Camping

Primitive Tent Sites - There are 124 primitive tent sites within the Siamese Pond Wilderness.

Titbits:  DEC regulation requires that groups of ten or more persons camping on state land obtain a permit from a forest ranger. DEC policy prohibits issuing group camping permits to groups wanting to camp on forest preserve lands in the Adirondacks that are classified as wilderness, primitive or canoe area. This policy was developed to protect natural resources, the primeval character of the area and exceptional wilderness experiences for all recreationists, and follows Leave No Trace practices. Except for the eastern High Peaks Wilderness, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness and the William C. Whitney Wilderness, where the group size is 8, camping groups in wilderness, primitive and canoe area lands are limited to 9 people or less.

Indian Lake Islands - 20 of the 55 campsites located on Indian Lake are on the east shore of the lake and in the SPW. These campsites were built in 1959 and opened for use in 1960.

Thirteenth Lake - There are currently 6 designated camping sites at the north end of the lake and 9 additional designated camping sites on the lake. Four latrines and ten picnic tables were added to this area . A gate was installed at the parking area to limit access to car top boats and small outboard motor boats. The area still sustains heavy use for camping, picnicking, fishing, boating and swimming.

Other Regions:  IAATAP maintains a full directory of Camping. To explore nearby camping areas, click here.

Birding

Hamilton County is rich in bird life.  You can download a free guide & trail map: Birding in Hamilton County  Also, visit our Adirondack Bird Directory when you have time.  By the NY State's Unit Management Plan, the following species are under study, we have summarized their findings.  Pictures and links provided by Wikipedia.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

The bald eagle is currently listed as a threatened species by the federal government and New York. Buckhorn Mountain is believed to have been a center of eagle activity prior to 1970, although no nest sites had been confirmed.  Bald eagles are sensitive to human disturbance; so if you are fortunate to see one, please "Do Not Disturb".

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

The golden eagle is a species once found in the Adirondacks.  The last successful nest in New York State was recorded in 1970.  Golden Eagles have nested at elevations between 1,500 and 2,600 ft; however, surveys conducted by the New York Habitat Inventory Unit, open habitat suitable for Golden Eagles has decreased at all but one historical site.

Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)

The Indiana Bat is an endangered species and may reside in the Siamese Wilderness but not confirmed. The DEC is searching existing caves throughout NY and three caves along the borders of the Adirondacks have found indicating of wintering Indiana bats.  During spring, Indiana bats disperse from their winter hibernacula, some traveling hundreds of miles. Females congregate in nursery colonies, only a handful of which have ever been discovered. Nursery colonies have been located along the banks of streams or lakes in forested habitat, under the loose bark of dead trees, and contained from 50-100 females. In August or early September, Indiana bats congregate at the entrance of selected caves or mines where mating occurs. Indiana bats spend the winter months in secluded caves or mines which average 37 - 43 degrees F.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

In 1974 New York initiated a program to reintroduce the Peregrine Falcon in the state. Peregrines were successfully hacked in the Adirondack Park with the release of the first birds in 1981. It is possible that Peregrines are utilizing the Siamese Pond Wilderness for nesting.  Three basic requirements nesting Peregrine Falcons include open country for hunting, sufficient food resources of avian species, and steep, rocky cliff faces for nesting. The falcons typically nest 50 to 200 feet off the ground near bodies of water. Nesting sites for Peregrines usually include a partially-vegetated ledge large enough for it young to move about. The nest is a well-rounded shape that is sometimes lined with grass, usually sheltered by an overhang. Sometimes Peregrines may nest in old Common Raven nests.   Human disturbance of a breeding pair may result in nest abandonment!  "DO NOT DISTURB" please!  Climbers, not it is illegal to climb during their breeding season, and breeders will attack.   To report a falcon signings please contact NYSDEC Region 5, Bureau of Wildlife, P.O. Box 296, Ray Brook, New York 12977, 518-897-1291.

Osprey (Pandion haliates)

The American Osprey is of special concern. Osprey breed near large bodies of water where there is abundant fish populations.  Numerous sightings are within the Adirondack.  Osprey construct their nest in tall dead tress, but also use rocky ledges, sand dunes, artificial platforms, and utility pole cross arms for a tall advantage point. The power company has started to built Osprey poles because they often select power poles causing issues when moving their youth from the endangerment of the power lines.

Red-Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

The Red-shouldered Hawk is listed as species of special concern and believed to exist in the Siamese Pond Wilderness.. Red-shouldered hawks breed in moist hardwood, forested wetlands, bottomlands and the wooded margins of wetlands, and sometimes close to cultivated fields.  They like cool, moist, lowland forests with tall trees for nesting.

