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This list was painstakingly compiled by Kim at Adirondack Wilderness Adventures I do believe she had hiked most of these trails and It is now posted in her memory. |
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| Trail | Distance | Description | Directions |
| Auger
Falls |
0.6 miles RT, easy | This short walk leads to overlooks of a long series of cascades in a deep gorge lined with hemlocks. Please use caution, the banks are steep and slippery. |
Take Route 30 North from the town of Wells. Approximately
3 miles up Route 30 there is a right hand turn that leads to a parking
area. |
| Big Alderbed Lake | 6.2 miles RT, moderate do to distance | Big Alderbed Lake was once a small lake that increased in size during the 1900's. The dam was built to accommodate the booming logging industry. Currently most of the dam has not eroded and flooded away. The trail is mostly flat but does contain a few obstacles. |
|
| Big Eddy and Falls |
Approx. 12 miles. | From Rt.30 northbound turn on to Algonquin
Drive just after entering the town of Wells. Follow this road for
approx. 1.5 miles until you come to a large
intersection. Turn left on to West River Road. Follow West River Road to
Whitehouse parking lot. |
|
| Broomstick Lake |
1.4 miles, RT, easy | Broomstick
Lake is a little lake that contains colorful rose quartz. Most
of the shore line is swampy,
but it is an attractive picnic destination. Broomstick Lake was
also used in the 1936 filming of the original "The Last of
the Mohicans". |
From the Caroga Lake Post Office across the road from Sherman's
Park.
Head northwest 5.0 miles on RT-10/RT-29A toward E Shore Road West Caroga, at the RT-10/RT-29A divide at the Pine Lake Lodge continue to follow RT-10 to the right. Parking and the trail head is about 1 mile up on the left. |
| Cathead Mountain | 3.2 miles RT, difficult | SORRY THIS TRAIL NOW CLOSED BECAUSE OF A LAND DISPUTE. This trail is short and easy to follow but the climb is steep. The open summit has views in three directions and a fire tower. |
Take Route 30 North from Northville, after approximately 3.1 miles
turn left on to Benson Road. Follow for 2.7 miles until you reach
North Road on your right. Turn on to North Road and follow for 1.2
Miles to the parking Lot. |
| Chase Lake | 5 miles RT, easy | This
is a popular lake with a lean-to. Now Foot travel only. |
Drive north from the Benson Road that connects Caroga Lake with
NY 30 on Pinnacle Road, which is 6.6 miles east of NY 10. It is pleasant
to walk along the road that is bordered by marshes. The end of the
driveable part of the road is a parking area for the Chase Lake Trail
and the continuation of the road into Forest Preserve lands. Walk
the old road uphill as far as you want, enjoying the forests and
marshes. |
| Chimney Mountain | 2.8 miles RT, moderate, $1 parking fee | This is a very interesting hike to an unusual geological chimney formation and broad views over the wilderness area. Use caution around the maze of caves and crevices near the summit. Expert spelunkers will find this area a delight to explore. | From Speculator Chamber office, follow Rt. 30
north 23.7 miles to Big Brook Rd. in Indian Lake. Make a sharp
right.
Go 8.9
miles to Chimney Mountain
Wilderness Lodge on Kings Flow. There is a specified parking area
with small fee. Hikers are reminded that a private landowner is
permitting access across his property. Bring water. Follow the
unmarked trails
in the rift to find the caves. Most can be entered without equipment
but stay out of the deep ones. Long pants and flashlight prove helpful. |
| Clockmill Pond | 3 miles RT, easy | Clockmill Pond provides a pleasant canoeing, fishing, picnicking
or camping destination. The short 1.7-mile path on the old logging
road is among my favorite fall walks. Late September or early October
finds the swamp maples around the pond aflame with dark reds. |
The trail starts in Clockmill Corners, a remote
bend in the Powley-Piseco Road, a narrow dirt road for more than
half its distance. The road intersects NY 10 in the north, 0.3 mile
south of the bridge over Piseco Lake; the trailhead is 4 miles south.
