This paddle, beginning at the NYSDEC boat launch on Glendale Road and ending at the Starbuckville Dam, is one of three paddles required to complete the Schroon Paddle Challenge.

Key takeaways

• 4.25 miles / 6.8 km one way (only one way is required to complete the Schroon Paddle Challenge)
• Slow and winding river paddle on the Schroon River

Paddling the Schroon River

Begin this paddle at the NYSDEC-operated Horicon boat launch on Glendale Road. Paddle under the bridge and into the river. Enjoy a slow and winding trip downstream as you pass a number of waterfront homes, a large cattle ranch, and a wooded area. Note that the cattle will sometimes stand in the river but pose no threat to paddlers. Do not attempt to paddle past the bridge marked with warning signs. 

If you are completing this paddle for the Schroon Paddle Challenge, only one way of the trip is required. Consider spotting a car at the Starbuckville Dam, or plan to take the return paddle to the Horicon boat launch. 

The owner of the private Riverside Pines campground, near Starbuckville Dam, has graciously offered one-way trips for paddlers that take out at the beach, and has offered round-trip paddlers to rest briefly at the campground beach before making the return trip. We extend a hearty thank you to the new owners of Riverside Pines for allowing paddlers to rest and take out here . . . please treat this spot with respect!

Birding

This section of river is frequented by many species of birds, including ravens, bald eagles, and both green and great blue herons.

How to get there

The put in for this paddle is at the Horicon boat launch, located on County Route 62 (Glendale Road), between Route 9 and County Route 15 (Adirondack Road) in Pottersville, NY.

The 19,600-acre Essex Chain Lakes Complex opened to the public in the summer of 2014 as a prime destination for Adirondack paddling, camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing. The region contains the eight lakes in the Essex Chain as well as numerous other lakes and ponds. The Hudson River forms the eastern boundary of the complex, and small hills and mountains dot the entire area.

Getting there

The Essex Chain Lakes Complex spans three towns and two counties – Minerva, Newcomb, and Long Lake in Essex and Hamilton counties.

In Newcomb, there is a sign for the Essex Chain Lakes Primitive Area at the intersection of Route 28N and Pine Tree Road. Take Pine Tree Road for a couple hundred feet to a right turn on Goodnow Flow Road. Take the Goodnow Flow Road for 4.3 miles to a right turn on Woody's Road. Travel on Woody's Road for 1.5 miles to its end. Woody's Road is paved for three-quarters of a mile before becoming a seasonal use dirt road from April 1 to November 1. At the end of Woody's Road, turn left onto Cornell Road (there is a sign indicating a left turn for the Essex Chain Lakes at this location). Follow Cornell Road for approximately 4.4 miles to the parking area for the Essex Chain Lakes. Cornell Road is a one lane dirt road with a speed limit of 15 mph. High clearance vehicles are recommended, but low clearance vehicles can make it in with great care.

Paddling and portage

Paddlers can spend the day or camp at one of the designated sites. Campsites along the lakes and ponds are first come, first served and do not require a permit.

From the parking area, a quarter-mile carry begins on a dirt road with a right turn onto a short trail that leads downhill to the shores of Deer Pond. Paddle directly across Deer Pond, and carry an additional half-mile to Third Lake. The half-mile carry begins on a trail that leads uphill from Deer Pond to an old dirt road. Most of the carry is along this dirt road before a left turn on a trail leading downhill to Third Lake. At 216 acres, Third Lake is the largest lake in the chain. Heading southwest takes a paddler to Second Lake. A short carry is required to reach First Lake and an additional carry of four-tenths of a mile is needed to reach Grassy Pond.

Heading northeast from the put-in at Third Lake, a paddler can traverse Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Lakes without any more carrying. There are future plans to add a carry to Eighth Lake. There is ongoing work to improve the carry trails.

Additional information

All the lakes have wooden signs that indicate what number lake you are entering. There is a dirt road between Fourth and Fifth Lakes with a large culvert underneath that paddlers can use to change lakes. A rope with knots is hung along the length of the culvert so paddlers can pull themselves through! In high water, it may be necessary to get out and take your boat over the road.

The campsites are primitive with wall-less privies. There are no fires allowed at the campsites located along the lakes and ponds.

Winter

There are a number of plans underway to add winter recreational opportunities in this newly opened area, so stay tuned for additional announcements.

Find out more

Read the blog post, Paddling the Essex Chain Lakes.

It's all about secluded fishing here! Drop a line and have fun.

Getting there

From Newcomb follow Route 28N west toward Long Lake. Continue for around 9.5 miles to the access site on the right. Look for a DEC sign. Follow this short gravel road down to the parking lot.

