Mark FrancisHello, fellow adventurers! I’m delighted to take you along on our most recent exploration – a backpacking journey along the historic Pharaoh Lake Loop in the Adirondack wilderness. I’m Mark Francis the proud founder of Creek to Summit, and on this adventure, I was joined by our talented videographer, Becca, and her loyal pup, Noodle the dog.
Here at Creek to Summit, we believe in the transformative power of the great outdoors, and we’re passionate about sharing these experiences with you. Our latest adventure took us to the heart of the Adirondack Park region in upstate New York, a place where history whispers from every tree and mountain peak.
The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, our home for this trip, is an enchanting place with a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times. This area was once inhabited by the Algonquin people, later transformed into a bustling center of the timber industry in the 19th century. Now, it stands as a testament to the beauty of wilderness preservation, thanks to the New York State Forest Preserve. The Pharaoh Lake Loop trail, a moderately challenging 16-mile trail, guided us through the heart of this wilderness.
We parked at the first lot and walked the mile down Pharaoh Road to the trail start. If you have a decent four-wheel drive vehicle you can keep going to the second lot where there are a few parking spots, but I wouldn’t attempt it with a regular car.
Our journey really began at the Pharaoh Lake Trailhead, where we embarked on a hike through dense forests and clearings along the lake’s eastern side. After about 5 miles, we set up our first camp at one of the many picturesque lakeside sites at Pharaoh Lake. The views of the lake and the surrounding mountains were a feast for our senses, and we all had a blast exploring the new environment. There was a dream like quality to the place.
The second day presented the most challenging part of the loop: a six-mile hike along the western side of the lake. The trail was a mix of rocky terrain that required our careful footing, but the vistas that unfolded before us made every step worthwhile. As the day turned into late afternoon, the sky grew overcast, and a light misting rain began to fall, creating an ethereal atmosphere that was pure magic.
We set up camp again, this time on the western side. As the misty rain continued through the night, we were all lulled to sleep by the gentle sound of raindrops on their tent and my tarp. Come morning, a thick mist had enveloped the lake, obscuring our view across to the other side. It was a surreal sight, one that reminded us of the majestic and ever-changing beauty of nature. It wasn’t until the sun rose higher in the sky, casting its warm glow on the water, that the mist gradually lifted, revealing the breathtaking landscape once more.
While the allure of the summit of Pharaoh Mountain was strong, because of the oncoming rain we prioritized Noodle’s safety and bypassed the rock scrambles at the top. (We were also whooped from the hike around the lake.) This serves as a reminder that while we strive to push our boundaries, it’s always important to consider the well-being of our companions, four-legged or otherwise!
On the third and final day, we hiked back to the Pharaoh Lake Trailhead, the trail leading us through the forest and along the northern shore of the lake. The soundscape created by the numerous songbirds was a rich tapestry. The sight of snakes, frogs, beaver dams and diving scaups in the wild was a humbling reminder of the richness of this ecosystem.
Embarking on the Pharaoh Lake Loop was more than just a trail; it was an opportunity to connect deeply with the Adirondacks’ history and natural beauty. We hope this adventure inspires you, as much as it did us, to explore the great outdoors.
Thanks for joining us on this journey and stay tuned for more adventures with Creek to Summit!
Additional Reading
For those keen to learn more about the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area and the Adirondack Park, here you go:
“The Adirondack Forest Preserve: A User’s Guide” by Paul Schneider and Neil Woodworth (1996), which provides a comprehensive overview of the Adirondack Park’s history and the establishment of the Forest Preserve.
“The Adirondacks: A History of America’s First Wilderness” by Paul Schneider (1997), which provides a historical account of the region from pre-colonial times to the present day.
“The Adirondack Atlas” by Jerry C. Jenkins and Andy Keal (2004), which provides detailed maps and information on the natural history and ecology of the Adirondack Park.