The southern end of the road is 8.6 miles west of NY 10 in the hamlet
of Stratford on NY 29A; the trailhead is 15 miles north. |
| Dry and Dexter Lakes | 5.8 miles, RT, easy to moderate | This is an attractive walk on and old road through open forests. The terrain is relatively flat, but does contain some moderate ups and downs. Dry and Dexter Lakes are small and relatively isolated. | The route from the east,
via Good Luck Lake, begins from a large parking turnout on NY
Route 10, just north
of the “second bridge” in
Arietta. In this case, follow the main snowmobile trail to a four-way
junction at 0.5-mile and bear left. At 1.5 miles, bear right for
Spectacle Lake, which is 2.8 miles from the highway. From this
same trailhead, it is also possible to approach Spectacle by way
of Dexter
Lake, for a total distance of 4.1 miles. |
| Glasgow Mills and Hillabrandt Lake and Vlei | 6.6 miles, RT | A shallow lovely lake dammed by beaver. This hike also takes you past the old mill historic site. | From Glasgow Rd, W of Rt.10
between Rockford & Caroga Lake. Gently uphill never
too far from scenic Glasgow Creek for 1.3 miles to Glasgow Mills,
the site of an old sawmill in the late 1800s. In fact, this snowmobile
trail was once a road dating back to 1799! HIDDEN VLY. E of East Stoner Lake (1.2 miles from Rt.10). In the Shaker Mtn WF. 0-10"Old logging road has a rope tied across it at start - no trail markers but easy to follow the 2 miles to Hidden Vly. You could continue on to explore Whitman Flow. Ref: Discover the Southern Adirondacks. 2.5 hours. |
| Goldmine Stream Falls | 2.4 miles, RT, moderate | This
is a small series of waterfalls with rock outcroppings. At the
falls the red and gold bedrock is
what named the goldmine stream. Map & Compass trail. |
The trailhead is on the left side 12.2 miles from Route 29A on
the Powley-Piseco Road |
| Good Luck Lake/Good Luck Cliffs | 5.8 miles RT, easy | First, there is a level walk on a
marked trail to a secluded sandy beach on Good Luck Lake, and then
you can backtrack to an unmarked trail that leads up a short steep
climb to an open ledge with fantastic views. |
The Trailhead is on Route 10, 2.8miles north of the turn off from
Route 29A. The parkig area is just past the second bridge over the
West Branch of the Sacandaga River. The Trail begins across from
the parking area. |
| Hadley Mountain | Some of the most spectacular
views in the southern Adirondacks are obtained by hiking to the
bare summit of Hadley
Mt. Although the fire tower still graces the summit, it is no longer
staffed. However, one need not climb the the tower to be rewarded." |
The trailhead has good parking for more than dozen cars. It is
reached by finding your way to Lake Luzerne (NY route 9N), then crossing
the Hudson to the village of Hadley. Turn north onto Saratoga route
1 for about 3 miles to Hadley Hill road (0.1 miles after you cross
the railroad that you have been paralleling, there are signs), turn
left and go uphill for 4.6 miles to Tower road (small sign on the
left). Tower road is an excellent dirt/gravel road that is often
plowed and sanded in the winter. It leads to the obvious trailhead
parking lot. |
|
| Hope Falls | Rt 30 North to the village of Northville Cross Bridge to Main St Left on to North Main North Main bends to left onto Reed St. Stay on Reed Street approx 2 miles turn right at sign for Hope Falls follow signs to the end until the road becomes dirt. Approx 3-4 miles Parking available there at trailhead. Nice level walk great for small children and novice hikers. |
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| Irving Pond and Bellows Lake to Peters Corners | 19 miles RT if Holmes Lake is explored | This complex series of trails. Each lake has its own charm. Hikers should allow time to explore the ruins of the old mill by Holmes Lake. | A short road, but a beautiful
walk is north of the Nick Stoner Golf Course in Caroga. The road
parallels the outlet
of Irving Pond—beautiful
views when the water is high in spring. By late April there are
wildflowers too. If it is dry enough you can continue on along
the shores of
the now dry bed of Irving Pond (the dam that made the pond bigger
has been removed). |
| Jockeybush Lake | 2 miles RT, easy | This
is a pleasant walk along the outlet stream of a natural deep-water
lake. Boulders line the shore and provide nice picnic spots. |
The path begins from a parking turnout on the west side of Route
10, 0.3-mile north of Avery's Hotel and directly opposite the small
man-made lake on the Avery property. The way to Jockeybush is the
northernmost of the two entrances. The parking turnout is 9 miles
north of Pine Lake. |
| Kane Mountain | 1.4 miles RT, moderate | This hike follows an old jeep road to the summit where views can be attained from the restored fire tower. A fire observer’s cabin is also located on the summit. | There are two trail heads that access Kane Mountain and the tower.
