This imposing lake is tucked away among hardwood hills in the heart of the wilderness. The campground is on the shore of Dark Bay.

Getting there

Hard surface ramp at Paradox Lake Public Campground on Route 74, 2 miles east of the hamlet of Severance. 

Lake information 

• Elevation: 816 feet
• Area: 896 surface acres
• Shoreline length: 12 miles
• Length: ~ 4 miles
• Max depth: 52 feet
• Mean depth: 25 feet
• Max width: ~75 miles

Fishing

There is a surface ramp at Paradox Lake Public Campground on Route 74, 2 miles east of the hamlet of Severance. There is parking for 25 cars and trailers with rentals available. Motorboats are welcome here.

Species: smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, rainbow trout, lake trout, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, northern pike, white sucker.

Ice fishing

Paradox Lake has a natural population of lake trout. The long and narrow shape offers plenty of shoreline. East bay is the shallowest part.

Paddling

A mink may swim up to you as you're paddling around in this smooth lake. For paddlers interested in a challenge, Paradox Lake is included in the Schroon Paddle Challenge.

You can walk the Newcomb Lake Road to historic Great Camp Santanoni, where you'll have spectacular views of Newcomb Lake. Along the way there are interpretive signs of farm life here. Option of a horse drawn wagon for you and your canoe (fee) down a 4.5 mile dirt access road. Closed to all vehicles. Explore the lake and Great Camp Santanoni. 

Paddling

Explore the 446 Acres of Newcomb Lake!

There is a slight incline to this hike, but it's very pretty and a relaxing hike. The pond gets its name from an early pioneer named Timothy Challis. 

Key takeaways

• Distance: 1.3 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 260 feet

Hiking Challis Pond

The trail traverses a hemlock and cedar forest. This is a very enjoyable just over half-mile hike to a pond; it's easy to fall in love with. The trail passes a small, attractive waterfall before it reaches the north end of Challis Pond.

Fishing

Challis Pond offers early-season anglers brook trout. Reclaimed in 1992, the Little Tupper Lake Strain of brook trout were then stocked in this 15-acre pond. Remember that trout fishing is best when the water temperatures are cool – ice out to mid-May and then again in mid-September until the close of the season. Because this is a reclaimed pond, the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited here.

Paddling

The hardest part of this paddle destination is reaching it, and that isn’t all that difficult with a lightweight boat. The portage to the pond is slightly uphill but the footing is pretty good in reaching this small backcountry jewel. It will be a 0.6 mile carry to the pond. The water is calm and well protected. There is no official launch, but anywhere along the shore can be used.

Find more trails

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 Exit 29 off of Interstate 87, follow Blue Ridge Road toward North Hudson and take a left onto Route 9 and to follow it north. Continue for 2.5 miles and turn right on Caza Turn Road, then take the next right onto Ensign Pond Road. Follow Ensign Pond Road for around 2.5 miles to the trailhead on the right. There is limited parking and a fairly obscure trail, with only a small sign marking it.

Clear Pond is as quiet a pond as you will find anywhere, and although many hikers use the trails surrounding the pond, very few access it by boat. Use the area trails to extend your adventure, and even consider a second carry to Rock Pond to the north.

How to get there

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

Paddling

You will need to paddle through Putnam Pond to the narrows that separate it and North Pond. From the narrows you can access the 0.6 mile portage trail that leads to Clear Pond. This is a well-marked trail with decent footing. No motorboats are allowed on Clear Pond, but they are allowed on Putnam Pond. The waters are typically calm. Clear Pond is relatively small, with only approximately 1 mile of shoreline.

Fishing

Listed as one of the top brown trout waters in Essex County by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Clear Pond is also home to rainbow and brook trout, as well as their cousin, the kokanee salmon.

At 26 acres, Clear Pond is not large, but it still manages to draw anglers at ice-out. The use and possession of baitfish is prohibited. Access is via a trail from Putnam Pond Campground or paddle/portage from Putnam Pond itself. A lean-to provides shelter at the pond.

Hiking

The Clear Pond Trail extends 3.8 miles from the Putnam Pond Campground Trailhead North looping around Putnam Pond to the Grizzle Ocean Trail at a location approximately 1.2 miles from the Putnam Pond Campground Trailhead South. The trail drops 100 feet in 0.1 mile to the shore of North Pond, after passing along the northern shore of the pond it ascends 170 feet in 0.1 mile. Between Rock Pond and Clear Pond the trail ascends 265 feet and descends 135 feet in a 0.5 mile. The trail descends 120 feet in the 1.1 miles from Clear Pond to the Grizzle Ocean Trail. Clear Pond and the Clear Pond Trail can also be accessed from the western shore of Putnam Pond via a 0.6-mile spur trail.

A day use fee is required to park a vehicle at the Putnam Pond Campground when the campground is open. The trailhead may not be plowed in winter.

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.

