Boreas Ponds, Adirondacks, NY

[Glenn MacGrady]

The Boreas Ponds have the reputation of having perhaps the most beautiful lake-in-mountain scenery in the Adirondacks. I've seen video. Historically, the ponds were a bit of a hike to get into with no campsite nearby. Last summer, @Conk told me the access, parking and camping situation has been improved.

I'd love to go there for a day paddle this summer if in fact I could camp or park close enough so that I could handle a short portage.

Has anyone been there recently or know about the current access, parking and camping situation?

 

[Penns Woods]

Boreas Pond has been on my list for several years. I haven't made it yet. but this fall I plan on making the trip. The walk in has always been a draw back. A year ago I made the trip back into Henderson Lake. The walk was plenty hard but I rested along the way and finally made. I'm sure I can make it to Boreas Pond. Glenn, I hope things work out and you can make the trip. I'm sure it will be worth it. Good Luck.

 

[Patrick Corry]

Yes, me too. It's on my list though I wonder if the limited area of the ponds will hold my interest for more than an overnight. There's no doubting the appeal of the outstanding backdrop of the Great Range.

Here's a nice overview:

 

[lowangle al]

Yes, me too. It's on my list though I wonder if the limited area of the ponds will hold my interest for more than an overnight. There's no doubting the appeal of the outstanding backdrop of the Great Range.

Here's a nice overview:

You're probably right Patrick. On Raquette River Outfitters web page they say it is a full day to a two day trip. It sound great for when you have little time.

 

[Simuliumvenustum]

I am sorry to be a bit late to this thread, but I just came across it. My buddy and I did a full circumnavigation and exploration of the three lobes of the Boreas Ponds in the course of an afternoon during the third week of August last year. We parked in the Four Corners parking lot, which can accommodate 15 vehicles. Each parking spot is marked, and overflow parking is strictly prohibited, per the signage. There was only one other vehicle in the lot the day we were there. The Four Corners Parking lot is 6 miles on the gravel Gulf Road from the junction with Blue Ridge Road.

From the Four Corners parking lot, it is an easy 0.80-mile carry along a gated gravel road to the put-in on Boreas Pond. About 0.1 miles from the put-in, there is a smaller, designated parking lot with capacity for six vehicles, two of which are for handicap use only. From what I understand, a special permit is required to access this parking area, but I do not know how to obtain one.

The 0.8-mile carry from the Four Corner Parking lot was relatively flat, with a few easy grades. My buddy used a cart to wheel his 12-foot Hornbeck, and I carried my 13-foot Placid Boatworks Spitfire with a yoke held in place with a bungee cord. We are both in our 70's, and it took about 20 minutes.

As far as camping goes, there was a leanto not too far from the put-in. We did not check it out. The sign at the put-in indicated that camping was not permitted there. Primitive camping is allowed per the NYDEC 150-foot rule from trails, water, and roads, I believe. There were also many designated camping spots along Gulf Road.

I would rank the Boreas Ponds as one of the most spectacular paddles among the many great paddling spots in the Adirondacks. There are so many interesting features, including remnants of giant pines and other trees that died off when the dam raised the water level. We saw otter latrines, lots of loons and other waterfowl and birds, lots of interesting vegetation and flora, a spectacular glacial erratic sticking out of the water, all set in the backdrop of stunning views of the High Peaks.

Boreas Ponds are worth the extra effort it takes to get there.



Start of the 0.8-mile carry from the Four Corners Parking lot to the ponds.


View from the dam at the launch site.


My Placid Boatworks Spitfire 13 with yoke and bungee attachment system.










\

 

[stevet]

Great report and pics. Made me want to go…what more could you ask from a TR!

 

[stripperguy]

MDB and I have visited Boreas Ponds several times...It's an easy roll in on wheels or carry on your shoulders.
Camping spots are relatively few, most shores are pretty soggy. It's a short drive from Lake Harris state campground.
Views are very good from the water, similar views can be had from Wolf Pond, though a it's more challenging trip. I prefer Wolf Pond.
Henderson Lake, also nearby, offers nearly the same viewscape, but with a shorter trip in and much better camping opportunities, IMHO.
All three of those would make for a pleasant couple of days, staying at Harris. There are other primitive sites in the area, including a few drive to spots. If you have a capable vehicle, you can drive to and camp at Cheney Pond. Cheney also offers some great primitive campsites, with easy water access after the arduous drive in.
For the masochistic folks, there's also a trip up the Newcomb River to Newcomb Lake, with a bushwhack from Harris Lake and many carries around rapids and beaver dams.
I have pics of all of this and more, if anyone is particularly interested.

Boreas Ponds




Henderson Lake





Wold Pond





Newcomb River