Common Loon (Gavia immer)

The Common Loon is a species of special concern and are located through out the Adirondacks  They use small and large freshwater lakes in open and densely forested areas for breeding and nest on lakes (mostly less habited lakes). The Loons will use little shallow coves for nesting which are constructed on the ground at the water’s edge on sand or rock, wherever to avoided predators.  Small islands are their favorite or small peninsular.  They have a beautiful call. 

Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

The Cooper's Hawk is another species of special concern and believed to be in the Siamese Wilderness. Cooper’s hawk enjoys a variety of habitat types, from extensive deciduous or mixed forests to scattered woodlots interspersed with open fields, floodplain forests and wooded wetlands are also used. They construct nests typically at a height of 35 to 45 feet in the trees.

Bicknell's Thrush (Catharus bicknelli)

Bicknell's Thrush utilizes fir waves and natural disturbances as well as edges of ski slopes. They breed  in the Adirondacks at elevations greater than 2800 ft.   The species is most common on the highest ridges of the Adirondacks, preferring young or stunted dense stands of balsam fir up to 9 ft. in height.

Hiking Trails

The backcountry acreage is enormous and the Adirondacks has the largest trail system in the nation with more than 2,000 miles.  Enjoy the glory of hiking the Adirondacks, nature's solitude, unbroken forest, lakes and mountains and take the path less taken.  Focus on your senses.  Visit our Adirondack Hiking Guide.  Much of the southeastern portion of the Siamese Pond Wilderness is not easily accessible due to the lack of crossings over the Sacandaga River.    Click here for the DEC "Lost in the Woods" brochure. 

There are 52.1 miles of marked and maintained trails, and numerous unmarked trails in Siamese Pond Wildness.  The DEC trail classification system is outlined in the Forest Preserve Policy Manual. This classification system recognizes four trail classifications as outlined below:

      The recommended access points to the Siamese Pond Wilderness Region are:

• Old Farm Clearing near Thirteenth Lake - The registration box with parking for 30 vehicle (map).

• Thirteenth Lake - The Thirteenth Lake Registration box with parking area for 15 vehicles.  

• Eleventh Mountain Trailhead on Route 8 (west of Bakers Mills).  The registration box with parking area for 20 vehicles located north of Route 8. (map)

• John Pond Trailhead off Starbuck Road (southeast of the Village of Indian Lake). The registration box with parking area for 5 vehicles located at the end of Starbuck Road.

• Kings Flow property from Big Brook Road (private land w/parking for fee). (map)

• North end of Thirteenth Lake at the end of Beach Road.

• Elm Lake Road from Speculator via lands of International Paper Company, Inc.

• Trail easement crossing International Paper Company, Inc. Crotched Pond property to Round Pond; 8) boat or canoe from Indian Lake.

• Edward Hill Road in the Town of Johnsburg.

• Auger Falls Trailhead off of Route 30.

• Forks Mountain Primitive Area from Teachout Road near Griffin (Wells).

• Access can also be gained along Route 28 on the north and Route 8 on the south, where the highways are nearby.

Marked Trails (52.1 Miles)

• John Pond Trail (class II) - (2.3 miles) from the parking area at the end of Starbuck Road to John Pond.

• East Branch Trail (class I) - (11.1 miles) from the Wilderness boundary at Old Farm Road parking area through to Route 8 trailhead at Eleventh Mountain

.

• Siamese Ponds Trail - (2.6 miles) from intersection with East Branch Trail to Siamese Ponds; designated as a Class II foot and ski trail.

• West Puffer Pond Trail (class II) - (2.2 miles) from the Kings Flow Trailhead. This trail travels around the south side of Chimney Mountain and continues past the John Pond Crossover Trail until it ends at the western most lean-to on the shore of Puffer Pond.

• East Puffer Pond Trail (class II) - (4.3 miles) from its intersection with the East Branch Trail near Old Farm Clearing west to Puffer Pond and its intersection with the W. Puffer Pond Trail at the western most lean-to on Puffer Pond.

(map)

• Chimney Mountain Trail (class II) - (1.0 miles) from Kings Flow Trailhead northeast to the top of Chimney Mountain.  The registration box and parking is available on private property for a nominal fee. Access to the trailhead requires crossing private property.  The current owners permit the public to access State lands by crossing private property. 

• John Pond Crossover (class II) - (3.4 miles) from its intersection with the John Pond trail in the vicinity of “Little Canada” south to its intersection with the West Puffer Pond Trail.

(map)

• John Mack Pond Trail - (4.0 miles) from shore of Indian Lake to John Mack Pond and continuing east to the north end of Long Pond.  The registration box is located on the shore of Indian Lake in the vicinity of John Mack Bay.

• Peaked Mountain Trail (class II) - (3.0 miles) from the parking area at north end of Thirteenth Lake to the top of Peaked Mountain.

• Hour Pond Trail (class II) - (1.6 miles) from its intersection with the E. Puffer Pond Trail to Hour Pond; also designated as a ski trail.

