Hiking trails range from trails for adventurous backpackers to paths for those who merely want a leisurely walk in the woods.

            The following provides descriptions of trails in and near the township of Long Lake. You are urged to use established campsites and lean-tos if they are available. However, camping is permitted on all public (state) lands below 4,000 feet of elevation, more than 150 feet from water and more than 100 feet from any trails.  Please observe and comply with the "NO CAMPING" signs which the DEC has started using. You do not need a permit to camp on state land unless you intend to stay more than three days or have more than ten people in your group. If you fall into the latter category, contact an area ranger for a permit. Please leave word of your itinerary with friends or relatives if you decide not to use the established trails and camping areas.

            This pamphlet is not intended to be a detailed guide to trails. It is recommended that you obtain one or more of the many hiking guides and a USGS map of the area available in various stores in the area.

LONG LAKE AREA

East Inlet Brook—Unmeasured, rough trails, bushwhack only

            This is not a marked trail but provides access to the only area of state land between Blue Mountain Lake and Long Lake on Rte. 30. It is an old Tote Road which leads you into the valley running toward Mt. Sabattis. The trail fades out after a short distance and you may continue only by bushwhacking. The trail starts 1.4 miles south of the intersection of Rte. 28N/30 and the North Point Road. You'll have to look very closely for it. There is no trail head parking area.

Sargent Ponds

            These trails offer the family with young children an excellent opportunity to hike through the woods on well marked, fairly level, pathways. Separate trails lead to Upper and Lower Sargent Ponds with a connecting trail between them. . The trail head to Upper Sargent Pond is 6.3 miles from the intersection of Rte. 28N/30 and the North Point Road about 3 miles south of Hoss’s Corner.  The Lower Sargent Pond trail head is about 1.5 further. 

            There is a minimal elevation change on the trails. There are a few steep grades and the loop, if taken, is best started from Lower Sargent Pond.  A walk of  1.5 miles on the Northpoint road is required to make the loop.

            It should be noted that the Sargent Ponds are open to the various fly-in services in the area and is one of only about 50 lakes and ponds in the entire Adirondack Park that is open.  It should also be noted that of the ponds where airplanes can land, only about five in the Long Lake area receive any usage.  Many of the ponds which can be used are not preferred destination. 

            Upper Sargent Pond—1.3 Miles, well marked, about .5 hours each way.  Well marked trail markers. The trail leads south through a stand of hardwood and then skirts an evergreen marsh. The trail comes to an intersection. The left fork will lead you to Upper Sargent Pond.

            Lower Sargent Pond via Grass Pond—2.1 miles, well marked with hiking markers.  About 1 1/4 hours one way.  This trail, marked with both snowmobile and hiking trail markers,  leads primarily through hardwood stands with occasional stands of softwoods. As you near Grass Pond, the trail turns marshy and veers to the west around beaver flows. Lower Sargent Pond is less than 20 minutes beyond Grass Pond.  There is a lean-to on Lower Sargent Pond which is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

            Lower Sargent-Upper Sargent by way of Middle Pond—1.7 miles between Upper & Lower.  In winter you may use the Middle Pond (BE CAREFUL OF ICE) and bushwhacking to get from Upper to Lower or you may use the marked snowmobile trail north of the ponds.

            Sargent Pond Loop—9 miles includes distance between the trail heads.  It is possible to make the Upper and Lower Ponds into a loop by way of the trail via Middle Pond.

Owls Head Mountain—3.2 miles to summit, well marked trail, relatively difficult after about 2.25 miles

            Located near the head of Long Lake, Owl's Head Mountain provides scenic views of the Fishing Brook Range with the High Peaks in the distance. The trail head is reached by going north on Rte. 30 from the village and turning left onto the Endion Road. The trail head is on a sharp curve on the right side of the Endion Road 1.6 miles from Rte. 30. This trail is rated advance or expert for cross-country skiing. While the view is well worth the effort, there are some steep stretches which can be very difficult for small children. This is especially true near the summit.

            On the descent, access to the Lake Eaton trail is made by either of two forks. These join into one trail after a short distance.