Fishing

There is very little shoreline fishing available here. The easement only allows for a boat launch to the flow and at the launch there is very little access for decent casting. The shore of the flow is not open to the public. However, by boat you can access Fishing Brook that feeds into and out of the flow where you can fish from shore, but you need to remain within 33 feet of the shore of the brook. All non-motorized uses allowed. Electric motors are permitted.

Fish species types: brook trout, bullhead

Special Regulations: No shore access from County Line Flow, stay within 33 feet of Fishing Brook when fishing from shore.

Special notes

PLEASE RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY.

• Do not go ashore on County Line Flow.
• Stay within 33 feet of Fishing Brook
• NO HUNTING OR TRAPPING.

Always follow State fishing regulations and be sure to pick up a NYS Freshwater Fishing Guide at your local outfitters or regional NYSDEC office.

Paddling

The carry is an easy one as it is all downhill. It is a carry of only around 200' so a cart would not be necessary. The launch area is still fairly new and opened by the DEC under a conservation easement with the land owners. The pond is long and somewhat narrow, allowing for excellent wind protection, but it can still get a bit choppy during bad weather. Small bays and narrows on the NW end of the pond are a nice place to check out. You can proceed up and down Fishing Brook a little bit if the conditions are right.

Well sheltered and calm, there may be small motors on the small pond as it is essentially a private pond with public access. There is no access to shore from the pond other than the launch site.

Eagle Lake is a beautiful spot that sits right alongside Route 74 between Ticonderoga and Schroon Lake. Visitors can boat, paddle, fish, and even camp at this scenic spot. It is approximately 420 acres and has a mean depth of 19 feet. At the farthest east end of the lake away from the boat launch, there is a nice sandy beach and campsite.

Fishing

Eagle Lake has easy access and is known for brown trout. It is stocked by the Essex County Fish Hatchery.

Species: smallmouth bass, northern pike, brown bullhead, pickerel, pumpkinseed, brown trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, rock bass, yellow perch, and lake whitefish.

Shoreline fishing: There is a decent amount of shoreline fishing on this lake. The long shores near the launch area, on the eastern end near the campsite, and from near the bridge on Route 74 are all great spots. Much of the remaining shore is private property. Fish for bass at the launch area near the lily pads. Panfish and perch can be caught just about anywhere from shore. 

Boat fishing: The best boat fishing is in the main body of water and around the islands or in the bays especially if you are searching of bass. Trolling is the best method for northern pike and the northern shore is the spot. Cast a night crawler into the shallows if you wish to have a good time with perch, and some of the perch are quite substantial in size. 

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. Also please refer to the state regulations and preventative measures in regards to Aquatic Invasive Species, boat wash facilities, and the state law of “Clean, Drain, and Dry.” 

Paddling

You will launch into the western portion of the lake which is a very beautiful section to explore. The lily pads and aquatic wildflowers are amazing. You can access the eastern portion of the lake by paddling under Route 74. Loons are very common on this lake. There are a few islands on the lake, but unfortunately they are all private as well as much of the shoreline. The far end of the lake will access you to an attractive wetland and a lean-to if you so choose to use. The lake is well sheltered, calm, and typically just used by small motorboats.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 74 and Route 9 in Schroon Lake follow Route 74 east toward Ticonderoga. Follow this for 8.5 miles and there is a launch on the left. It should be noted for motorized boats that to access the main part of the lake, you will need to pass through a culvert under Route 74. This can be very swallow depending on conditions and there are rocks to navigate around to not damage propellers. 

There is parking at the launch for about six cars. Trailers can be kept a short ways down the road at roadside pull-offs; the launch area is not very big and can be tricky to maneuver a trailer through.

The namesake of the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is indeed a beautiful location! It is surrounded by Forest Preserve and completely peaceful. The lake itself is 441 acres, the largest lake in the Wilderness Area and, one of the largest lakes in the Adirondacks completely surrounded by Forest Preserve lands.

How to get there

Please see the DEC website for directions, as this lake can be accessed and hiked to via many trailheads in the area.

Paddling

This is a beautiful paddle, but will require some work. Paddlers will be required to carry their boats here. No motors are allowed.

Fishing

Good things come to those who walk — that’s what Pharaoh Lake is all about. From the south, it’s a 4-mile hike into this 442-acre lake, but once you get there you’ll find brookies and lake trout. In 2012, the lake got an air-stocking of 2,000 5-inch brookies, but it’s the lakers that make the hike worth it. Your daily limit is three lake trout of at least 15 inches. Keep in mind that the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited here. Access is from Pharaoh Mountain Trail and during the summer’s warmer weather, you’ll want to carry in a lightweight canoe or inflatable boat to get away from shore and to target the cooler, deeper waters.

Camping

There are several lean-tos available at the lake.

Birding

This remote location is a fine spot for waterbirds like loon and merganser, or raptors such as bald eagles, kingfishers, and many kinds of hawk. This area includes wetlands, boreal, and mixed forest habitats.

