Pharaoh Mt.

[Josh Seeley]

Hello All, I have decided to stay out of the High Peaks for Memorial Day 2007. Last year we did Dix, Macomb etc. and had a great trip, but this year I'm thinking of doing the following:

Park at Crane Pond Rd, hike in past Alder Pond, up Pharaoh Mt from the N, down the opposite SE side, back north along the shore of Pharaof Lake, to trail, loop over toward Grizzle Ocean, up to Putnam Pond, hike Treadway Mt, back to trail, hike N to Clear Pond, Rock Pond, over to Lilypad Pond, Horseshoe Pond, yadda yadda yadda eventually back to Crane Pond.

We're hoping to get an early saturday start and get to Putnam Pond by nightfall. Then wake up, do Treadway Mt and get aroung to Lillypad Pond by nightfall Day 2. Wake up, hike out on Day 3.

Questions: Is parking an issue at Crane Pond Road?
Is Pharaoh a difficult Mt. to do under a full pack load?
Is possible to walk along to NW shore of Pharaoh Lake as opposed to walking down around the S and SE shore? I just think we could get back top the trail quicker this way after descending Pharaoh Mt.
Do ya'll think this wilderness would be less populated than the High peaks Region? I was planning to do Mt Colvin, but I think the summit is still a bit frozen, not to mention how crowded the ADK Lodge parking will be on Memorial Day Weekend.

You've all been so helpfull in the past, I would be remiss if I didn't post this thread before the trip... Thanks again!

Josh

[Justin]

Hello All, I have decided to stay out of the High Peaks for Memorial Day 2007. Last year we did Dix, Macomb etc. and had a great trip, but this year I'm thinking of doing the following:

Park at Crane Pond Rd, hike in past Alder Pond, up Pharaoh Mt from the N, down the opposite SE side, back north along the shore of Pharaoh Lake, to trail, loop over toward Grizzle Ocean, up to Putnam Pond, hike Treadway Mt, back to trail, hike N to Clear Pond, Rock Pond, over to Lilypad Pond, Horseshoe Pond, yadda yadda yadda eventually back to Crane Pond.

We're hoping to get an early saturday start and get to Putnam Pond by nightfall. Then wake up, do Treadway Mt and get aroung to Lillypad Pond by nightfall Day 2. Wake up, hike out on Day 3.

Questions: Is parking an issue at Crane Pond Road?
Is Pharaoh a difficult Mt. to do under a full pack load?
Is possible to walk along to NW shore of Pharaoh Lake as opposed to walking down around the S and SE shore? I just think we could get back top the trail quicker this way after descending Pharaoh Mt.
Do ya'll think this wilderness would be less populated than the High peaks Region? I was planning to do Mt Colvin, but I think the summit is still a bit frozen, not to mention how crowded the ADK Lodge parking will be on Memorial Day Weekend.

You've all been so helpfull in the past, I would be remiss if I didn't post this thread before the trip... Thanks again!

Josh

There are a few trees down in the parking lot at Crane Pond, but you should be able to park there if it's not completely full. I've only seen it completey full a few times and you'd have to improvise. You'll want to have good clearance on your vehicle for the Crane Pond Road past the farm house. If not, it's a another 1.2mile walk I think. I was in there last weekend, and there were a few rough spots, and there's always that 50 yards of flooded road near the end. We made it no problem with my buddy's Dodge Ram 4x4.

I don't think you'd have too much trouble climbing Pharaoh with a full pack if you've done Dix and/or Macomb with one. It's only about 2 miles from the mountain trail Jct from Crane, and a steady climb to a steeper climb as you get closer to the summit. I think you're better off doing it in that direction.

There is a marked trail on the northwest side of Pharaoh Lake (blue markers), but many maps don't show this trail.

This area does see alot of traffic, Specially on a holiday weekend, but not as populated as areas in the high peaks, certainly not as crowded as is gets near ADK loj.

There are some nice tent sites on and near the 2 penninsulas on the northwest shore of Pharaoh, just south of the trail coming from Glidden Marsh, (we left a GOOD nights-worth of cut firewood at that southern point on the 6th that might still be there), and there are other beautiful sites around the lake. Count on the lean-tos being occupied, unless your REALLY lucky. Grizzle Ocean has a nice tent site on the southeast side. Nicer than the lean-to spot I think. You should find a site on Putts if you follow one of the side trails down to the shore, but they are part of the state campground I think.(picnic tables and fire-rings). Clear Pd is cool, good fishing. Rock Pd is awesome, many sites around the lake, more so on the western side. Be sure to check out the little quarry pond just north of the northeastern bay. Lilypad Pond is just that. Not much to look at there and the lean-to is really the only spot to camp there I think.

Sounds like a great trip, I know you'll have a great time. This is my favorite area in the park. Everything always works out perfect for me when I visit the area. Good luck. Let us know how you make out. -- JF

[coolrobc]

Questions: Is parking an issue at Crane Pond Road?

Not Usually

Is Pharaoh a difficult Mt. to do under a full pack load?

That depends on what kind of shape you're in, and how heavy a pack you carry. I've done it in rather fair shape with about a 40lb pack. But then again, I'm of the opinion that anything is doable if you're not in a hurry.

Is possible to walk along to NW shore of Pharaoh Lake as opposed to walking down around the S and SE shore? I just think we could get back top the trail quicker this way after descending Pharaoh Mt.

There is a trail there, I believe it's marked with blue trail markers. It's not on any maps that I've seen, but there is a continuous trail all the way around the lake.

Do ya'll think this wilderness would be less populated than the High peaks Region?

