This wonderful hike and area 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: 300 feet
- Distance round trip: 3.4 miles
Paddling
Paddlers will need to carry a canoe or kayak the 1.7 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.
