By summer, it's a beautiful golf course. By winter, it becomes a lovely place to cross-country ski and snowshoe right in town. Enjoy the gentle slopes!

Hiking New York state's fourth highest peak

Mount Skylight is the fourth tallest of the Adirondack High Peaks. It is a steep, serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Mount Skylight involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Key takeaways

• Elevation: 4,926 feet
• Elevation gain: 3,800 feet round trip
• Distance: 9.4 miles one way
• Hike includes water crossings, steep rock slab, and trail junctions
• Based on the trail from Upper Works

Hiking Skylight

There are multiple trails to the summit of Mount Skylight. Information on this page describes the out-and-back hike from Upper Works. Find information on the approach from the High Peaks Information Center via the Van Hoevenberg Trail here. This peak is often climbed with in conjunction with Mount Marcy and Gray Peak. The Adirondack Mountain Club is asking that people stop carrying rocks to the summit as it can damage alpine vegetation and create hazards for hikers and the Summit Stewards.

From Upper Works follow the trail to Flowed Lands and Lake Colden. After reaching the lakes, the hike becomes more demanding. From the dam, hike along the Opalescent River and continue on the trail past the Uphill Lean-to and the intersection for Feldspar. The climb remains steady and eventually you will come to Lake Tear of the Clouds. You will hike near the shore of the lake and end up at Four-Corners, a major intersection on the south side of Marcy. (Trail left here leads to Mount Marcy.) At this point, take a right and climb up the shoulder of Skylight. This section tends to be a bit wet and slippery in spots. This final approach is the steepest section of the entire hike. After you reach the summit, head back down to Four Corners, and you'll have the choice to add on Gray and Marcy, or return back to Upper Works.

Mount Skylight in winter

Mount Skylight is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes or crampons are needed to climb the exposed upper reaches of the peak. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being at least 20 degrees colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency. Do not attempt to cross Flowed Lands unless the conditions warrant.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Skylight 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 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. 

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.

Hiking the five High Peaks in the Dix Range

The Dix Range is a serious, strenuous hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of the entire range involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. This range includes five of the 46 High Peaks: Macomb, Grace Peak, Carson Peak, Hough, and Dix Mountain. 

Key takeaways

• Distance: 15 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 5,350 feet
• Dix is the 6th High Peak, at 4857 feet; Macomb is the 21st High Peak, at 4405 feet; Hough is the 23rd High Peak, at 4400 ft; Carson Peak (formally South Dix) is the 37th High Peak, at 4060 feet; Grace Peak (formerly East Dix) is the 42nd High Peak, at 4012 feet
• Based on going up Macomb, completing all 5 peaks, then descending via the Beckhorn Trail

Hiking the Dix Range

From the trailhead, follow a well used marked trail to the Slide Brook campsites and lean-to. After crossing Slide Brook, go right and up through a campsite to access the herd path that proceeds high above the brook before descending slightly to the base of the slide. The slide is mostly rubble, scree, and loose sand. It's steep making for even harder footing. The upper portion of the slide is a bit tough to exit but once you do, you will be back in the trees for a bit further to the summit. The views from Macomb are quite nice, but only in one direction back toward and over Elk Lake. The herd path to Carson heads over the summit area and down steeply, before climbing steeply over a large area of bare rock.

From Carson, the hike to Grace takes a rather straight line east. The summit of Grace is a near 360 degree view from a pointed rock. To continue the range, you'll make your way back to Carson, before starting a bumpy hike over to Hough (pronounced "huff"). Hough is one of the tougher sections in the range with tight herd-path conditions and rock scrambling.

From Hough, it's another steep climb to the summit of Dix, where hikers are greeted with open views of the surrounding area. From Dix, hikers can descent back to the Elk Lake parking lot via the Beckhorn Trail or Hunter's Pass. Hunter's Pass is a longer trail but slightly less steep than the Beckhorn. After a long day on the trail, most hikers prefer to take the Beckhorn Trail, which is marked, along with Hunter's Pass. Eventually the trail levels out, and hiking along a flatter section will be a welcomed break for your knees. Along the trail from the Elk Lake parking area, there are eight primitive campsites and the Slide Brook and Lillian Brook lean-tos, which are options for splitting up the long hike.

Dix Range in winter

The Dix Range is a challenging mountain link-up that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes or crampons are needed to climb the many exposed sections up high. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being at least 20 degrees colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency. Turning around is always an option. 

The lot at the end of Elk Lake Road is closed and hikers will need to park at Clear Pond, which is located 2-miles from the the trailhead, adding 4-miles round trip. 