Endion - Lake Eaton Trail—0.5 miles to Lake Eaton, 3.5 miles to Lake Eaton, Campsite, relatively easy

            The trail head for this trail is the same as Owl's Head Mountain. There are signs directing the visitor to the proper trail. This trail skirts the western shore of the Lake.

Lake Eaton-Big Brook Loop—4.0 miles for the loop,

            This is a good trail for almost everyone. Park your car at the entrance to the Lake Eaton Campsite on Rte.30, 2.25 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall. Go down to the end of the road where the trail enters the woods. This trail winds around to Rte. 30. CROSS THE HIGHWAY and continue on the trail as it loops back to the Campsite entrance. This area offers easy walking for the young and elderly. An especially pretty walk in the fall.

Mount Sabattis Recreation Area—Unmeasured, relatively easy climb, bushwhack final assault to summit.

            A must for the visitor to Long Lake, Mt. Sabattis Trail is located on the edge of the Village on Rte. 28N/30 south, ½ mile from Long Lake Town Hall. The view of Long Lake is excellent. There are a few really steep areas. From the cleared section you can continue on to the top of the mountain but there is no trail and the summit can only be reached by bushwhacking. Children love the mountain because they can run and roll around. If they stand very quietly and yell toward Long Lake, they will hear their echoes.

Buttermilk Falls - Very short walk, very scenic, care should be take during wet weather because of wet rocks.

            Buttermilk Falls is a treat to visit any time of the year and almost every visitor to the area will make the Falls one of their destinations. The entrance to the falls is on the right side of the North Point Road, 2.1 miles from the intersection with Rte. 28N/30. A sign by a small parking area marks the entrance. This spot, with tables and fireplaces is an excellent choice of a site for a picnic. A short walk to the falls is fine for all ages. There is a 2.5 mile canoe carry around the falls. Bring your camera as this is an excellent photo opportunity.

Northville-Placid Trail South.  Steep for first ½ mile. Strenuous to Blue Mtn. or Lake Durant.

            10.2 miles to Tirrell Pond
            1.75 miles to Long Lake Reservoir
            13.5 miles to Rte. 28N/30 1 1/4 mile North of Blue Mtn. Lake
            14.8 Miles from Lake Durant. 

            The trail head is a large parking lot on the south side of Rte. 28N, 1.6 miles from Hoss's. The first section is rather steep. Follow the trail to a graded roadway. Follow this roadway for about 10 minutes to an intersection. The east branch leads to the Town of Long Lake reservoir. The west branch leads to private land. The casual user may want to take the left-hand trail which leads to the reservoir. Do not take the right hand fork since it leads to private land. The main trail follows the graded roadway east for ½ mile to a marked intersection. The trail then turns to the south to follow another roadway which is blocked by a gate. The back-packer will generally set Tirrell Pond, 10.2 miles, as their destination. From Tirrell Pond, the hiker has the choice of continuing on for 4.6 miles to the parking area across from the Lake Durant Campsite or heading west for 3.25 miles to the parking area above the Adirondack Museum.

            This trail crosses sections of private land including the road to Salmon Pond. This roadway is marked by a gate on the trail. Turn right on this roadway and continue through a clearing. You will have to watch for markers for the trail.

            The trail has a number of steep hills and wet, swampy areas to cross.

Northville-Placid Trail North

            This trail is generally considered to be for the serious back packer. There is a short section of the trail which provides for a leisurely walk on the Tarbell Hill Road before turning to follow the lake. The trail follows the lake for nearly 8 miles before turning into the Cold River area and Shattuck Clearing, 12.6 miles from the village. Once into Shattuck Clearing, the hiker or skier has entered an area which is perhaps the most remote in New York State. The late hermit, Noah John Rondeau, made his home there some 40 odd years ago. The Seward Mountain Range rises from the Cold River Valley to form some of the wildest and most beautiful country found in the north-eastern United States. From Shattuck Clearing, the Northville Placid Trail continues another 25.25 miles through the high peak region to Lake Placid.

            Many side trips can be made off this trail to waterfalls, ponds, streams and mountain tops. It is also possible to hike segments of the trail with out going the entire distance. The following are recommended short trips on this trail.

