The 46,283-acre Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is an outstanding part of the Adirondacks! The wilderness contains an abundance of lakes and ponds, the largest being Pharaoh Lake, at 441 acres. There are nearly 70- miles of trails within the Wilderness and no shortage of campsites. Come for a day hike or spend a weekend!

How to get there

There are 11 trailheads/ access points to the Wilderness. Your destination will determine which one to use. Information found on the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website will help you locate each starting point. 

Hiking

This wilderness area, located in the towns of Schroon and Ticonderoga, has nearly 70 miles of trails and more than a dozen lean-tos should you be inclined to make this an overnight trip. With so many miles of trails, hiking is the most popular use of this area. Pharaoh Mountain is one of the most popular destinations, along with Treadway Mountain and other hikes that lead to small, scenic ponds. The terrain varies from steep to gentle, depending on your route.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing

All trails are open for snowshoeing and skiing. Be sure to plan ahead and see how parking may be. Plowing at specific trailheads can vary, notably the Putnam Pond Campground. Be prepared for some extra road walking.

Camping

The lean-tos on Pharaoh Lake are popular enough that campers should be prepared to hike on to the next empty, and consider a designated tent site. There are 38 designated primitive tent sites and 14 lean-tos in the wilderness available on a first come, first served basis. Look for a yellow "Camp Here" disc at designated tent sites, which are for tents only.

Hunting

All lands within the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness are open to hunting and trapping in season. There is snowshoe hare, woodcock, ruffed grouse, and wild turkey. Waterfowl are found on the many ponds, and white-tailed deer and black bear in the forests.

Find out more!

Read our blog post: A beginner's guide to the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.