History

Two mountains in this range have a very interesting history, and names to boot! East Dix was renamed to Grace Peak recently in commemoration of Grace Hudowalski, who was the first woman to climb the 46 High Peaks. Grace became Forty-Sixer #9 August 22, 1937 on Esther. She worked for New York State to promote tourism and devoted the rest of her time to advocate the importance of stewardship, of protecting the mountains and of maintaining trails adequately. She was a founding member of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers and served as the Club’s first President (1948-1951) and Historian until 1995. South Dix was renamed Carson Peak, in commemoration of Russell M.L. Carson, a charter member and past president of the Adirondack Mountain Club. He is the author of "Peaks and People of the Adirondacks," the first authoritative history of Adirondack mountains, their naming, and their climbing history.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does the Dix Range 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

The following descriptions describe hiking the Dix Range from the Elk Lake trailhead. To get there, take Exit 29 on I-87 and follow Blue Ridge Road to the west, toward Newcomb. Continue for 4-miles to Elk Lake Road on the right. (There is a sign for the Elk Lake Lodge.) Follow this road to the hiker parking, near the end.

Hiking to Blue Ledges in the Hudson Gorge Wilderness Area will lead you to famous cliffs and a swimming hole along the Hudson River.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 575 feet

Hiking to Blue Ledges

Blue Ledges extends 2.4 miles from the trailhead to the rock ledges on the northern rim of the Hudson Gorge. Follow the trail around the east end of Huntley Pond. Look for the blue DEC markers. At the river there is a small sandy place for wading and viewing. At the end of the trail are cliffs known as the Blue Ledges. There are many boulders at this right angle bend which put on a fine show, depending on water levels. Be careful if you decide to swim here, and look out for whitewater rafters!

Blue Ledges in the winter

This is a well-marked trail and recommended for snowshoeing. It is a wonderful snowshoe destination, mainly because it freezes up the typically-wet early stages of the trail as you pass by Huntley Pond. The ice formations on the cliffs and in the Hudson River are quite interesting. Since the Hudson is a swift moving river, we do not recommend that you step onto the ice that forms on the river. It is a dangerous activity to cross frozen water bodies. Be prepared for all winter conditions.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Blue Ledges 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

Once at the river, the fishing is quite good and you can work your way up and down the beach areas to access eddies, flat calm waters, and rapids. The shore is lined and dotted with boulders that work perfectly as platforms to fish from. This is also a great area for fly fishing. The pool at the base of the ledges is quite deep, allowing you to fish the cooler waters as well.  

Fish species types: brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout 

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. 

How to get there

To get here from the intersection of Route 9 and Hoffman Road in Schroon Lake, follow Hoffman Road (CR24). Continue on CR24, which eventually turns into Irishtown Road. Take a right onto O’Neill Road just over 11 miles from Route 9 and a left onto Longs Hill Road (CR24A). This will bring you to Route 28N in Minerva in roughly 2 miles. Take a right onto Route 28N for 2.5 miles to Northwoods Club Road on the left. Follow Northwoods Club Road for 6.5 miles to the Blue Ledges Trailhead parking on the right. 

Hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing to Big Pond in the Hoffman Notch Wilderness Area is a classic trip for those looking to experience what this low-trafficked Wilderness Area has to offer. While there aren't many trails up the densely-wooded summits here, there are many bodies of water to check out with trails to them.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 3.3 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 325 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and bridges

Hiking to Big Pond

This trail maintains an easy grade with very little change in elevation. It's mainly on a wide course through the forest ,but will get slightly narrower in spots.

Leaving the trailhead, the path soon drops slightly to a bridge near the outlet of a narrow pond. This narrow pond does not have a name, but it could be considered South Big Pond. The trail climbs gently from here. Big Pond is slightly off the main trail, but it can easily be seen through the trees to the left. A path will lead the 100 feet downhill to the shore, where there are outstanding vistas. The trail continues straight and connects to the Hoffman Notch Trail. 

Big Pond in the winter

This trail is a great snowshoe in the winter, and is a classic cross-country ski for those with some backcountry experience. The parking area does get plowed in the winter. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing over a frozen body of water is a winter past time, but it can be a dangerous activity and should be done with care. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything, including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice if you decide to head out onto Big Pond while it's frozen in the winter.

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!

How to get there

From the intersection of Hoffman Road (County Route 24) and Route 9, follow Hoffman Road. Continue for 2.5 miles or so to the trailhead parking on the right. The trailhead has parking for several cars. The trail is on the left of the parking lot.  