(map)

• Second Pond Trail (class II) - (2.0 miles) from the trailhead off Chatiemac Lake Road to Second Pond.  A register box and parking is available for approximately 2-3 cars on the shoulder of the road.

(map)

• Long Pond Trail (class II) - (2.8 miles) from the Cisco Brook Trailhead at the end of Elm Lake Road to the northern shore of Long Pond.  Cisco Brook - (a.k.a. the Long Pond Trail) Registration box with parking area for 5 vehicles. 

• Kunjamuk Trail (class II) - (6.4 miles) the majority of this trail formed the “Old Kunjamuk Road.”  This section of trail begins at its intersection with the Long Pond Trail and travels north east to its intersection with the State land boundary north east of Round Pond. This trail has been re-open and marked from the Long Pond Trail to the boundary between forest preserve land and the International Paper Round Pond property. However, the last 1.2 miles of the Old Kunjamuk Road connect the trail from the state land boundary to the Big Brook Road. This section of trail crosses private property owned by International Paper Company, Inc. and public land in the Jessup River Wild Forest. The Department has an easement with International Paper Company, Inc. to permit the use of this trail where it crosses their land. The designation of that portion of trail in the Jessup River Wild Forest will be determined in the UMP for the Jessup River Wild Forest.

• Auger Falls Trail (class II) - (1.0 miles) from the east side of Route 30 in the vicinity of Forks Mountain to Auger Falls (see our Adirondack Directory of Waterfalls).  A register box and parking area for 5 cars provides access to Auger Falls. Access is across private property owned by International Paper Company, Inc.

• Clear Pond Trail (class II) - (0.9 miles) from Starbuck Road to the north end of Clear Pond.

• Forks Mountain Trail (class I) - (0.5 miles) from the end of the town road to private lands owned by International Paper.

• William Blake Pond Trail - (3.0 miles) from the intersection with the East Branch Trail northeast along the foot of Balm of Gilead Mountain, southeast past William Blake Pond and continuing southeast past The Vly and out to the Barton Mine Road. (map)

         Unmarked Trails (28.4 Miles)

• Balm of Gilead Mountain (class III) - (approx. 1.0 miles) from the intersection with the William Blake Pond path to the top of Balm of Gilead Mountain

. (map)

• Shanty Briar Path (class II) - (3.0 miles) from the intersection of Shanty Brook and the East Branch of the Sacandaga River north along Shanty Brook and then west to Mud Ponds.

• County Line Briar Path (class III)- (5.5 miles) from the intersection of County Line Brook and East Branch of the Sacandaga River north until the trail becomes indistinguishable.

• Hour Pond Path (class IV) - (1.5 miles) from the intersection with the Peaked Mountain Trail to the intersection with the Hour Pond Trail.

• Extract Brook Path (class IV) - (2.0 miles) follows Extract Brook north until the trail becomes indistinguishable.

• Macomber Creek Path (class IV) - (1.0 miles) follows Macomber Creek north from its intersection with the Sacandaga River.

• Bog Meadow Path (class III) - (4.0 miles) from the end of Edwards Hill Road northwest past Bog Meadow and continuing northwest and then southwest until the trail is no longer evident. This unmarked trail is an old farm road.

• Puffer Pond Briar Path (class III) - (2.6 miles) this path begins on private property near Kings Flow and travels along the eastern shore of Kings Flow until it meets Puffer Pond Brook and then follows the brook to the western most lean-to on Puffer Pond.

• Humphrey Mountain Path (class III) - (2.5 miles) from intersection with Puffer Pond Brook Path to the top of Humphrey Mountain. Heavy blow down near Humphrey Mountain has obstructed a portion of this path.

• Botheration Pond Path (class III) - (2.0 miles) from Old Farm Clearing to Botheration Pond.

• Curtis Clearing Path (class III) - (2.0 miles) from intersection with East Branch Trail to Curtis Clearing. This is an old farm road.

• East Branch Gorge Path (class IV) - (1.0 miles) begins due east of Barker Mountain off Route 8. The path first crosses Martha’s Brook and then crosses the East Branch of the Sacandaga River and continues north along the river.

• Dug Mountain Brook Path (class III) - (0.3 miles) begins on the shore of Indian Lake and continues southeast along Dug Mt. Brook and ends at Dug Mountain Brook Falls.

