follow Route 9 north toward North Hudson. Continue to the Dirgylot Trailhead on the left.  

Trail Description

Once you have located the trailhead the hike will bring you into forest and soon above a sand pit, then shortly beyond, head under I87 through a hiker’s tunnel. On the opposite side, walk through the grassy field and into the forest again. You will then gradually start to gain elevation. The trail will make a hard left at a T-intersection with a faint herd path leading right; this is the one you want. This is called the Peaked Hills Path (unofficially). 

The path is narrow and at times will become difficult to follow without looking ahead for the next move. The trail follows over rolling hills but never becomes too steep. You will need to cross a decent sized brook to stay on the path; this crossing can be hard to see. As you follow the path you will continue to climb and eventually come to a jumble of boulders on your right. There are two sets of three boulders and this marks the perfect spot to start your bushwhack. The forest is pretty open and very steep. The summit of #2 is a large open rock ledge with some of the finest vies in the area and the High Peaks are right in view.  

Elevation Gain

~1400’

Distance Round Trip

~7.0 miles

Approximate Time Round Trip

Family with Young Kids: Not Recommended

Experienced Hiker: 6 to 7 hours

Out of Shape Hiker: Not Recommended

Mount Adams is a steep hike in the High Peaks Wilderness Area. The summit features at 47-foot steel fire tower, used in its heyday as a tool in the forest fire prevention effort by New York state. It is no longer used to detect fires, but makes for a fine hiking destination. A successful hike of Adams involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Key takeaways

• Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 1,825 feet
• Mountain elevation: 3,520 feet'
• Hike involves trail junctions and bridges

Hiking Mount Adams

For the first mile, the trail is rather mellow, crossing the Hudson River and skirting around Lake Jimmy. Be advised, it may be muddy here. At one mile is the old fire tower observer's cabin and storage building. Follow the well-worn path in front of the cabin. Just after a short rise, around 1.1 miles, the trail hangs left into the woods. (The trail to the right goes to Flowed Lands via Hanging Spear Falls.) A stream is crossed at 1.6 miles and the climbing hasn't been terribly steep until this point. Between here and the summit, the trail gets much steeper, sometimes rough and rocky. The trail levels off at 2.3 miles and finally reaches the tower at 2.4 miles. There are no views from the ground; enjoy views of the High Peaks from the tower cab or stairs.

Mount Adams in the winter

Skiing is not recommended for this trail due to steepness of the terrain, and the snowshoe up should only be done by those with extensive experience. The trailhead should be accessible in winter. Snowshoes are necessary to avoid post-holing through the snowpack, and microspikes are required to ascend the mountain's steeper sections. Extra layers of non-cotton clothing, a windbreaker, emergency blanket, first-aid kit, headlamp with extra batteries, and plenty of food and water are essential items for any winter excursion. The extra layers and windbreaker are especially important on top of the firetower, which will be much colder than the lower sections of the mountain. Adams should only be attempted by experienced winter hikers, make sure you are prepared. 

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Mount Adams 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

Follow I-87 north for to the North Hudson Exit, #29. From here follow Boreas Road west toward Newcomb. Continue nearly 18 miles to Tahawus Road on your right. Continue on Tahawus Road for 6.5 miles. Here you will reach a bridge over the Hudson River on your right. Stay left on Upper Works Road. You will pass by the McIntyre Blast Furnace and the Santanoni trailhead before arriving at your destination 3.0 miles from the intersection of Tahawus and Upper Works roads. 

This route features ponds, brooks, and the opportunity to explore the abundant nature around Flowed Land. A visit to the historic Henderson Monument will complete this full day of hiking that is not quite the workout a mountain climb offers. A great outing in the High Peaks Wilderness!

Getting there

Take Exit 29 from I-87 and turn west onto Blue Ridge Road (CR 84). Follow this route for 17.4 miles to an intersection with multiple signs. Turn right on Tahawus Road (CR 25). At 6.3 miles further, turn left off Lower Works Rd at street sign marked Upper Works Rd. At 9.9 miles the end of the road is the trailhead.

