Pharaoh Lake Wilderness

The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness encompasses 46,283 acres within the Adirondack Forest Preserve in New York. It straddles the Essex County-Warren County line, touching the towns of Schroon, Ticonderoga, Hague, and Horicon. The area is characterized by numerous lakes and ponds, particularly in its northern reaches. Pharaoh Lake itself spans 441 acres, making it one of the largest lakes in the Adirondacks completely surrounded by Forest Preserve lands. Other notable bodies of water include Crane Pond, Gooseneck Pond, and Whortleberry Pond. The landscape also features smaller mountains and hills, with Pharaoh Mountain, standing at 2,551 feet, being the highest point, located on the northwest shore of Pharaoh Lake.

This wilderness area is a significant part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve, offering a diverse natural environment. It contains 39 distinct bodies of water, totaling approximately 1,100 acres. Beyond Pharaoh Lake, other substantial ponds include 167-acre Crane Pond, 77-acre Gooseneck Pond, 66-acre Whortleberry Pond, 54-acre Berrymill Pond, 32-acre Crab Pond, 15-acre Oxshoe Pond, and 13-acre Bear Pond. The topography is varied, ranging from the prominent Pharaoh Mountain to numerous smaller peaks and rolling hills. The natural setting provides a backdrop for various outdoor pursuits throughout the year.

Hiking is a primary activity within the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, with nearly 70 miles of marked foot trails. Popular destinations include the summit of Pharaoh Mountain and the shores of Pharaoh Lake, as well as various other ponds. The area offers a range of trail difficulties and lengths. Examples include the 7.5-mile Sucker Brook Trail, the 3.3-mile Pharaoh Lake Trail, and the 6.0-mile Pharaoh Lake Loop Trail which encircles the namesake lake. Other trails lead to specific ponds, such as the 1.4-mile Crab Pond Trail and the 6.0-mile Springhill Ponds Trail. The Pharaoh Mountain Trail offers a challenging ascent to the highest point in the wilderness.

The wilderness boasts an extensive trail network catering to various hiking preferences. The Sucker Brook Trail, starting from the Adirondack Trailhead, spans 7.5 miles to the Pharaoh Lake outlet, featuring significant elevation changes. The Pharaoh Lake Trail offers a 3.3-mile route from the Pharaoh Lake Road Trailhead. For those seeking a longer exploration of the lake, the 6.0-mile Pharaoh Lake Loop Trail provides a relatively gentle journey around its shoreline, connecting to many other paths. Shorter trails like the 1.4-mile Lost Pond Trail and the 0.2-mile Watch Rock Lean-to Spur Trail offer access to specific points of interest. Several trails connect to external trailheads, including the 5.5-mile Berrymill Pond Trail and the 5.6-mile Grizzle Ocean Trail, both linking to the Putnam Pond Campground.