The main trail runs from Green Lake Rd. The .5 mile hike climbs 600
ft. to the top of the mountain at 2200 ft. above sea level. The trail
is moderate in difficulty, and can be a bit muddy if the weathers
been wet. The second trail runs from Schoolhouse Road. Although this
is a shorter ascent to the top, it is quite a bit steeper and includes
some rocky areas. |
| Kunjamuk Cave | a 1 mile walk to a large cave | Approximately
3 miles from Speculator south on Rt. 30 to Old Rt. 30 to cross iron
bridge on left. Trail is 100 feet on left. Do not go straight as
this is an old, overgrown road. Follow unmarked footpath approximately
1 mile to cave on right. Day use permits for International Paper
Company land may be purchased at Tanners Outdoor Sports. |
|
| Little Cathead (bushwhack) | 2.4 miles RT, moderate | Little Cathead is unlike most in the southern area in that it contains a wooded summit. It however does still contain plentiful look-outs. This small mountain does not contain a marked trail. Exploring hikers should travel with compass and map. | |
| Murphy Middle and Bennett Lakes | 8.3 miles, moderately easy, two cars needed | This route follows
an old road and trail once used by early settlers who farmed and
mined in this area. You'll pass a series of very attractive lakes,
an old ferrous oxide pigment mine — the red
paint was processed in nearby Northville and used on many area
buildings
and the stone walls, foundations and apple trees of the former homesteads. |
From Route 30 North turn
Right on to creek road, approximately 6.5 miles from Northville.
Follow Creek road for 2.5 miles and the
trailhead will be on the left. |
| Nine Corner Lake | 1.8 miles RT, easy | An old road leads to this popular lake that has beautiful blue-green water and a picturesque shoreline. Walk the fishermen's paths for access to less populated and used shorelines. Due to the bad basics of some hikers, campers, and snowmobiles this small wonder is fading fast. |
From the Caroga Lake Post Office across the road from Sherman's
Park.
Head northwest 5.0 miles on RT-10/RT-29A toward E Shore Road West
Caroga, at the RT-10/RT-29A divide at the Pine Lake Lodge continue
to follow RT-29A to the left. Parking and the trail head is a few
hundred feet on the right. |
Northville-Lake Placid Trail
|
Section
A—Northville to Piseco 34.80 miles |
The beginning of the 133
mile Northville-Placid Trail follows the highway from Northville
to Benson Center and
impatient hikers may want to
drive to Benson Center. However, the scenery along the Stony Creek
Valley is well worth the walk.
No high mountains are encountered in this section, but the forests are as wild as any found on the trail. Map More info |
|
| Panther Mountain - Echo Cliff | 1.5 miles RT, easy | The trail to this popular destination is well worn and occasionally steep. An open grassy area and ledges provide spectacular views across Piseco Lake to Spy Lake and the Silver Lake Wilderness. | From speculator Chamber office, take Rt. 8 west to 8.8 miles to
Old Piseco Rd., take a right. Follow road around lake (approx. 5
miles)
Trailhead
is on right 1/2 mile beyond Little Sand State Campsite. |
| Pillsbury Mountain | 3.2 miles, moderately difficult |
After some steep climbing, you will reach the abandoned
fire tower and views from the summit to the east and south. The
access road to the trailhead is rough and may only be passable
by four-wheel drive vehicles. |
The trailhead begins 1.9
miles South on Route 30 below Galusha’s
Cabins on Lewey lake. Take the Perkins Clearing dirt road on right.
Go 3.3 miles to fork and bear right to Sled Harbor parking area.
Hike the road from there .75 mile to trail on left to Mountain
and Firetower on top. (Other direction on road continues to West
Canada
and Cedar Lakes area on Northville-Lake Placid Trail) |
| The Sacandaga Pathway | 1.5 miles RT, easy | The Pathway meets moderate handicapped access codes, and is about a mile and a half long. There is a picnic area with grills and a view of the river. (Carry in- Carry out Policy) Rest areas are provided at the Fire Hall, Pavilion, and at the Lane Emporium at the intersection of Routes 8 and 30. A meditation walk is provided for a quiet place to enjoy the serenity of the woods. | |
| Sand Lake | 1 mile, RT, easy | Sand
Lake is a deep and remote lake. It is a easy trip and does provide
view across the end of the lake. |
|
| Snowy Mountain | 7.8 miles RT, difficult | This is the tallest mountain in the southern Adirondacks
and the trail to its top, especially the final climb, is very steep
and demanding. You'll enjoy outstanding views of Indian Lake, the
distant High Peaks and unbroken wilderness from the rocky summit
ledges, which are dangerous and should be approached with caution.