Hiking

From the parking area at Upper Works, the trail starts mostly flat, but starts its climb to Flowed Lands after a junction at 1.6 miles. Flowed Lands, reached at 4.5 miles offers amazing views through the valley past Mount Colden.

• 9.4 miles RT, Moderate Hike

Indian Pass is a historical and old hiking route that leads from Newcomb to Lake Placid. The hike to Summit Rock via Indian Pass goes by historical sites, underneath Wallface Mountain's cliffs, and through a boulder field. While the lower portions of this hike, from either direction, are easy to moderate, the upper reaches of the pass can be very difficult. A successful hike of Summit Rock involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Key statistics

• Distance: 8.7 miles round trip
• Elevation of summit rock: 2,880 feet
• Elevation gain: 1,200 feet

Hiking Indian Pass and Summit Rock

Described below is the out-and-back hike to Summit Rock via Indian Pass from Upper Works. You can also park a car at the Adirondack Loj trailhead and do this hike as a point to point.

This 4.35 mile, one way, hike is over easy to difficult terrain. From the trailhead, start your hike along a gravel road, passing by MacNaughton Cottage, and cross the bridge over the Hudson River. Just past the Hudson River there is a left, avoid this left and continue straight. In another 0.2 miles or so there will be another left, follow this toward Duck Hole and Indian Pass.

This next section of trail continues to follow an old carriage road though an attractive forest as it parallels Henderson Lake, though the lake itself is not in view. The old road is very muddy in several locations. As the trail climbs moderately you will come to an old clearing before you descend for a while to where you can get a visual of Henderson Lake to your left. Soon after there will be another trail breaking off to the left over a bridge, heading to Duck Hole. Do not follow here; continue straight.

Heading straight you will contend with more settled mud and pass by Henderson lean-to on the hill to your right. Not far after this point another left will appear, take this left toward Indian Pass. This trail will lead over a bridge that crosses Indian Pass Brook and lead you through an open forest back to the brook at Wallface lean-to at 2.8 miles, slightly out of sight to your left.

Passing through the abandoned lean-to site the trail remains relatively flat as it parallels the brook. You will have several wet areas and mud is frequent. Eventually you will cross Indian Pass Brook and start an aggressive climb into the pass.

From this point expect large boulders, some the size of two-story buildings. You will pass through these and over some of the small ones. The air will feel much cooler in here and everything will be damp to the touch. There are also three ladders along this section as you approach summit rock and fourth ladder to top out on Summit Rock itself. This region within the pass is very slippery and sees much less sun, keeping everything a bit wet and slick. Use caution and care on the steep slopes and especially the ladders and even more caution on the descent.

Indian Pass in the winter

Indian Pass and Summit Rock are seldom traveled in the winter, be prepared to break trail. The upper reaches of Indian Pass can be dangerous, with large boulders resulting in hidden holes you could fall into. This trail in the winter should only be attempted by experienced hikers, so make sure you are prepared. 

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Indian Pass 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!

History

Summit Rock and Indian Pass are of historical significance for the Adirondack Park and was the key passageway to the discovery of the Tahawus Mine in the Upper Works Region.

How to get there

Upper Works Trailhead: Our friends at Open Space Institute have announced that effective June 18, 2021, please use the new parking lot adjacent to the MacNaughton Cottage. The old parking lot (terminus of Upper Works Road) will is closed. Unauthorized vehicles in the old parking lot after June 18, 2021 will be towed away at vehicle owners expense. Signage has been placed throughout the old parking lot. They, and we, do not want any surprises for anyone. Thank you and Happy trails! This new parking will not add significant milage to your trip. From exit 29 off I-87, turn west onto Blue Ridge Road (CR 84) toward Newcomb. Follow this route for 17.4 miles to an intersection with Tahawus Road (CR 25). Turn right on Tahawus Road and stay on it for 6.3 miles then turn left at a sign for High Peaks trails. Pass by the old blast furnace at 2.8 miles up this road. From the blast furnace, it is less than one mile to your destination. The road dead ends at the Upper Works parking lot.

