Local Hikes Refer to our hiking map for trail locations. Family Walks #2 on map. The Fawn Lake Trail is a relatively flat trail into an uninhabited lake. There is a small sand beach at one end of the lake and areas for a picnic along the shore. From the Chamber office, take Rt. 8 west approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Fish Mountain Road. Bear left at the intersection; turn right on Fawn Lake Rd. Follow to Fawn Lake trailhead near the end of the road. Shorter trail is the left fork and the beach is on the right fork. #3 on map. The Trail to Colonel Peck's Grave is a moderate walk to the grave site of Colonel Loring Peck, Hamilton County's only Revolutionary War officer. From the Chamber office, go south on Rt. 30, turn right at Camp of the Woods, and go 2.7 miles. The trailhead is on the left at top of hill. #4 on map. The Auger Falls Trail is an easy walk to a narrow gorge of the Sacandaga River. Be sure to keep children under close supervision, as the edge of the gorge tends to be slippery and drop s off quickly into rushing water. From the Chamber office, go south 8 miles on Rt. 30 to dirt road on left. Trailhead is immediately right as you pull off road. You may have to park ahead in clearing and walk back. Follow dirt road parallel to Rt. 30 one mile to trailhead. Follow colored DEC trail markers. #5 on map. The Nature Trail at the Hamilton County Building Complex in Lake Pleasant is a well maintained trail system. The shaded trail begins behind the Soil & Water Building (behind the tennis courts) where a sign marks the trail. The walk is a 1/2 mile loop. #6 on map. Jockeybush Lake is a 1 mile hike. It offers a variety of terrain from a moderate uphill grade to a rock hop across a small stream. This popular trail includes a series of small waterfalls and several boulders for picnic areas. Large granite ledges provide a scenic view of one of our spectacular deep water lakes. Access to the trailhead is approximately 8 miles south of the intersection of Rt's 8 & 10(Route 10 is 12 miles west off Rt. 8 from Chamber office). Trail begins across from Lake Alma on Rt. 10. Parking is adjacent to yellow and brown trail sign. #7 on map. Good Luck Lake offers a nice beach on a secluded, shallow lake. Follow trail 1/2 mile where the trail forks. Take the left fork. The lake can be seen from a ridge at 1 mile. The beach is 1.8 miles from the trailhead on Rt. 10. Terrain is fairly level along a well defined, marked trail. Adirondack bogs can be seen at the East and West ends of the lake. #8 on map. The Spectacle Lake Trail is the right fork off the Good Luck Trail (above). It is approximately 2 1/2 miles to campsites and warm water fishing. #9 on map. The Kunjamuk Cave is a 1 mile walk to a large cave. Approximately 3 miles from Speculator south on Rt. 30 to Old Rt. 30 to cross iron bridge on left. Trail is 100 feet on left. Do not go straight as this is an old, overgrown road. Follow unmarked footpath approximately 1 mile to cave on right. Day use permits for International Paper Company land may be purchased at Tanners Outdoor Sports. #10 on map. Dunning Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike past Dunning Pond, and it follows Dunning Creek to Rt. 30 near Wells. From Speculator go 4 miles south on Gilmantown Rd., 1 mile south of Gilman Lake. Trailhead is on the left. #11 on map. West River Falls is a 2 1/12 mile hike. Take Rt. 30 south to Wells Bridge. Go right on Algonquin Dr. for approximately 2 miles. At West River Rd. go right to end (9 miles to trailhead parking). Follow trail north. Within 1/2 mile take first unmarked left trail. Cross Hamilton Lake Stream on little bridge, continue on foot path past flow area to the falls which are 100 feet high. Flat until last 1/2 mile. #12 on map. The Murphy Lake Trail is south on Rt. 30 past Wells. Take Pumpkin Hollow Rd. on left, approximately 3 miles from Speculator. Trailhead is just before Willis Lake on right. Murphy Lake is a 3 mile hike which can be day or overnight. Trout fishing, camping, lean-to. #13 on map. Griffin Gorge has largest waterfall on the East Branch of the Sacandaga River. Go south on Rt. 30(approx. 