Pine Lake is a stunningly beautiful lake, and is in one of the most remote and least populated areas in the Adirondack Park
Pine Lake
3 miles (6 miles round trip)
Blue Mountain Wild Forest
Indian Lake, Hamilton County
Hiking, Snowshoeing, Mountainbiking, Cross-Country Skiing
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Hike Pine Lake
The 3-mile trail to Pine Lake is located outside of the Town of Indian Lake in Hamilton County. This trail is on part of the public Forest Preserve in the Blue Mountain Wild Forest. Pine Lake is a stunningly beautiful lake, and is in one of the most remote and least populated areas in the Adirondack Park.
The trailhead and parking areas are at the end of the Chain Lakes Road in Indian Lake, which intersects Route 28 just southeast of Indian Lake. The trail is an old road that is gated at the trailhead. There is an old abandoned yellow building at the parking lot. The old dirt road trail is open for bicycle riding and hiking. The dirt road is generally in good condition, though there are some big hills, loose stones, and wet areas.
There are two junctions along the road to pine lake. The first offers an uphill left, not far from the trailhead, but bear right for the route to Pine Lake. About a mile from the trailhead there is a second vehicle barrier. The second is about halfway to Pine Lake, where short narrow foot trail on the right leads to the Cedar River. Continue on the main road to Pine Lake.
Beautiful Pine Lake
The trail ends at Pine Lake, where there are campsites and open rock slabs for sitting and enjoying the view. Herd paths lead to different spots on the lake. There are multiple easy access points to the water, including a small natural jetty of bedrock and a small shallow sandy area in the campsite’s immediate vicinity. The lake is very shallow, and the lake bottom is relatively sandy.
Click here for a map and directions to Pine Lake.
When You Hike Make Sure to Practice “Leave No Trace” to be Prepared and to Protect the Forest Preserve
Please follow “carry in, carry out” rules for all trash and follow other Leave No Trace principles when hiking in the public Forest Preserve and other wild areas. The seven Leave No Trace principles are: 1) Plan ahead and prepare; 2) Stay on hiking trails and camp at designated areas; 3) Dispose of human waste and trash properly; 4) Leave what you find; 5) Minimize campfires; 6) Respect wildlife; 7) Respect other hikers.
Educated hikers do not damage the environment. Prepared hikers do not need search and rescue unless injured.
Winter Use: Owl Head Lookout is a popular trail for snowshoeing.
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