Hiking New York's 6th highest peak

Dix Mountain is the 6th tallest Adirondack High Peak. It is a steep, exposed, and serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Dix Mountain involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. Dix can be climbed by itself, but in many cases is combined with the rest or parts of the range. The Dix Range also includes Carson Peak (South Dix), Grace Peak (formally East Dix), Hough Peak, and Macomb Mountain.

Key takeaways

• Elevation: 4,857 feet
• Distance: 13.2 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 3.740 feet
• Based on an ascent from Elk Lake via the Beckhorn Trail

Hiking Dix Mountain

There are multiple approaches to this mountain. These are the most popular when climbing Dix by itself, with the trailhead at Elk Lake being the main way people hike this peak in the summer months. The views from Dix are some of the best in Northeast including views of the Green Mountains in Vermont. Below are brief descriptions of the two main marked trails to Dix Mountain. To visit the other peaks in the range, we highly recommend you pick up a guide book for more in depth detail or hire a local guide to assist you in your visit to the Dix Range.

Elk Lake: Please note, this route is closed during big game season. Hikers commonly choose to climb Dix from the south by taking the Hunter Pass Trail from Elk Lake toward Hunters Pass, then to the Beckhorn Trail and up for a 6.6 mile one way hike. Hunter's Pass is a longer trail but slightly less steep than the Beckhorn, and can be an alternative if you don't do well with exposure.

Round Pond: This is 13.2 miles round trip when doing Dix Mountain alone, with 3,725 feet of elevation gain. From Route 73, you will climb steeply above the road and follow a moderate course to the shore of Round Pond. After a hike around Round Pond, you will start a modest ascent to a four-way intersection. From here it's mostly flat to the Bouquet River Lean-to at 4.2 miles. From this point the climb starts to get a bit steeper to the base of the slides on the face of Dix. The slides do not access the summit. After passing along the base of the slides you will duck back into the woods and start a very steep and demanding hike along an eroded path. The steep terrain does not end until the summit is practically reached. This makes for a challenging, but rewarding, climb.

Dix Mountain in the winter

Dix Mountain is a challenging peak that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes and crampons are needed to climb the exposed upper reaches of the peak, especially if ascending the Beckhorn Trail from Elk Lake. Most people, if tackling Dix Mountain only in the winter, choose to go from the Round Pond trailhead. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being at least 20 degrees colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency. 

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Dix Mountain 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

Round Pond: To reach this trailhead, head south on NY 73 from Lake Placid and Keene about 1 miles past the parking area at Chapel Pond. The start is marked with a small DEC sign and there is a small parking area just north of the trailhead. Do not park on the shoulder of the road.

Elk Lake: To get there from the intersection of Route 86 and Route 73 in Lake Placid, follow Route 73 through Keene and Keene Valley. Continue on Route 73 to I-87. Merge onto the highway and continue until Exit 29 (North Hudson). Turn left on Blue Ridge Road and continue about 4 miles toward Newcomb, where you'll see a sign for the Elk Lake Lodge. Turn right here and follow this to the end of the road. Keep in mind, in winter, the lot at Elk Lake is closed and hikers will need to start at Clear Pond, 2 miles down the road, adding 4 miles round trip to a hike. 

Hiking New York's 7th tallest peak

Gray Peak is the 7th tallest of the Adirondack High Peaks. It is a steep, long, and serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Gray involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Key takeaways

• Distance: 18 miles round trip
• Elevation: 4,480 feet
• Elevation gain: 3,655 feet
• Based on hiking from Upper Works
• Hike includes steep rock slab, trail junctions, and unmarked trail

Hiking Gray Peak

Gray sits right off the west shoulder of Mount Marcy, and can be approached from a few different directions. A hike of Gray via the Adirondack Loj is also a typical way to summit Gray Peak, by climbing over Mount Marcy and descending to Four Corners. There are great camping opportunities at Uphill and Feldspar lean-tos if you wanted to make a weekend of the hike. Described below is the hike from Upper Works.

From Upper Works follow the trail to Flowed Lands and Lake Colden. The trails around Flowed Lands and Lake Colden have ups and downs, which will slow you down a little as you climb over boulders. Continue past Uphill lean-to, and just before reaching Feldspar lean-to, continue a steady hike up towards Lake Tear of the Clouds and Four Corners. A couple hundred feet before Lake Tear of the Clouds will be an obvious, yet unmarked, trail that leads for just under a half mile to the mostly-treed summit of Gray. 

Gray Peak in the winter

Gray Peak is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes or crampons are needed to climb some of the steeper sections of the peak. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being at least 20 degrees colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Gray Peak 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 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. 

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.

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.