SUMMARY:

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 can do a challenging hike to Pharaoh Mountain across the lake from base camp, swim, relax and enjoy group camaraderie. 
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, late summer 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, down puffy and rain gear, toiletries (suntan lotion, insect
repellent). Tents, stoves, cookware, water treatment and meal preparation can be shared
among participants by pre-arrangement.   Heavy rain cancels!

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

Trailhead: From exit 25 on the Northway, head E on NY 8 to the NE end of Brant Lake. After
following the main part of the lake, take the first L (N) onto Palisades Rd. (around the N end of
the lake), 0.0 miles. After passing a old stone barn on the L and a L bend in the road, and
then the Point O'Pines Farm Rd. soon after on the R, take the next R at 1.5 miles onto Beaver
Pond Rd. At 2.6 miles on a bend, the dirt Pharaoh Lake Rd. cuts off to the R. At 3.1 miles the
road reaches the wilderness boundary area and the new parking lot on the left. From the parking area, the
Mill Brook trailhead is 1.1 miles up the road. We will depart from the parking lot promptly at 12 PM!