I think it would be.

I'm admittedly biased, PLW is my favorite place to go in the 'dacks. I've spent a number of weekends there and I've only seen 5 or 6 other people on trails or on a peak the whole time. You can see campfires around the lake at night but in my expereince that's about it.

[Gray Ghost]

Don't count on it being less populated. Crane Pond Road will likely be packed. As you venture further into the backcountry, you might see fewer people around some of the more obscure ponds.

Be careful of the flooded road section. It has been dry, but my friend messed up his Tacoma going through it last year, though my brother and I did make it with his Ram too.

[AdRegion]

Haven't been down there in awhile, but that road is always messed up one place or another. Bet there's a lot of water around.

Parking at Putnam Pond is not a bad option.

[StBonaAlum]

How do you all think the black flies are going to be up there (Pharoah Wilderness) this weekend?

I was thinking of doing a day hike in there or up at Hurricane Mt. this weekend and wanted to know about them and what trail would be in better shape.

Thanks

[Josh Seeley]

Black flies?

I don't think the little buggers are in full swing yet, but tis the season for sure! Especially in the Pharaoh range, lots of water and lowland marsh areas means lots of black flies too. Last year I was in the Dix Range on Memorial Day, also a very wet area, and they were surprisingly not too bad. The key is to be prepared anyway. Bug spray, bug nets for face, long sleeves, pants etc. I've heard that it helps to take vitamin B for a few days before you go out, I guess it's supposed to make you less tasty to the black flies, but I don't really know...

[Josh Seeley]

There are a few trees down in the parking lot at Crane Pond, but you should be able to park there if it's not completely full. I've only seen it completey full a few times and you'd have to improvise. You'll want to have good clearance on your vehicle for the Crane Pond Road past the farm house. If not, it's a another 1.2mile walk I think. I was in there last weekend, and there were a few rough spots, and there's always that 50 yards of flooded road near the end. We made it no problem with my buddy's Dodge Ram 4x4.

I don't think you'd have too much trouble climbing Pharaoh with a full pack if you've done Dix and/or Macomb with one. It's only about 2 miles from the mountain trail Jct from Crane, and a steady climb to a steeper climb as you get closer to the summit. I think you're better off doing it in that direction.

There is a marked trail on the northwest side of Pharaoh Lake (blue markers), but many maps don't show this trail.

This area does see alot of traffic, Specially on a holiday weekend, but not as populated as areas in the high peaks, certainly not as crowded as is gets near ADK loj.

There are some nice tent sites on and near the 2 penninsulas on the northwest shore of Pharaoh, just south of the trail coming from Glidden Marsh, (we left a GOOD nights-worth of cut firewood at that southern point on the 6th that might still be there), and there are other beautiful sites around the lake. Count on the lean-tos being occupied, unless your REALLY lucky. Grizzle Ocean has a nice tent site on the southeast side. Nicer than the lean-to spot I think. You should find a site on Putts if you follow one of the side trails down to the shore, but they are part of the state campground I think.(picnic tables and fire-rings). Clear Pd is cool, good fishing. Rock Pd is awesome, many sites around the lake, more so on the western side. Be sure to check out the little quarry pond just north of the northeastern bay. Lilypad Pond is just that. Not much to look at there and the lean-to is really the only spot to camp there I think.

Sounds like a great trip, I know you'll have a great time. This is my favorite area in the park. Everything always works out perfect for me when I visit the area. Good luck. Let us know how you make out. -- JF

Great reply, thanks a lot! Very helpful indeed!

[Justin]

You got it Josh. Have fun!

[Josh Seeley]

Dogs in Pharaoh Lake range?

Can anyone tell me if dogs are permitted in the Pharaoh Lake/Crane Pond/Putnam pond region? I know they are not allowed in the St.Huberts region of the High Peaks so I figured I'd ask before we bring along our mountain dog, Grace.

Also does anyone know the condition of the access road going into Crane Pond area??? Is that final section flooded?


Holler.

[Kevin]

I don't believe the final section is flooded right now (no major rains or thaw in the last 2 weeks).

Dogs are allowed everywhere unless noted. Bring a leash though, to be respectful of others .

[Josh Seeley]

Thanks Kevin, one other question...

We are planning to camp the first night on the NE side of Pharaoh Lake or up by Grizzle Ocean and the second night up by Rock Pond. Are there any particular sites that you think are better than others? Ex. closest to outhouses, nicest scenery etc.

(((Just curious)))

[C4C]

my favorite site at Pharaoh is south central on a point with a leanto and nice rocky outcrop. Good view of the mountain.

[jbrown]

my favorite site at Pharaoh is south central on a point with a leanto and nice rocky outcrop. Good view of the mountain.

I think that's called Watch Rock, no wait, that's kind of southwestern...

[Justin]

I think a sign somewhere indicates that point as "Rock Point" so I've always called it that. Awesome scenery/swimming at that spot.

There is a privy near most of the lean-to's in the area, and there are a few nice spots a Rock pd.

Count on Crane Pd Rd being flooded near the end. It always is. I've seen it once bone dry, and fresh crushed stone all the way across, but that was 15 years ago. Again, we were in there a couple weeks ago, and it was about 10-15 inches deep, but made it no problem with my buddy's 4x4.

I think I'm also headed to the area this Sat. for an overnighter. I want to check out Bear Pd since it's one of the few I haven't visited in the area, but I might end up at/near Rock Pd Sat night.
Maybe I'll see ya.

I'll be the one with the crazy, 1 year old, blonde lab whom does not answer to her name 'Jenny.'