Welcome to the ADK's Pharaoh Lake Wilderness within the Adirondack park. This wilderness is known not for its high mountains but beautiful lakes and ponds and rolling hillside terrain. The area is a backpacking gem in the ADK. The lakes and ponds in the wilderness offer great opportunities to build upon your backcountry experience.
The hike to the lake will be from the South Pharaoh Lake Parking lot off Beaver Pond Road. The trailhead to meet on google maps is here - https://goo.gl/maps/u1MnUPWLwfdbTKjA9
The drive from NYC is approximately 4hrs 15mins making it easily accessible by car. The lake is west of the northern portions of Lake George.
The Trip:
Day 1 The hike on Friday is 5.4 miles with a total elevation gain of just 500 ft. Once at the lake we will locate our group campsite or leanto area (with sites for all) . Every site has a fire ring for a campfire. Lets take advantage of that. The hike in won't be short and its not considered long its just enough to give you backpacking legs on Day 1. Dinner by the campfire.
Day 2
After breakfast we will day hike to Pharaoh Lake Mountain which stands at 2,543ft just taller than some of the Harriman State Park peaks yet the mountain offers some dazzling views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The hike to the top is 1.4 miles each way. This can be done by any level of hiker. Lunch is on the Peak then back to camp to collect wood hangout relax and enjoy the scenery and company. Make dinner when you want. Star gazing is said to be exceptional at this location.
Day 3 Hike back to cars after breakfast.
Trip Link: https://topomaps.co/share/ZN4x7dpoy8
The location is good camera worthy if you can manage it.
There are some requirements to join this trip
1. Hiking attire only! U must bring a raincoat and headlamp.
2 You must be in enough physical fitness to backpack 5.4 miles with all your camping gear.
3. The Mountain Peak day hike on Day 2 is optional if your not up to it thats OK! Let me know.
4. You MUST keep all your foods in either a Bear Can or Bear Bag. There are no requirements for these in this wilderness so other setups are ok but frowned upon. Generously use ziplocs and dry bags to keep all smelly items in it.
5. You must bring a rope paracord. This is how we will secure your scented items when we are not at camp. We will hang your items from a tree.
6 You must be able to stay warm! Mayin the ADK may still have cold or chilly nights. Warm clothing (1 puffy) and a sleeping system to stay warm is a must if the temperature drops.
Well behaving dogs are OK but clear it with me before you join. I will limit the number of dogs that can attend. No guests are permitted.
Fishing is permitted but follows NYS laws and you are required to have a permit.