Adirondack Loj Trailhead: From the intersection of Route 73 and Route 86 follow Route 73 toward Keene. Continue to Adirondack Loj Road on the right, follow here to the end, and park. ($10 per day parking fee as of 2019.

A long hike to the base of the mountain, a short climb, then 360 degrees of stunning views from the summit of the vast Pharaoh Lake Wilderness area.

How to get there

There are more access points for this mountain. Here is one: Take exit 28 off of I-87 and continue south on Route 9 to Alder Meadow Road. Turn left on Alder Meadow Rd. for 2.2 miles, then left on Crane Pond Rd. The road beyond is quite rough but still drivable with high clearance vehicles but not recommended. Park here and walk the easy road to a flooded area with a trail bypass to the left that leads to Crane Pond, 2.0 miles from the parking area.

By the numbers

• Distance: 4.9 miles, one way from the parking area before the rough road starts
• Mountain elevation: 2,556 feet

Hiking

Cross the bridge over the outlet and continue on the flat for 0.7 miles to a junction. Turn right and soon start a gradual climb that steepens at 1.9 miles from Crane Pond and reaches the rocky summit at 2.9 miles. 

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing

Skiing Crane Pond road would be enjoyable, but we recommend switching to snowshoe for the mountain ascent.

This trail traverses the Hoffman Notch Wilderness Area.

Hiking

Midway is Big Marsh, which is more of a pretty pond, and much of the northern end follows Hoffman Notch Brook for abundant scenery. The trail is 14.7 miles round trip. It's not an overly challenging trail but involves unbridged stream crossings and some muddy spots. There is 1720' elevation gain.

Northern Trailhead: Blue Ridge Road, (CR 84), 5.7 mi. west of Exit 29 on the Northway, I-87.

Southern Trailhead: End of the Loch Muller Road, found by taking Hoffman Rd 5.2 mi. west from Rt. 9 in Schroon Lake, then right on Potash Rd. and right again on Loch Muller Rd.

Treadway Mountain has some of the best views in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, and is quite a popular hike when the Putnam Pond DEC Campground is open.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 7.8 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 1,430 feet
• Mountain elevation: 2,218 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions, bridges, and an open summit

Hiking Treadway Mountain

From the trailhead, start along a flat trail that passes by Putnam Pond passing by a short spur trail that leads to Putnam Pond on your right. There is then a short climb before a rather long descent. Soon there is a major intersection on the opposite side of a small bridge and from that intersection take a right, left leads to Grizzle Ocean. Continue around Putnam Pond for a bit longer to another junction; this is where the Treadway Mountain Trail comes in on the left and to the right is another short trail down to Putnam Pond. From here you will start a moderate climb that will swing you through an attractive forest with mixed stands and rocky steps. While the climb is fairly moderate, it will be a 900 foot ascent to the very top from the junction. As you approach the summit, many views will start to appear and the summit ridge is an exceptional location for near endless photography. It is rocky and open, so take care to watch where you're stepping, staying off vegetation and sticking to the rock.

Treadway Mountain in the winter

Depending on where plowing ends, this hike may be a lot longer. Be prepared to walk additional miles on the road. Take note that while the pond may be frozen and provide an alternative approach to the southern trail, make sure to monitor ice conditions and cross at your own risk. This hike makes for a good snowshoe, but not crosscountry ski, and is quite isolated. Be prepared for all winter conditions.

Find more trails

Does Treadway 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!

Paddling

Combine the hike up Treadway with a paddle. Start from the campground and traverse the pond westward to a small bay, where a trail links up with the aforementioned hiking trail. See map in the photo slideshow for a general bearing.

How to get there

From I-87 in Schroon Lake, follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. Continue to Putts Pond Road on the left. Follow Putts Pond Road to the end at the Putnam Pond State Campground. Head straight through the booth area and head up the hill, the trailhead will be on the left at the day-use parking area. There is a day-use fee when the campground is seasonally operational.