Pharoah Lake

[soco7tyx7]

i read over a couple of the previous threads on Pharoah Lake but have a few questions. i'm planning on being there the last weekend in july (2 weeks), and was wondering how busy it is this time of the season and the chances of getting a lean-to. also, is there a well defined trail that circles the whole lake, because it is not outlined on the maps for the area. lastly, what is the best approach? would it be from pharoah rd, crane pond rd, or the other entrance directly east of "Adirondack"? i read that one of those roads was hard to access with a car. thanx for any and all replys.

-Jon

[Boreal Chickadee]

Jon- If you go in on a weekend you might not get the lean-to you want so take a tent for backup.

Trail around thelake-From the north side to the west there doesn't show a trail on maps but it is there. Going counterclockwise around thelake you'll see a very well defined path breakoff before the official trail heads straight away from the lake. It has been maintained and is easy to follow. Even if you somehow "lose" the path just follow along the lake shore until you pick it back up again on the west side. I first followed this path without anyone telling me it went around the lake and didn't have any problem. I knew the lake was there so even if the path petered out I would still hit the trail ahead. But it does complete the circle. I seem to remember later speaking to a ranger who said the new trail will be part of of the new UMP.

Going in by way of Pharaoh Road is the easiest (and no parking fee). Even if your car rides low the extra walk is not very far (about a mile) on an easy stretch. Much of the walk in is on an old road. Canoes are portaged on that road frequently.

The only advantage to coming in from Putnam Pond Campground is if you have time to take the trail up Treadway Mountain. Fantastic views of Paharaoh Lake and the mountain itself is very interesting.

Enjoy your weekend.

[jad222]

Could anyone say a little more about parking at Pharaoh Road? Is it okay to leave your car on the side of the road for the weekend there? Thanks.

[lumberzac]

Could anyone say a little more about parking at Pharaoh Road? Is it okay to leave your car on the side of the road for the weekend there? Thanks.

There are actually a number of small areas where you can park you car off the road.

[Boreal Chickadee]

There's a good size parking area both at the beginning of the questionable one mile stretch of road and a bit smaller one the absolute farthest you can drive in. Along the way there are pull offs where one can park a single car.

Parking is not a problem. Just how much your clearance is under your car for that one mile stretch.

Have a great time. You'll enjoy it.

[soco7tyx7]

another question, are there outhouses at the lean-to's? personally i dont care but i'm taking my g/f and she's not too keen on digging a hole.

[redhawk]

another question, are there outhouses at the lean-to's? personally i dont care but i'm taking my g/f and she's not too keen on digging a hole.

Dig it for her..... DUHHHHHH

[soco7tyx7]

hahaha! but seriously are there outhouses?

[fvrwld]

All the lean-to's I've been to on Pharoah Lake have outhouses.

[soco7tyx7]

sweet! thanx

[Gray Ghost]

Here's a really important tidbit that I didn't see mentioned. You have to walk through water for a section of the trail. After the parking area at the end of the road (the farthest you could drive in) there is at least twenty yards of trail that is almost always flooded with knee deep water. Bring some rubber boots or waders and stash them in the woods on the other side. Once you pass the water you'll see the sign-in book.

Ignore the ADK guidebook on this, as it says "trail work is planned in July '94 to remedy this situation in the future." As of the end of June '05, it still hadn't happened. No one gave me this warning on my first trip there, but I got lucky and had my waders with me. Pharaoh is my favorite place in the ADK's, and the name of my golden retriever. I hope you have an awesome time. -GG