Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is a 46,283-acre wilderness area situated within the Adirondack Forest Preserve, characterized by its diverse landscapes and abundant natural features. The terrain includes numerous lakes and ponds, varied elevations, and extensive forest cover, providing a setting for outdoor activities. This easternmost wilderness area offers opportunities for several sports like hiking, road cycling, and touring cycling.
Exploring Pharaoh Lake Wilderness offers a range of outdoor activities, with more than 10 routes…
28
Routes
5
(9)
Average rating
158
People visited

3
hikers
11.8km
03:38
520m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
hikers
7.43km
02:28
490m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
2
hikers
5.85km
01:48
310m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1.90km
00:42
200m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

4.7
(3)
34
riders
59.2km
02:37
520m
520m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

21
riders
31.6km
01:17
200m
200m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

6
riders
32.2km
01:25
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3
riders
45.4km
02:06
510m
510m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

5.0
(1)
9
riders
42.1km
02:37
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
9
riders
42.6km
02:38
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
riders
24.0km
01:24
150m
150m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
6
riders
39.5km
02:18
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is a 46,283-acre wilderness area located within the Adirondack Forest Preserve. It is characterized by numerous lakes, ponds, and diverse landscapes, offering a remote outdoor experience. The area is known for its extensive trail system and natural beauty.
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness offers opportunities for hiking, road cycling, and touring cycling. The area contains nearly 70 miles of foot trails for hiking. Cycling is generally restricted on designated wilderness trails but permitted on public roads.
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness features nearly 70 miles of foot trails catering to various skill levels. Trails lead to summits like Pharaoh Mountain, numerous ponds, and designated campsites. Terrain ranges from gentle paths to challenging ascents, as detailed in Hiking in Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Yes, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness offers trails suitable for beginners and families. These routes provide accessible options for exploring the wilderness. Specific options can be found in Easy hikes in Pharaoh Lake Wilderness and Family-friendly hikes in Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Popular hiking destinations include the summit of Pharaoh Mountain, which is the highest peak in the wilderness at 2,551 feet (777 meters). Other notable spots are Pharaoh Lake, Treadway Mountain, Crane Pond, and Spectacle Pond. Many trails also wind along old dirt roads and open wetlands.
Bicycles are generally prohibited on designated wilderness and primitive area trails within Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. Cycling is permitted on existing roads legally open to the public or where specifically allowed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Information on suitable routes is available in Road Cycling Routes in Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) generally allows leashed dogs on trails in the Adirondack Forest Preserve, including Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. It is advisable to check current regulations with the DEC before visiting to ensure compliance.
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is characterized by numerous lakes and ponds, including the 441-acre Pharaoh Lake. The landscape features crystal-clear ponds, rock outcrops offering vistas, and extensive wetlands. Coniferous forests, interspersed with white birch, are common, alongside stands of Adirondack hardwoods.
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 300 visitors having shared their experiences. The routes in the area have an average rating of 4.94 out of 5 stars. There are 11 routes available across various sports.
Official information for Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The official website is dec.ny.gov/lands/91740.html. For inquiries, the DEC Region 5 Warrensburg Office can be reached at 518-623-1200 during business hours.
Yes, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness offers opportunities for overnight backpacking trips. The area provides an abundance of designated tent sites and lean-tos. These facilities allow visitors to extend their wilderness experience beyond a single day.
The highest point in Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is the summit of Pharaoh Mountain. It reaches an elevation of 2,551 feet (777 meters). The summit offers expansive views of the surrounding wilderness area.