The fire tower on the summit was recently restored for safe public
use. |
The trailhead is on Route 30, 6.5 miles south of the village of Indian lake, parking is on opposite side of the road. |
| Spectacle Lake | 2 1/2 miles | The Trail is the right fork off the Good Luck Trail (above). It
is approximately 2 1/2 miles up.Good for fishing and camping, the
name Spectacle comes from the shape of the lake looking similar to
glasses. The lake can be seen from the cliffs near Good Luck Lake. |
From the Caroga Lake Post Office across the road from Sherman's
Park.
Head northwest 6.0 miles on RT-10/RT-29A toward E Shore Road West
Caroga, at the RT-10/RT-29A divide at the Pine Lake Lodge continue
to follow RT-10 to the right. Parking and the trail head is about
7 miles up on the left. |
| Tenant Creek | 4 miles RT, easy | Three beautiful waterfalls
grace Tenant Creek. The first one, only .5 miles upstream, is
a good destination for
children. An unmarked path parallels the south side of the stream
to an ideal picnic spot beside a deep pool at the base of the 50-foot
waterfall. Continue to follow the stream to reach the equally impressive
set of falls further up. |
To reach the trailhead
for Tenant Creek Falls, take NY 30 and, traveling North from
the area of the Great Sacandaga
Lake. West Stony
Creek and the Sacandaga River are crossed in succession. About
0.5 miles (.8km) past this, turn right onto Old Northville Road.
Continue
1.5 miles (2.5 km) on this road, crossing over East Stony Creek,
and turn left at East Stony Creek Road (also known as Hope Falls
Rd. on some maps). Here, a customary brown and yellow Department
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) sign gives mileages to some
destinations. There is also a large sign with the words "Hope Falls Road" here.
Drive down East Stony Creek Road for 7.4 miles (12.3 km) to the
end, until a parking area is seen on the left with room for about
5 or
6 cars. The road is rough in places and made of dirt near the end;
however, it is easily passable by normal cars. There are a couple
of forks in the road that can be confusing. Take a right at the
first major fork, a left at the second. Try to look for road signs
or trail
signs (follow signs for Wilcox Lake). You will know when you are
at the trailhead as the parking area is up on the bank of East
Stony Creek. Don't give up if you take a wrong turn. Just turn
around and
continue towards Wilcox Lake. Take care to grant privacy to the
owners of the old Brownell Lumber Camp, the land to the right,
by staying
on the trails. |
| Wilcox Lake | Wilcox Lake from Willis Lake: " A second approach to Wilcox Lake, in addition to the one from East Stony Creek Rd., can be made from the SE via the Willis Lake trail. This trail traverses rugged terrain in sections, traveling through some of the wildest areas of the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest." -Southern Region : Wilcox Lake Wild Forest and Baldwin Springs Section, ADK Guide, pg. 93, By: Linda Laing. Wilcox Lake via East Stony Creek Trail: " Wilcox Lake is one of the most attractive bodies of water in the southern Adirondacks and is also one of the most popular. Somewhat overused but much appreciated, this small lake is a worthwhile destination for the day hiker." -Southern Region : Wilcox Lake Wild Forest and Baldwin Springs Section, ADK Guide, pg. 89, By: Linda Laing. |
From Route 30 approximately 4 miles south of the entrance to the
town of Wells. Turn right on to pumpkin Hollow road. The Trailhead
is 1.6 miles up this road on the left. |
|
| Willie Wildlife Marsh | 1.5 mile loop, easy | This interesting nature trail system
explores a wetland habitat. There is a viewing platform, ten interpretive stops and three boardwalks that traverse the marsh and open water. The trail guide and map is available at the trailhead. |
The Willie Wildlife Marsh
is located on Willie Road about 10 minutes from Gloversville
off Route 29A. Turn left
when you see Jim’s
Auto business. Drive almost to the end of Willie Road where you
will see a parking lot. |
| Woods Lake | 0.3 miles, easy | Woods Lake is a very pretty small lake that is close to the road. Therefore, it is more popular among campers and fishermen. | |
Hiking
around the Great Sacandaga Lake........... |
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Back to What's to Do on the Great Sacandaga Lake
Hiking
Information
From the DEC
This edition covers the area bounded roughly by Piseco, Northville, Stratford, Oppenheim and Caroga Lake.
Hiking Links
Adirondack Journey
Cathead Mountain
Hiking Safety
Safety is important whether you are day hiking or winter backpacking. Proper planning, preparation, proper clothing and taking appropriate gear along are essential to a safe and enjoyable excursion.