Find out more

Read our blog post: Hiking in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness

This paddle begins and ends at the DEC boat launch within the Paradox Lake public campground, and is one of three paddles required to complete the Schroon Paddle Challenge.

How to get there

From I-87, take Exit 28, then Rte. 74 east approximately 4 miles to Paradox Lake. Put in at the public DEC Campground boat launch. Head west (left) through the Narrows and into lower Paradox Lake.

By the numbers

• Distance varies
• Flatwater lake paddle

Flat water paddling

Put in at the public DEC boat launch within the Paradox Lake public campground. Paddle from the boat launch through the narrows and then into Paradox Lake. Paddle to the end of the lake and return. Boats with motors are allowed on Paradox Lake.

Swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing

On the way back, circle past Birch Island, stop for a swim, and return to the campground launch. Paradox Lake is known for excellent fishing and great bird watching. Look for herons, red winged blackbirds, and cormorants. If you’re adventurous, just before you enter the Narrows you will see a DEC sign for a hike up Peaked Hill. Pull up your boat, take in this short hike, and continue paddling . . . while it’s not required for the Challenge, it is well worth the effort.

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

Courtney and Shingletree ponds are two small bodies of water in the Hammond Pond Wild Forest. You won't miss Courtney Pond; it sits right on the edge of the road. It is very scenic with lily pads and abundant wildlife. 

Getting there

The trailhead is located on Route 9, 0.2 miles south of the Sharp Bridge Campground. Courtney Pond is located right beside the road, so it is not easily missed. Park at a small roadside lot next to Courtney Pond.

Hiking and snowshoeing

This end-to-end hike, only 1.1 miles one way, runs from from Courtney Pond to Shingletree Pond along a trail with minor elevation changes. It is full of lovely terrain, and features a tunnel that runs under the Northway. The narrow path goes from the Hammond Pond Wild Forest to the Dix Mountain Wilderness. It ends at Shingletree Pond.

This path gets little use, so take care to stay on the trail.

In winter, this path would make a nice snowshoe to stretch your legs.

Paddling

Both ponds are small, but offer classic Adirondack scenery. These are good choices for days when it might be windier on larger bodies of water. There is a hand launch at Courtney Pond. Shingletree is surrounded by dead and down trees and may be harder to access with no official launch.

Fishing

Courtney and Shingletree ponds are reclaimed trout ponds, so the use of fish as bait is illegal. Shingletree mat be fished easier from shore than a boat, due to access. Courtney, however, has a nice hand launch and is easily accessible.

Several trails can be accessed from the shore of Putnam Pond and North Pond, including Treadway Mountain, which is a wonderful hike with outstanding views of the surrounding Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.

Paddling

These two ponds are connected by a set of narrows. The best launch is located near the beach which is just over a small hill from the main parking area in the campground, and there is a motorboat launch which can be used.

• Pond sizes – Approximate shoreline length: Putnam Pond: 3.75 miles; North Pond: 2.5 miles
• Type of launch: Sand and grass
• Portage/carry details: Less than 100 feet, no portage to North Pond
• Type of water: Both ponds are well sheltered and calm

Boating

Putnam Pond is accessible to motorboats. There is a narrow hard ramp located in the DEC campground.

Fishing and ice fishing

Fish for northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed and yellow perch on this tranquil pond. Popular with ice anglers. The northern section is at its best for fishing in the winter and early spring.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 9 and Route 74 near Schroon Lake follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. Continue to Putts Pond Road on the right (entrance road for Putnam Pond State Campground). Drive this to the end to access the campground and the pond. A day use fee will be required.   

This pond is one the most picturesque ponds in the area and should be enjoyed at length.

Getting there

From the intersection of Route 9 and Route 74 near Schroon Lake follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. Continue to Putts Pond Road on the right (entrance road for Putnam Pond State Campground). Drive this to the end to access the campground and the pond. A day use fee will be required. The portage trail is from North Pond from the northern bay.

By the numbers

• 2.0 miles from campground (300 feet of elevation gain)
• 0.5 miles from North Pond to Rock Pond    

Paddling

This is a sand launch and there's a half mile carry from North Pond to Rock Pond with decent footing. The carry is well marked. Rock Pond is well sheltered and calm. No motorboats are allowed.

You will need to paddle through Putnam Pond and into North Pond to access the carry trail for Rock Pond. The trail is located in the northern bay and is well marked. Follow this trail past another intersection and launch on the northwestern bay of the pond. Several rock outcroppings offer interesting areas to go ashore and the rocky slopes of the mountains will try and persuade you to climb them. There is a hiking trail around the entire length of the pond which provide access to other hiking trails if you wish to extend your outing.