Birds and fish attract many of the visitors to Putts Creek.

This lovely bay is rumored to be the home of Champ, the Lake Champlain monster because of the many "sightings." Talk about catching the big one!

Getting there

There is a boat ramp off Route 9N, with a hard surface ramp with parking for 45 cars and trailers.

The mountains look down on some incredible fishing in this scenic, and tranquil, location.

This lovely bay can offer a sheltered area when Lake Champlain is stirred up by wind. A marina with rentals is located on the shore for those who want to get out and fish the center but do not own a boat.

Lake Champlain is our own Great Lake: it borders two countries, two states, is 122 miles long, has hundreds miles of shoreline, and is home to over 90 species of fish.

Crane Pond is a beautiful gem in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. 

How to get there

Take Route 74 from Ticonderoga to Route 9. Follow Route 9 south, toward Schroon Lake. In just over a half mile, take a left onto Alder Meadow Road, follow it for about 2.2 miles, then turn onto Crane Pond Road. Follow that for 1.5 miles to the large parking area at the end of the road. Crane Pond Road is typically not in very good condition so be prepared for a longer walk or ski if it is not drivable. 

Putnam Pond Campground is perfect for every camping need. It's location near a wilderness area is prime for exploration, but the maintained facilities take away some of the backcountry stress.

Camping

Large, well-forested campsites with lots of privacy. This is a key start-off point for hiking in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness area.

Choose from interior site camping, which requires a boat for access, or the developed area where car camping is accessible. Campers can rent a canoe or rowboat from DEC staff. 

Tanaher Pond, within the Hammond Pond Wild Forest, is a nice spot for paddling and fishing with calm, sheltered waters.

This tranquil pond is well sheltered and is a wonderful place to be when April 1 and fishing season comes.

Mill and Murray Ponds are quiet, sheltered and calm waters that are great for paddling, fishing, and birding.