Pigeon Lake Wilderness (original) (raw)

Directions

Located in the west central Adirondacks in the Towns of Inlet and Long Lake, Hamilton County, and Web, Herkimer County, road access to the Pigeon Lake Wilderness Area is primarily from secondary roads off of State Route 28. Developed trailheads are located on Big Moose Road and on Uncas Road and Brown Tract Ponds Campground located on Uncas Rd.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

• Cascade Lake Trailhead and Parking Area: Along Big Moose Road, approximately 1.3 miles north of its intersection with State Route 28, hamlet of Eagle Bay. (43.7785°N, 74.8259°W) Google Maps
• Windfall Pond Trailhead and Parking Area: Along Big Moose Road, approximately 3.3 miles north of its intersection with State Route 28, hamlet of Eagle Bay. (43.8030°N, 74.8478°W) Google Maps
• Brown Tract Campground is located on Uncas Round is Raquette Lake. (43.8107°N, 74.6939°W) Google Maps
• Big Moose Lake boat launch is located off of Higby Road. (43.8273 N, 74.8386 W) Google Maps

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace principles when recreating in the Adirondacks to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts other backcountry users.

All users of the Pigeon Lake Wilderness must follow all State Land Use Regulation and should follows all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the 1992 Pigeon Lake Wilderness Unit Management Plan (UMP) (PDF, 7 MB). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Moose River Plains Wild Forest
• Sargent Ponds Wild Forest
• Fulton Chain Wild Forest
• Independence River Wild Forest
• Five Ponds Wilderness
• Tioga Point Campground
• Brown Tract Campground
• Eighth Lake Campground
• Alger Island Campground and Fourth Lake Day Use Area

Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Old Forge, south into Oneida County at Boonville or Forestport or east to Blue Mountain and Indian Lake. Nearby Raquette Lake offers stays at Great Camp Sagamore and scenic boat excursions with dining on board.

Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, Hamilton County Dept. of Economic Development & Tourism, and Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guide books and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.