About this spot
Pharaoh Lake & Oxshoe Pond – these spots require considerable hiking effort. Pharaoh Mountain Trail is marked with red blazes and spans 4.7 miles with 1,550 feet of elevation gain, culminating at 2,557 feet above sea level. To reach the trailhead, turn east off Route 9 onto Alder Meadow Road, roughly 1.5 miles north of Schroon Lake Village. Travel eastward just over 2 miles until Crane Pond Road branches east from East Shore Road. The trailhead and parking area sits at the end of Crane Pond Road near the wilderness boundary. Crane Pond appears 1.9 miles from the start. At 0.8 miles, a southbound trail splits off toward Goose Pond. The main route forks at 2.6 miles; the blue trail heads to Glidden Marsh, Oxshoe Pond, and a shelter. At Oxshoe Pond, a striking rock face rises across from the lean-to. Swimming over allows jumping along this cliff into exceptionally deep water, with distinct left and right jump options separated by vegetation. Stay on the red trail for Pharaoh Mountain's summit views overlooking the surrounding lake region and northern peaks. The red trail continues southeast roughly 1.5 miles to Pharaoh Lake. Walk left along the shore and continue to the opposite bank, passing two shelters.