Trail-less Hikes

One of the unique features of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness is its lack of trail development.  Approximately 21,000 acres or 33 square miles was left trail-less. This area is bounded as follows:  Starting at a point where the Kunjamuk River intersects the State land boundary; thence northerly along the Kunjamuk River to a point where it intersects the old “Kunjamuk Trail,” thence northeasterly along said trail to a point where the trail intersects the Wakely  Brook/ Kunjamuk River Watershed boundary; thence easterly along this watershed boundary to the top of Humphrey Mountain (elev. 2984 feet); thence northeasterly to Humphrey Brook; thence southeasterly along Humphrey Brook to the west shore of Siamese Ponds; thence along the shore to the Siamese Ponds Trail; thence southeasterly in a straight line which intersects Curtis Clearing and the south end of Curtis Brook to Cook Brook; thence southwesterly through the notch between Black Mountain and Big Hopkins Mountain to Mud Ponds and the East Branch of County Line Brook; thence continuing in a straight line to Hayes Flow; thence westerly along Hayes Flow and Hayes Creek to the State boundary; thence along the State land boundary to the starting point.

Follow those have gone before:

• http://davewaitephotography.blogspot.com/2006/07/siamese-ponds-wilderness-hike.htmlhttp://www.panoramio.com/user/3848562/tags/Siamese%20Ponds%20Wilderness

• http://www.hiketheadirondacks.com/pages/Discover_the_South_Central_Adirondacks

• http://bobsoutdoorphotos.smugmug.com/Adirondacks/Siamese-Ponds-Wilderness/19635452_BGBddP#!i=1205912568&k=YGKZW

Titbits: Motorized Equipment in Wilderness, Primitive and Canoe Areas: DEC has adopted a regulation prohibiting the use of motorized equipment in lands classified as wilderness, primitive or canoe. Public use of small personal electronic or mechanical devices such as cameras, radios or GPS receivers are not affected by this new regulation.

Facilities 

• Cable bridge on the East Branch of Sacandaga River near the Sacandaga lean-to, provides access to Siamese Ponds trail.

• Twenty primitive camp sites with privies at Indian Lake Campground.

• Fireplaces and picnic tables at John Pond and Sacandaga lean-tos.

• Six  designated camping sites at the north end of Thirteenth Lake and the picnic tables and fireplaces.

• Fireplace near Auger Falls.

• Lean-to on Johns Pond as well a privies.

• Lean-to and privy on the Sacandaga River at at the Sacandaga River Crossing near the intersection of the Siamese Pond Trail and the east branch of the Sacandaga River.

• Two lean-to at Puffer Pond with privies and fireplaces.  The lean tu's are in in poor condition.

• Camp sites at the north end of Thirteenth Lake with three privies.

   

   

  Bridges

   

  Diamond Brook - A foot bridge constructed of log stringers.

  Cross Brook - A foot bridge constructed of timber stringers with railings.

  Cisco Brook - A foot bridge constructed of log stringers.

  Hour Pond Outlet 1 - A foot bridge constructed of treated timbers and decking.

  Wilderness Pond - Located on the Puffer Pond Trail.

  Buck Meadow Flow - Located on the Puffer Pond Trail.

  Sacandaga River - Near the intersection of the East Branch of the Sacandaga River and Second Pond Brook, constructed of treated utility poles and decking.

  Macomber Creek - Log stringer and lumber decking, provides access for snowmobiles through primitive corridor, poor condition.

         Road Barriers

• Thirteenth Lake - A gate exists at the end of the Thirteenth Lake Road adjacent to the parking area at the north end of Thirteenth Lake.

• Old Farm Clearing - A gate was constructed on the Farm Clearing Road around 1990 near the parking area Round Pond - A barrier was installed in 1978 at the Wilderness boundary.

• Kunjamuk River - A barrier was constructed in 1975 to prohibit motor vehicle access to the Kunjamuk dam.

• John Pond Trail - a barrier was constructed of boulders around 1990 to close the road to motor vehicle traffic.

• Cisco Brook - A barrier was constructed in 1975 to prohibit motor vehicle access beyond the parking area, currently the cable is missing and the foot bridge now acts as a barrier to motor vehicles.

• Rob Creek - A gate was installed near the intersection of Rob Creek and the state boundary.

       Parking Areas

• Old Farm Clearing - A parking area was established at the intersection of the Wilderness boundary and the trail to Old Farm Clearing. The area accommodates approximately 30 cars. The parking lot is not currently plowed in the winter. The Town of Johnsburg stops plowing approximately 0.3 mile prior to the parking area.

• John Pond Trail - A parking area to accommodate 5 cars.  The parking lot is not plowed in the winter.

• Cisco Brook - A parking area exists within 500 feet of the Wilderness boundary at the end of the Elm Lake Road. There is room for approximately 5 cars. Neither the parking lot nor Elm Lake Road are plowed in the winter.

• Eleventh Mountain - A parking area exists within 500 feet of the Wilderness boundary on the north side of State Route 8. The parking area will accommodate approximately 15 - 20 cars. The parking lot is currently plowed during the winter.

• Thirteenth Lake  - A parking area exists at the Wilderness boundary near the north end of Thirteenth Lake. The parking area will accommodate approximately 10-15 cars. The parking lot is currently plowed by the Town of Johnsburg.

References

13th Lake Trails