Before You Leave plan ahead. Learn about the area ahead of time. Study
the latest guidebooks and maps that give information on highways, trails,
streams and other physical features. Plan your trip carefully according
to routes and the time you have available. Check weather reports before
you set out.
Prepare yourself physically. If your planned recreation calls for considerable
physical exertion, get in shape beforehand. Do not attempt a trip that
is beyond your physical capabilities.
Leave word of your destination and schedule. In order to locate you in
an emergency or send assistance should you need it, leave word at home
or with a friend as to where you are going and when you intend to return.
Know the rules and guidelines for appropriate behavior for the area you
are visiting.
Auger Falls
On The Trail
Dress appropriately for the season and where appropriate hiking shoes or boots. Layered clothing is best to meet changing weather conditions. If cool or wet conditions can be expected it is recommended that you avoid cotton clothing, which insulates poorly when wet and dries very slowly.
Carry a compass and a topographic map of the area and know how to use both.
Take along appropriate equipment and supplies. A day pack containing rain gear, extra warm clothing, high energy food, water, first aid kit, pocket knife, whistle and matches in a waterproof container are recommended. Sunglasses and insect repellent are also handy.
Do not drink water from ponds or streams unless you have treated it first by boiling, filtering or using purification tablets.
You should sign in at any Department of Environmental Conservation trail register you may pass. This will assist us in finding you should we need to search for you.
Chimney Mountain
If You Get Lost or Someone is Injured
If you become lost, keep calm, stay dry, keep warm and stay put.
If it appears that you will need to spend the night in the woods, build a campfire to provide heat, light and comfort. A campfire will be invaluable in locating you if you have been reported missing. Aircraft may be used in searching when weather permits and smoky campfires may be spotted from the air
If the weather is particularly cold or bad and you must spend the night in the woods, also build a small shelter using dead branches, hemlock boughs and leaves. The shelter will serve as a "cocoon" and should be just big enough for you to lie in comfortably. Set up camp before darkness falls.
If you feel you can try and find your way out of the woods, remember that following streams downhill will nearly always lead you back to signs of habitation.
Any person knowing you are overdue should contact the New York State Forest Ranger in the area of your trip.
In case of accident, at least one person should remain with the injured person. Know and use basic first aid techniques. Others in the group should carefully note the location and contact the local New York State Forest Ranger.
DEC Rules
The rules associated with using Department of Environmental Conservation managed public lands in New York State for recreational purposes are relatively simple and straightforward.
Hiking and backcountry camping are allowed on Forest Preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks as well as State Forest areas. Generally, camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas and other categories of state land. Hiking is generally permitted anywhere but special requirements apply to mountain biking and horseback riding.
Some specific units in the forest preserve may have regulations that are different than the rules and guidelines listed below!
For information about the 52 Department of Environmental Conservation campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, visit DEC Campground Information. The rules and guidelines for the use of New York State's public lands are generally as follows:
Except where marked by a "Camp Here" disk
camping is prohibited within 150 feet of roads, trails,
lakes, ponds, streams or other bodies of water.
Groups of ten or more persons or stays of more than three
days in one place require a permit from the New York
State Forest Ranger responsible for the area.
Lean-tos are available in many areas on a first come
first served basis. Lean-tos cannot be used exclusively
and must be shared with other campers.
Use pit privies provided near
popular camping areas and trailheads. If none are available,
dispose of human waste
by digging a hole 6"-8" deep at least 150 feet
from water or campsites. Cover with leaves and soil.
Do not use soap to wash yourself, clothing or dishes
within 150 ft of water.
Drinking and cooking water should be boiled for 5 minutes,
treated with purifying tablets or filtered through filtration
device to prevent instances of giardia infection.
Fires should be built in existing
fire pits or fireplaces if provided. Use only dead and
down wood for fires. Cutting
standing trees is prohibited. Extinguish all fires with
water and stir ashes until they are cold to the touch.
Do not build fires in areas marked by a "No Fires" disk.
Camp stoves are safer, more efficient and cleaner.
Carry out what you carry in.
Practice "leave no
trace" camping and hiking.
Keep your pet under control. Restrain it on a leash when
others approach. Collect and bury droppings away from
water, trails and camp sites. Keep your pet away from
drinking water sources.
Observe and enjoy wildlife and plants but leave them
undisturbed.
Removing plants, rocks, fossils or artifacts from state
land without a permit is illegal.
The storage of personal property on state land is prohibited.
Carry an approved flotation device for each person
aboard all watercraft.
Except in an emergency or between December 15 and April
30, camping is prohibited above an elevation of 4000
feet in the Adirondacks.
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