Catlin Bay—1.0 Mile from trail head to lean-to.  The hike to Catlin Bay uses one mile of the Northville Placid Trail (North) from the trail head on the Tarbell Hill Road. A family with small children can enjoy this hiking and snowshoeing trip into a nice wilderness area. A side trail on the left of the main trail leads to lean-tos and Catlin Bay, a good place for a picnic and for wading along a rocky shore of Long Lake. The trail is primarily downhill from the Tarbell Hill Road to Catlin Bay.

            Kelly's Point—4.0 miles from Tarbell Hill Trail head.  If you continue past Catlin Bay, you will reach Kelly's Point. A few lean-tos, large rocks and an old stone pier line the shore. Swimmers of average or better than average ability will find this area enjoyable.

            Rodney Point—6.25 miles from Tarbell Hill Trail head.  Continue 2.25 miles past Kelly's Point and you will come to Rodney Point where you will find lean-tos and a nice sand beach.

            Plumley's Landing—8.45 miles from Tarbell Hill Trail head.  Another 2 miles brings you to Plumley's Landing. Unless you are used to hiking extensively, it is suggested that you take a boat down Long Lake to this point and save 10 miles.

            Shattuck Clearing—12.6 miles from Tarbell Hill Trail head, 4.1 miles from Plumley Point.

            At Plumley Point, the trail follows the shoreline as it angles eastward. The trail provides a wide variety of terrain as it passes through hardwoods, softwoods, a marsh (you may have to go around this) and finally Shattuck Clearing.

            At this point, the Northville-Placid Trail heads into the wilderness. The trail becomes a very narrow path which was improved only for a hiking path. It passes by the Hermitage of Noah John Rondeau and the wood and cable swinging bridge as it continues on to Duck Hole and Lake Placid.

William C. Whitney Wilderness Area Trails 

            Burn Road Trailhead - This trailhead is on Sabattis Road, 1.4 miles west of the headquarters entrance road, and provides access to points along the north shore of Little Tupper Lake and branches off to several interior waters, the largest being the 281-acre Rock Pond. A 13.5-mile foot trail system utilizes the existing logging roads. 

            Rock Pond Trail (blue markers) - 2.8 miles This trail begins after walking 5.7 miles west of the Sabattis Road on the Lilypad Pond trail.  The Rock Pond Trail proceeds in a southerly direction, passing by Frenchman's mine, continues southeasterly crossing over Rock Pond Outlet on a bridge and eventually ending on the eastern shore of Rock Pond.

            Lilypad Pond Trail (red markers) - 8.2 miles This trail begins at the Burn Road parking area on the Sabattis Road.  The trail proceeds in a westerly direction paralleling the northern side of Little Tupper Lake eventually crossing Charley Pond Outlet and ending at Lilypad Pond. 

            Hardigan Pond Trail (yellow markers) - 1.5 miles This spur trail begins on the Rock Pond Trail approximately ½ a mile south of Frenchman's Mine.  The trail proceeds southwesterly, turning onto an old railroad grade just before Hardigan Pond. 

            Camp Bliss Trail (yellow  markers) - 1.0 miles After purchase by the State and demolition of buildings, a trail will be marked that begins on Burn Road approximately 4.7 miles west of the Sabattis Road parking area.  The trail proceeds in a southeasterly direction passing by the eastern edge of Bum Pond to a large cleared area on the western shore of Little Tupper Lake. 

            Stony Pond Road Trailhead -This trailhead with no parking facility is on Circle  Road,  .4 of a mile south of the Sabattis Road junction. 

            Southshore Trail (yellow horse markers) - 4.0 miles This marked horse trail starts along this woods road heading west along the south shore of Little Tupper Lake and ends approximately four miles from the public highway at two separate camping areas. 

Forked Lake Road—Unmeasured, easy paved road to Forked Lake Campsite.

            In the spring and fall when there is little traffic, the Forked Lake Road is a nice place to walk. Park your car at the Buttermilk Falls parking area or at the entrance to the road to the Forked Lake Campsite. This area is great for all ages and provides much opportunity to see wildlife without having to go on rough trails. The road does get busy in the summer.

