Hiking NPT/Camping Silver Lake

[altijay93]

Looking at late June (hopefully before its too crowded and after black flies hatching) to get a 2 night camping trip up to Silver Lake. We would be hiking the NPT (Northville-Placid Trail) from the southern terminus at the Upper Benson trailhead and hike North to Silver Lake.

Any helpful reviews in terms the lake itself and whether its worth the hike and the two day overnight night stay. We would like to be able to get into the water here as well. The area around the Lean-To looks spacious (from pictures) so that's a plus. We're not looking for a strenuous hike (that will be for me later in the season LOL). Also I hear the fishing is phenomenal so I will probably take a fishing rod.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[DSettahr]

It's a nice (and usually quiet) area. It's definitely worth visiting, although I can't personally comment on the fishing. I would go prepared to share the lean-to, though- not only are the lean-tos meant to be shared, there's not really any other options for other groups that might show up after you've already set up camp. Generally, the kind of hikers you encounter on that stretch of the NPT are small groups that you wouldn't mind sharing a campsite with, so this likely won't be an issue for you.

If you're planning to use tents, remember that as per DEC regulations they need to be pitched at least 150 feet from from the lean-to (in addition to any trails and water sources).

[cuterocky]

As info, the Northville Placid Trail chapter of ADK is holding a "Kickoff Party" June 22 - 24. The actual get together is at Wakely Dam but they're also offering shuttles for thru-hikers and such so the trail might be a bit extra crowded that weekend.

http://www.nptrail.org/save-the-date-npt-chapter-2nd-annual-kickoff-party-june-22-24/

[altijay93]

It's a nice (and usually quiet) area. It's definitely worth visiting, although I can't personally comment on the fishing. I would go prepared to share the lean-to, though- not only are the lean-tos meant to be shared, there's not really any other options for other groups that might show up after you've already set up camp. Generally, the kind of hikers you encounter on that stretch of the NPT are small groups that you wouldn't mind sharing a campsite with, so this likely won't be an issue for you.

If you're planning to use tents, remember that as per DEC regulations they need to be pitched at least 150 feet from from the lean-to (in addition to any trails and water sources).

Thank you for the tip! I'll have to brush up those DEC rules and regs. We have a small two person tent and typically don't require much space and often look for flat/high areas to camp however, if we must we don't mind sharing the lean-to we no such luck with the tent.

[altijay93]

Change of plans. Nothing to do with that the News, but we'll probably will be going in July due to some family coming to visit in June. Thanks for the insight!

Happy trails!

Change of plans. Nothing to do with that News, but we'll probably will be going in July due to some family coming to visit in June. Thanks for the insight!

Happy trails!

[Jon C]

I spent a night there a few years ago. It's a great lean-to on a very nice lake with great swimming. I didn't bring a rod with me but the state record for Brook Trout was caught there, unless the record was broken.

https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2013/05/record-brook-trout-caught-in-adirondack-wilderness-area.html

[altijay93]

I spent a night there a few years ago. It's a great lean-to on a very nice lake with great swimming. I didn't bring a rod with me but the state record for Brook Trout was caught there, unless the record was broken.

https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2...ness-area.html

Awesome! Just what I want to hear. Hope to have similar luck!