Three Hidden Gems to Explore in the Adirondack Park this Winter

By: Justin Levine – Adirondack Council Communications and Outreach Assistant
Thursday, January 13, 2022

As temperatures drop and the snow continues to fall, remember that the Adirondack Park offers a wide variety of winter activities outside the most popular peaks for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and families alike.

Before revisiting your favorite area, think about expanding your list of possible explorations and take full advantage of the six-million acres the Park has to offer. The three areas of the park highlighted below are sure to enhance your appreciation of the full Adirondack winter experience.

Before you go

• Take the opportunity to carefully plan out your trip, and catch up on some basics that will help you along the way.
• Know and practice Leave No Trace which seven principles which can be found here
• Leave your itinerary with someone at home, and make sure to adhere to your original plan as long as conditions allow as best as possible.
• Review and follow the Department of Environmental (DEC) camping rules and regulations.
• Remember to Love Your ADK and follow safe winter camping practices, which require additional gear and resources.

Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area

Perfect for: First-time winter backcountry camping

This area provides a great opportunity for all outdoor enthusiasts. Located east of Schroon Lake, this Wilderness area includes 70 miles of foot trails, dozens of secluded ponds and numerous smaller mountains with quiet lookout spots. Most notably, Pharaoh Mountain’s summit stands at 2,556 ft. high and its trail provides about 1,500 ft. of elevation gain. This hike would be perfect for those just starting out backcountry winter hiking or those looking to avoid a more strenuous hike. Families seeking a more family-friendly adventure should seek this hike come summertime.

Pharaoh Lake Wilderness also has numerous lean-to camping opportunities which are more accessible than other areas of the Park. This provides great backcountry options when planning your trip. First-time backcountry campers also have the chance to have a campfire under the stars, whereas campfires are restricted in other areas of the Park. Make sure not to bring in outside firewood to prevent the spread of harmful invasive species, and adhere to the DEC regulations. This will ensure a fun and safe adventure.

Cranberry Lake Wild Forest

Perfect for: A quieter hiking challenge

Located in the Western Adirondacks, this wild forest area offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation. Cranberry Lake is the third largest lake in the Adirondack Park which makes it perfect for a unique and peaceful hiking challenge. The Cranberry Lake 50 is a 50-mile navigation surrounding the lake which passes through rolling hills and old-growth forests. The entire challenge is often done over several trips which give hikers the chance to visit again. For those just starting off in their winter recreation journey, this challenge is a great way to gain good winter experience, do it in a safe way, and explore a new part of the Adirondacks.

West Canada Lake Wilderness Area

Perfect for: A family outing

Located in the southwest corner of the Adirondack Park, West Canada Lake Wilderness Area is a diverse landscape that contains wetlands, rolling hills, and mountains over 3500 feet high. This type of diversity makes this area a place for all to enjoy. Here is a list of the trails and ice fishing opportunities that can be accessed in this Wilderness area. Being one of the more remote sections of the Park, this area allows for families to experience nature mostly untouched as you make your way through scenic frozen bogs and creeks.

This Wilderness area also crosses 28 miles of the Northville-Placid Trail, one of the most popular backcountry trails in the Park. The trail does lead to higher elevations with more strenuous hikes so make sure to research your trip and plan according to the age and experience of your family. This Wilderness area offers so much that exploring it will help reduce high-use in other areas of the Park as well as provide a satisfying Adirondack winter experience.

One Last Reminder

The Adirondack Council is a proud Community Partner of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Please recreate responsibly, and help us protect the Adirondack Park for future generations.

Justin Levine joined the Council staff in 2021 as the Communications and Outreach Assistant. He previously worked as a regional marketing manager for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and was an award-winning journalist and photographer for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and Lake Placid News. Since graduating from Paul Smith’s College in 2004, Justin has worked in the environmental field in various roles in both the Adirondacks and Florida. When not working, Justin loves spending time with his family, running, and doing all the outdoor things the Park has to offer.