Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area
43.853922, -73.664276
Crane Pond Road, Ticonderoga
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Pharoah Lake Wilderness trail map
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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 Area and no shortage of campsites. Come for a day hike or spend a weekend!

Hiking in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness

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. Below are some other smaller day hikes in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area:

Pharaoh Lake Wilderness in the winter

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 not only for some extra road walking, but for all winter conditions.

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 Area 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.

How to get there

There are 11+ trailheads/access points to the Wilderness Area. 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. 

On Water, Online Reservations, Pond/Lake
Lean-tos
The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area is known for pristine wilderness views.
There are many beautiful backcountry camping sites available.
Explore the wilderness as long as you like.
Ever changing views from lakes to mountains.
Some areas have hiking helps
like these bridges over wetlands.
The trails can make as long
The trails can make as long like these bridges over wetlands. Some areas have hiking helps Ever changing views from lakes to mountains. Explore the wilderness as long as you like. There are many beautiful backcountry camping sites available. The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area is known for pristine wilderness views.

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