9 miles) to Rt. 8 and go left about 2.5 miles to a small gravel road on left, go to bridge and park. There are several short paths, picnic spots and pools for swimming. 2 mile trail along old road leads through hemlock forest to east side of Auger Falls. #14 on map. Rock Pond/Long Pond Trail is a beautiful trail through evergreen forests passing cascading rapids. Drive Elm Lake Rd. to the end. Trail head is at Cisco Brook. Follow trail 1 mile to fork and bear left to Rock Pond. Continue another 1 1/2 miles to Long Pond. (no permit necessary) #15 on map. G. Lake is a short, scenic trail to trout fishing, picnicking, and camping. From Speculator take Rt. 8 west to Arietta/Morehouse Town line (approx. 15 miles). Turn right on gravel road, drive 3 miles to barrier and park. Follow foot trail 1/2 mile to G. Lake. Short Climbs #17 on map. Chimney Mountain is a short day trip from our area. Its myriad of caves provide a point of interest to spelunkers (one who explores caves). The chimney formation and rock overhangs at the top make for an excellent lookout onto the surrounding wilderness. From Chamber office, follow Rt. 30 north 23.7 miles to Big Brook Rd. in Indian Lake. Make a sharp right. Go 8.9 miles to Chimney Mountain Wilderness Lodge on Kings Flow. There is a specified parking area with small fee. Hikers are reminded that a private landowner is permitting access across his property. Bring water. Follow the unmarked trails in the rift to find the caves. Most can be entered without equipment but stay out of the deep ones. Long pants and flashlight prove helpful. #18 on map. The Watch Hill Hike begins on an old carriage path at the beginning of a wooded trail. There is an excellent view of Indian lake and Snowy Mountain, Moose Mountain and Gates Hill. From Chamber office, go 15.9 miles north on Rt. 30. 1 mile north of Timberlock sign on right is the carriage road. Park there or go 1 mile further to the parking area on the left side and walk back. Walk along carriage road across stream and another 1/2 mile to sign Pinnacle Watch Hill. Turn right on trail and ascend ridge. There are two rock outcroppings offering spectacular views. You can continue down to Indian Lake for a picnic. Moderate Hikes Blue Ledges on the Hudson River is a bit of a drive, but worth the trip. Drive to Indian Lake, turn right and go to North Creek. Turn left on Rt. 28 north, go through Minerva and turn left on Northwoods Club Rd. Go 7 miles and park by Huntly Pond. Take the 2 mile marked trail to the Hudson River. Great swimming hole and spectacular rapids in the Hudson River Gorge. In spring and fall look for rafters and canoeists. (not shown on the map) Strenuous Hikes #20 on map. Pillsbury Mountain is a moderately difficult climb. At 3,597 feet, views of Lake Pleasant and Sacandaga Lakes can be seen from the summit. An inactive fire tower rests at the summit making Pillsbury Mt. a point of local interest. From Chamber office, take Rt. 30 north 10.3 miles to Mason Lake. Dirt road takes sharp left just past lake. Follow dirt road 3.3 miles to junction at Perkins Clearing marked by DEC trail sign. Turn right at sign. Pass metal gate at 3.4 miles and bridge at 4.6 miles. Parking at Sled Harbor is reached at 5.1 miles. #21 on map. The French Louie Trail is 1.5 north of Pillsbury Mt.(refer to #20) railhead. Trail passes Pillsbury Lake, Whitney Lake, Sampson Lake & several brook trout ponds. Intersects with Northville-Lake Placid Trail at West Canada. Lean-tos available. Full day or overnight. Blue Mountain is arguably the most popular hike in the Adirondacks. Trailhead is located on Rt. 30 just above Adirondack Museum in Blue MT. Lake. Trail is 2 miles with a 1300 feet. elevation gain. An accessible fire tower provides complete views of Blue Mt. and Raquette Lakes plus the High Peaks. (not shown on the map) Important Numbers
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