Overview
Mt. Erebus sits in the Eastern Adirondacks, overlooking
Lake George. It's wooded summit tops out at 2527', second in height to neighboring
Black Mountain (2665') in this range. It's a popular backpacking destination in summer and fall due to trout fishing and some spectacular camping spots on (or near) the several high mountain ponds in the area. Horseback riding is popular here as well.
Erebus can be reached by boat from
Lake George, but hikers most often use the trail from
Dacy Clearing or
Pike Brook Road.
Fishbrook Pond, Millman Pond, Greenland Pond & Lapland all have fine lean-tos available (first come, first served) as well as tentsites. The
Millman Pond Lean-To is especially nice.
Getting To Erebus
From Albany, north on the
Adirondack Northway (87) to Glens Falls. A left turn off Exit 20 and onto 9N will take you quickly to 149. Right on 149 to Buttermilk Falls Road. Left on Buttermilk which will become Sly Pond Road. Onwards to (and through) the Hogtown parking area (at Shelving Rock Road) a dirt road will take you to
Dacy Clearing. No parking fee. There are several nice campsites along the dirt road and off the Clearing. The
Erebus trailhead begins here.
Another option is via Pike Brook Road. This is from the guide and is accurate, as I took this route last week (October 2011). Northway exit 28, east on NY 74 to Ticonderoga, south on NY 22 to Clemons, west towards Huletts Landing. Follow the road towards Huletts Landing for 2.6 miles, turn south on Pike Brook Road (unmarked) for 0.8 miles to the trailhead on the right. This is a beautiful hike that takes in many of the fine ponds in this area. Lapland, Black Mountain, Fishbrook & Bumps are within reach on a day hike from here.
When To Climb
Summer and fall foliage bring many dayhikers and fishermen to this area. The hike to
Fishbrook Pond is about 3 miles and not a difficult one. A bit more to the elusive
Erebus summit. Winter brings more skiers and snowmobilers. Hikers in winter can count on adding a coupla miles more each way when the path to
Dacy Clearing is closed. Dayhikers to
Sleeping Beauty are common year round, as it's a gorgeous and rewarding day hike.
Camping
The best camping is near the ponds.
Bumps, Fishbrook, Millman, and
Lapland are all nice spots. Lean-tos are available (first come, first served) on
Fishbrook (2),
Millman, Greenland & Lapland. In designated areas or 150' from the water or trail. No fees.
Red Tape
- Except where marked by a "Camp Here" disk camping is prohibited within 150 feet of roads, trails, lakes, ponds, streams or other bodies of water.
- Groups of ten or more persons or stays of more than three days in one place require a permit from the New York State Forest Ranger responsible for the area.
- Lean-tos are available in many area on a first come first served basis. Lean-tos cannot be used exclusively and must be shared with other campers.
- SPECIAL TROUT WATER: The use of bait fish dead or alive in or on these waters or while fishing within is prohibited.
- No parking pass required
Mountain Conditions
NYS DEC
Views from the Top
desainme - Jan 6, 2006 9:55 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentLatitude: 43.575,
Longitude: -73.5515