Pharaoh Lake, Adirondacks Backpack

George, Dan and I met at the small parking area on Pharaoh Lake Road and after some quick reorganization hiked 1.1 miles up the road to the Mill Brook trailhead.  In the early 2000’s it was possible to drive all the way to the trailhead, but the road is not maintained and is impassable now.  From the trailhead, we followed an old carriage / tote road, 2.5 miles to the outlet of Pharaoh Lake and the beginning of the East Shore Trail. This trail mostly follows the shore of the lake with gorgeous views of the lake, islands and mountains from open bedrock and rocky bluffs.    After checking out lean-to # 3, we decided to continue to Wintergreen Point.  Following the seemingly unmaintained trail with some steep sections, we were able to see the point across the beaver pond.  After crossing a wooden bridge over a rushing stream we reached Wintergreen Point at 3 hours / 6 miles from the cars.  Luckily, we arrived to find we had all of Wintergreen Point to ourselves.  First, we did some exploration and discovered that the point’s far end had become an island, perhaps due to the rising water levels from the pond.  No camping is allowed there, but it’s perfect for swimming and hanging out surrounded by water and nature on all sides.  Shortly after arrival, a sudden wind and rain squall prompted us to quickly set up our shelters and protect our gear from the rain.  The rain did not last long and we had time for a chat with the DEC Ranger checking up on us, a swim from the island and a leisurely camp dinner.  Dan was in charge of making and tending our campfire with a very limited wood supply and we (I) did not interfere (mostly). 
Loons calling across the lake kept us company at night and during the early morning hours.
On Saturday, we followed the lake trail to the base of Pharaoh Mountain and then up to the summit.  It was a vigorous hike with some steep sections.  From the summit, it was a bit cloudy, but the views from the multiple outlooks on the top were spectacular.  Dan and George, studying the map, plotted a loop route for the return instead of a back track the same way. The descent to the Crane Pond Trail was a bit wet and slippery, but added new scenery and just a few hours to the hike.  We passed Glidden Marsh with beautiful red flowers adjacent to the trail. Dan, wearing shorts, was introduced to Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettles), but soldiered on!
We were back to camp by 4 PM, in time for a swim and our evening chores and activities.
On Sunday we were up and out by 8 AM and back at the cars by 11 AM. 
Although the weather was not perfect, the surroundings, swimming, friendly hikers and dogs met on the trails and our small group made this a great weekend.

The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness runs along the Eastern side of Schroon Lake in the Adirondacks
and consists of a series of pristine lakes and ponds surrounding Pharaoh Mountain. Pharaoh
Lake, with a completely state owned shoreline, has many camping spots and lean-tos with
great access to the lake from ledges, rock outcroppings and boulders. After an approximately
3 hour hike (with gear and provisions) from the parking area at the wilderness boundary, we will set up base camp at a lean-to and / or nearby Wintergreen Point, surrounded by a marshy bay and the open water of the lake. On Saturday, we will do a challenging hike to Pharaoh Mountain across the lake,
return and swim, relax and enjoy group camaraderie. This is a Sundance and GO led trip.
Strong beginners are welcome for this excellent introduction to backpacking. All participants
must come properly prepared with required gear, provisions and appropriate clothing for
changeable Adirondack weather.
Equipment: Backpack, 3 season sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, 10+ essentials for hiking,
filled water bottles (2-3 liters), water filtration or purification, backpack stove, cookware and
utensils, food, flashlight, layered clothing and rain gear, toiletries (suntan lotion, insect
repellent). Tents, stoves, cookware, water treatment and meal preparation can be shared
among participants by pre-arrangement.