            Take Rte. 28N/30 south from the village to the North Point Road. Buttermilk Falls is 5.5 miles and Forked Lake is about 8 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall.

LONG LAKE-NEWCOMB AREA

Goodnow Mountain—1.5 miles from Trail head on Rte. 28N, 2 hours 1050 feet vertical rise

            Goodnow Mountain is owned by the State University of  New York at Syracuse School of Environmental Sciences and Forestry. The trail is maintained by SUNY for use by the public and the view of the High Peaks from the summit makes the hike worthwhile.

            The trail head is on the south side of the road, 11 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall. Please stay on the trail. The trail to the summit is relatively easy and can be climbed by a family with small children. The summit also offers an excellent view of the Mountains to the South and Rich and Harris Lakes. The fire tower at the summit may or may not be manned but the view is excellent even if you cannot climb the tower. As an added attraction, there is no hunting allowed on this land making it extremely attractive during open hunting seasons.

Adirondack Visitors Interpretive Center—3.0 miles, easy trails, part open to wheelchair access.

            The trails at this State Operated Facility offers something for everyone. The 3 miles of trail are relatively level and a portion is wheelchair-accessible. Views of mountains, a multitude of land formations, and a wide variety of wildlife provide the visitor an unforgettable introduction to the Adirondacks.

Santanoni

            The Santanoni Preserve is located near Newcomb off Rte. 28N 13 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall. The trail head is on the north side of the road. This is a very nice walk for the whole family. A dirt road goes to the Santanoni Lodge farm site (1.0mi), Newcomb Lake (4.5mi), and Moose Pond (6.0mi).

 LONG LAKE-TUPPER LAKE AREA

Frederica Mountain, Lake Lila - 3.1 miles from the parking area on the Old Lodge site.  9.1 miles from the county road in winter

            The trail head is reached by taking Rte. 30 west toward Tupper Lake to Hamilton County Road #10 (Sabattis Road), turn west and proceed about 7 miles to an improved gravel road (Lake Lila Road). This intersection is well marked with NYSDEC signs. Turn left and go about 6 miles to the parking lot. In the winter and early spring this road is closed. There is one lean-to and primitive camping sites. The road continues beyond the parking lot but there is a barrier across it. It is however, designated as a hiking trail and is marked as such with blue disks. To start the hike up Frederica Mountain, follow this trail. 3 miles from the parking lot is a side trail to the left which goes to the lean-to on the shore. The view is exceptional on a clear day including the High Peaks area. At the 3.3 mi. point the trail forks with the left fork going to a camping area. Signs will direct you to take the right fork to continue to Frederica Mountain. Continue on this trail across the railroad tracks, by a beaver dam and then through a stand of hardwoods. You should reach the summit in less than ½ an hour from the fork. Continue over the summit to the open ledges. The lake is below you and the horizon shows a magnificent panorama from the Seward Range, the High Peaks, Santanoni in the north around to Blue Mountain and the Fishing Brook Range to the southeast.

LONG LAKE-BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE AREA

Blue Mountain Summit—2.0 miles road to summit, very steep near summit, no water

            This trail provides an interesting day hike to the summit of beautiful Blue Mountain. The trail head parking area is on the east side of Rte. 28N/30, 10 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall at the crest of the hill.

            The mountain's elevation is 3759 ft. making it one of the higher mountains in the area.. The sensational view at the summit is well worth the effort with vistas spreading before you which include the high peak area to the northeast. The trail is a tough walk and is not recommended for small children. Please stay on the trail as it crosses private land in places.

RAQUETTE LAKE AREA

Tioga Point to Lower Sargent Pond—4 miles with little change in elevation. Access by boat only.

            To reach the trail head you must cross Raquette Lake. This may be done by canoe or boat. Follow the snowmobile trail to the trail head in the northeast corner of the open fields on Tioga.  The trail continues along a spruce-fir swamp and an old beaver flow.  A bridge crosses Sargent Pond outlet at about 3.1mi.

            You may then use the trails to Middle and Upper Sargent Ponds and the connecting trails to North Point Road.