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 short hike ends at a particularly scenic pond. On the northeastern side of the pond is a long finger created by a beaver dam and on the north end of the pond is an attractive wetland where birding could be quite good. There is the option to explore the second pond on an unmarked trail.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 2.2 miles round trip for both ponds, 0.8 miles for Rankin
• Elevation gain: 280 feet round trip for both ponds
• Hike includes unmarked trail

Hiking to Rankin and Little Rankin Ponds

From the parking area cross the road carefully and quickly, as the trailhead is located on a corner where traffic tends to move quickly. Once at the trailhead, you will sign into the trail register and follow the trail behind the register, not the old road to the right. The trail is marked with blue disks. Along the 0.4 mile trail (one way) there is a sweep around a small knob on your right known as Crusher Hill, while not changing much in elevation. There is a slight descent at the end to reach the eastern shore of Rankin Pond.

If you wish to continue to Little Rankin Pond be aware that there is no marked trail or designated route to reach the small back-county body of water. Map and compass and GPS knowledge is highly recommended. Not recommended for inexperienced hikers or children. To continue on to Little Rankin Pond, locate a herd path to your right from the end of Rankin Pond Trail. This anglers herd path is very faint and blowdown does cover it in spots. This herd path will bring you to another small spot with a great view of the pond. The herd path from here starts to become much less apparent and eventually disappears, but keep the pond to your left and continue down the finger to a beaver dam crossing.

Once you cross the beaver dam you will need to make your way through a somewhat open forest and head northwest, keeping the slopes of Rankin Pond Mountain to your right. Remain in the valley. Little Rankin Pond is a quaint little pond with a faint trail, but gives a nice, backcountry, secluded feel.

Rankin and Little Rankin Ponds in the winter

From the parking area which should be plowed out regularly, you will need to cross the road to access the trail. This trail is a good, mellow introduction to snowshoeing to the first pond. Only experienced hikers should attempt to reach the farther pond. Be prepared for all winter conditions.

Birding

Most of these species are found during the migration and breeding season. This is considered a lowland boreal forest, with species like Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Boreal Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Cape May Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, and Pine Siskin.

Paddling

At the trailhead there is room for one car to unload a car-top boat, but park across the road (north via a slight curve) at the designated parking area. The trail is narrow, but overall fairly easy with a brief, somewhat steep, drop near the end. This trail is not the best option for a cart; it is recommended that you use a boat that you can carry.

Once on the pond you will have a wonderful secluded paddle, and most likely to yourself. The shoreline length is approximately one mile and the water is well-sheltered/mostly calm.

Fishing

There is a deep area good for brook trout, and only accessible by boat. As a result, there's not much angler competition. There is a limited amount of shoreline fishing but it’s decent in a few spots. At the end of the trail which is 0.4 miles from the parking area and slightly further along the shore on the east side via a short herd path. At the deepest it is around 20 feet, but the best fishing is had from the deeper portion and the finger on the NE side, which is accessed best by boat.

Fish species: brook trout, bullhead

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Do the Rankin Ponds 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 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 to Route 28N and take a left and head toward Minerva. Continue for just under 10 miles to the trailhead on the right, parking is on the left just prior to the trailhead.

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. 

Looking for a backcountry pond that doesn't require a lot of work to get to? If so, Cheney Pond is perfect for you! It's all peaceful wild forest and beautiful scenery. Visitors in any season can enjoy a variety of activities, including: hiking, fishing, paddling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and camping.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 1 mile round trip
• Elevation gain: 150 feet 
• Hike includes trail junctions

Hiking to Cheney Pond

Follow the old access road turned into an easy trail to a camping, picnic, and launch area at the pond. The hike is quite easy and all downhill to the pond. You will pass by an intersection with the trail to Lester Dam at 0.4 miles. Turn left here and the pond is 500 feet away. There is a designated primitive tent site at the initial spot you meet up with at the pond, as well as a lean-to that is paddle access across the pond.

Cheney pond in the winter

Since it is not that long of a trail, this makes for a great snowshoe for beginners or even an excellent place to stretch your legs before a more rigorous adventure. It is also a great cross-country ski, but might be a bit too fast for beginners. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing over a frozen body of water is a winter past time; it can access you to areas not seen by most in the summer. With that being said, it can be a dangerous activity to cross frozen waterbodies and should be done with care and respect for your environment. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything, including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice. 

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!

Fishing

Trout can be easily fished from shore and the bullheads tend to bite all day. There is a shallow bay on the north side of the pond, which is a nice location for panfish and floating a bobber for brookies. Fish species include: brook trout, bullhead, panfish, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. There are plenty of grassy areas where bass are said to hide.

Paddling

This lovely little pond is part of the Lester Flow. This is a hand launch only. Canoes and kayaks will likely need to be wheeled or carried the half mile to the pond.

The lean-to is a great choice for those looking to try winter camping, but only when ice is thick enough.

How to get there

To get here, follow Blue Ridge Road (County Road 84) toward Newcomb from Exit 29 off I-87. It is 13.4 mile to the trailhead parking area on the left. The "trail" to Cheney Pond follows an old access road, and while travel is permitted, it is not recommended. At first, the access road appears to be a fine gravel road, but soon deteriorates with washouts, ruts, and extremely muddy sections. No worries though; it's only about a half mile walk to the pond with minimal elevation change.

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.