Alder Pond may not be very deep but it's a beautiful spot in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area. Alder Pond is an easy hike for kids who want to shore fish, too.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 3.7 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 330 feet
- Hike includes a road walk and trail junctions
Hiking to Alder Pond
The pond is accessed by a hike along Crane Pond Road. The hike is on the easy side, with minimal elevation change. You'll hike along Crane Pond Road (rutted and washed out) for 0.85 miles, then continue left (east), paralleling Alder Pond until you get to the old trailhead for Crane Pond at 1.85 miles.
Alder Pond in the winter
This section of trail is often cross-country skied in the winter. The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area is a vast wilderness, be prepared for all winter conditions, even if the snowshoe/ski may not seem difficult or long. There is a sizable hill that starts at around 1 mile in.
Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub
Looking for another hike? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find another adventurous hike for you!
Fishing
The shore fishing is okay, but the pond is super shallow and the fish are not all that big. This could be a fun fishing area for the kids to toss out a bobber and let it float. The west end of the trail is the deepest part of the lake. There is a short access trail leading to the west end of the long finger pond. Use weedless hooks or float a bobber. There is no boat access without a long portage.
Fish species: Bullhead, panfish, rock bass
How to get there
To get here from Schroon Lake's downtown, take U.S. 9 north for 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Alder Meadow Road for 2.1 miles. Continue straight onto Crane Pond Road for 1.4 miles, to the large parking area at the end of the road.