South Inlet Cascades—1.5 miles by either trail, best as a loop if not high water

            The trail starts about 3 miles from the intersection of the Sagamore Road and Rte. 28 in Raquette Lake. The eastern trail follows the stream. In low water, you can cross the stream above the cascades to make the loop.

            The western trail head is north of the bridge by 0.1 mile. This follows a ridge of hardwoods but is not near the stream. It ends in an open field above the Cascades.

            Both trails are marked with red flags.

Sagamore Lake—4 miles, relatively level in a Wilderness Area

            This is a trail for the whole family to participate in hiking, snow shoeing or cross-country skiing.  The trail head is off Rt. 28 about 4 miles down the Sagamore Road.  Across from the entrance to Sagamore, there is a public parking lot.  After parking here, take a left on Sagamore Rd. and walk across the bridge.  Shortly after this you will be at a junction.  Take a right when you come to a closed  bridge make another left on to the beginning of the trail.  Follow the orange tape around the lake making a tight turn at every junction.  The area was heavily logged in the 1970's and evidence is still visible.  In about 3.5 miles, there is a signed junction that has signs directing to the left.  The trail ends on Sagamore Road.  Take a right on the road and walk a little ways back to where you parked.

Mohegan Lake—2.8 miles, relatively level

            To access this trail, turn south on the Sagamore Road at Rte. 28 in Raquette Lake. Continue to 0.5 miles past South Inlet, following the directions to the start of the Sagamore Lodge tour. Opposite of where the tours start is a public parking lot. Walk back to the main road and turn right. Continue to the barred gate where the trail starts.

Mohegan Lake - Eighth Lake Campsite via Uncas Road South—2.5 miles, 1.5 hours

            This is a marked snowmobile trail and part of the Seventh Lake/Eighth Lake loop. Although not heavily traveled by snowmobiles, skiers should be aware that it is a designated a state trail. You may continue for 2.5 miles along the Uncas Road South to the trail head which is 4.8 miles west of the Sagamore Road opposite Eighth Lake Campground.

Mohegan Lake - Seventh Lake via Buck Creek Trail—4.2 miles, 2 hours, 400 foot elevation change

            The more popular method of hiking this trail is to start across Rte. 28 from the boat launch. This trail has some difficult and poorly marked stretches. The area has a number of logging roads. The trail crosses a number of marshy areas and beaver ponds which must be skirted during periods of high water. After a hike of 4.2 miles you will intersect the Uncas Road South trail.

Browns Tract Ponds and Sucker Brook Bay Road—3.2 miles with easy grades

            On the north side of the Browns Tract Road, 2.8 miles west of the Raquette Lake Village. The trail head is located near the east end of the Upper Pond. About 0.9 miles from the trail head is a fork to the left which leads to Shallow Lake. You will have to look carefully for this as it is poorly or not noticeably marked. If you continue on the Sucker Brook trail you will come to the West Mountain Trail just before the bridge over Beaver Brook. Turn left on the trail to go to Sucker Brook Bay 0.8 miles and West Mountain or turn right to return to the Browns Tract Road.

Shallow Lake—easy gradriods.

            The person who wishes to hike this trail will start on the Sucker Brook Bay Road trail. This lake has a wild beauty and relaxing atmosphere and gives the impression of being much further into the wilderness than one actually is. From the junction with the Sucker Brook Bay Road, follow the axe blazes. It is an easy trail to follow except for blowdowns and Beaver Brook.

Hedgehog Mountain—Short trail to the top cliffs

            A very short walk of only about 15 minutes to the top of an unnamed hill. No path but there are great views. The trail head is in a sand pit, on the road to Antlers, 0.3 miles from the intersection with the Browns Tract Road.

West Mountain—4.9 miles with a vertical rise of 1140 feet

            Take the Browns Tract Road for 0.7 miles from the Raquette Lake Road to reach the trail head. This area is very easy. The final 1.6 miles has also been left to nature and the wet areas and blow downs may present some difficulty. The Sucker Brook Bay Road adds about 1 mile to the trail to where they intersect at Beaver Brook.