See several quiet bodies of water along this lovely, mellow trail winding through hardwood forest. Following Stewart Lake, a reasonable climb continues to the south end of Indian Pond, making for an easy, but well-rounded hike in any season.
Key statistics
- Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 620 feet
Hiking
From the trail register continue up the road for about 100 feet to the trail on the right. You will immediately cross a wooden bridge and continue on a steady but easy ascent through a gorgeous hardwood forest. About 2/3's of the way in you will first come to Stewart Lake on your left, which also makes for a perfect destination for a short snowshoe trip for the entire family. Beyond Stewart Pond the trail continues to climb slightly and rather quickly comes to the south end of Indian Pond.
At the trailhead you need to walk along the road another couple hundred feet to access the trail on the right. The trail immediately crosses a wide bridge and slowly ascends above a small unnamed pond. The trail slowly climbs and never too steeply to the shoulder of Camelhump, which is off through the trees to your left. Soon comes Stewart Lake. The trail remains fairly flat past Stewart Lake before it starts to climb again to access Indian Lake at the end of the trail.
Camping
There is one tent site on the shores of Indian Lake and another on Stewart Lake, both accessed along the Stewart and Indian Lakes Trail.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
This trail is used more as a XC ski trail but also makes for an easy to moderate snowshoe destination.
How to get there
From the intersection of Route 8 and Route 10 in Piseco, follow Route 10 South toward Pine Lake. Just fewer than 2 miles past Pine Lake, take a left onto Green Lake Road. Follow Green Lake Road to the Kane Mountain Trailhead parking area on the left.
The short road to the actual trailhead in winter can be in unmaintained condition, be sure to park in a safe location.
Additional Important Information:
Snowshoeing over a frozen body of water is an Adirondack past time; it can access you to areas not seen by most in the summer. With that being said it is a dangerous activity to cross frozen water bodies and should be done with care and respect for your environment. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice.
