10 New York Lakes You’d Never Find Without A Local Guide
New York’s wild side is dotted with pristine lakes that don’t make it onto the usual tourist maps. Tucked deep in the Adirondacks and hidden in quiet corners of the Catskills, these waters offer unspoiled beauty and a rare sense of solitude.
For those willing to wander off the beaten path, these 10 lakes feel like secret worlds waiting to be discovered.
1. Boreas Ponds – The High Peaks’ Mirror
Mountain reflections dance across Boreas Ponds’ still waters, a secret paradise only recently opened to the public. The journey requires navigating Gulf Brook Road to the DEC parking area, then following a gated trail to reach this Adirondack jewel.
Your effort pays off with breathtaking views of the High Peaks mirrored in crystalline waters. No motors disturb the silence here – just paddles slicing through glass-like surfaces and perhaps a loon’s haunting call.
2. Lake Lila – Wild Waters in Whitney Wilderness
Paddlers who brave the 0.3-mile carry from the parking area discover Lake Lila’s untamed shores. This motorless sanctuary in the William C. Whitney Wilderness offers waterside campsites on a first-come basis.
Sandy beaches dot the shoreline, inviting swimmers during the summer months. Once you’re past the initial portage, the crowds thin dramatically, leaving you with loons, eagles, and the occasional moose for company.
3. Little Tupper Lake – Motorless Paradise
Former Whitney family estate turned public treasure, Little Tupper Lake, stands as a paddler’s dream. I discovered this gem during a rainy October weekend when most tourists had abandoned the Adirondacks, and found myself utterly alone on its vast waters.
Hand-launch your vessel at the old Whitney Headquarters off Sabbattis Road. No motors allowed means peaceful exploration of coves and islands. Adventurous paddlers can access connected ponds via short carries, extending wilderness journeys for days.
4. Lows Lake – Hidden Behind Bog River Flow
Paddlers must earn their entry to Lows Lake by navigating the meandering Bog River Flow first. Put in at Lows Lower Dam off Route 421, where recent improvements have made access easier but not obvious to casual passersby.
The reward? Miles of island-dotted waters bordered by pristine forest. Primitive campsites perch on rocky outcrops and wooded peninsulas. Beavers busily construct lodges while osprey dive for fish – nature undisturbed by the whine of motors.
5. Pharaoh Lake – Wilderness Oasis
The 3.3-mile hike to Pharaoh Lake deters casual visitors, preserving its wilderness character. My first visit here involved getting gloriously lost on the network of trails before stumbling upon the perfect campsite overlooking glass-calm waters.
Several lean-tos on Pharaoh Lake’s shoreline and numerous designated sites offer overnight options; there are 14 lean-tos across the surrounding wilderness.
The 6-mile loop trail provides access to hidden coves and swimming spots. Rocky cliffs rise dramatically from the eastern shore, creating a backdrop worthy of countless photographs.
6. Thirteenth Lake – Siamese Ponds’ Secret
Named for its position as the thirteenth lake in a surveyor’s records, this hidden gem nestles in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness. The cartop launch at Thirteenth Lake Road’s end offers limited parking, keeping crowds naturally thin.
Two miles of calm water stretch between forested shores. Paddlers often spot deer coming to drink at dawn and dusk.
The lake’s unusual name belies its first-rate beauty – clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains in stunning detail.
7. Echo Lake – Catskills’ Mountain Mirror
Perched high in the Catskills’ Indian Head Wilderness, Echo Lake lives up to its name. Shout across its waters and hear your voice bounce back from surrounding cliffs. The 6–6.5-mile round-trip journey from the Overlook Mountain area keeps casual hikers away.
During my first backpacking trip here, a sudden thunderstorm turned the trail into a creek, but the lakeside campsite proved worth every soggy step.
One lean-to and several primitive sites provide options for overnight stays. Morning mist rising from the water creates ethereal photo opportunities.
8. Alder Lake – Catskill Fishing Haven
Alder Lake offers Catskill serenity with minimal effort. A short lakeside loop provides access to primitive campsites perfect for families seeking wilderness without extreme hiking.
Non-motorized paddling reveals hidden coves unreachable by foot. Anglers prize these waters for wild brook trout that thrive in the clean, spring-fed depths.
The remnants of an old estate add historical intrigue – stone foundations peek through forest undergrowth near the northern shore.
9. Trout Pond – Roscoe’s Backcountry Secret
Near Roscoe – the famous “Trout Town USA” – hides a backcountry pond living up to the area’s reputation. Access requires a moderate hike via Russell Brook, with trailhead parking often missed by passing anglers rushing to more famous waters.
I once shared this pond with only a family of beavers during a weekend when the nearby Beaverkill River swarmed with fishermen. Two lean-tos and several primitive sites accommodate overnight visitors.
True to its name, the pond holds native brook trout – their colorful spots flashing like jewels in clear shallows.
10. Hemlock Lake – Pristine Finger Lake
Unlike its developed Finger Lakes siblings, Hemlock Lake maintains a wild character as Rochester’s protected water supply. Strict watershed rules keep boat traffic limited to small vessels with minimal horsepower.
Shoreline trails wind through mature forests, offering glimpses of water through ancient hemlocks. Cartop launches provide access for careful paddlers and anglers.
Boating and fishing are prohibited north of the northernmost boat launch, creating a de facto wildlife sanctuary where eagles nest and waterfowl gather undisturbed.