The Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness is in the western foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, west of the hamlet of Old Forge and the Fulton Chain of Lakes. Totaling 26,600 acres, the wilderness area is located in Herkimer County, Town of Webb and extends into Lewis County, Town of Greig.

The terrain consists of low rolling hills with many beaver meadows and swamps. Although the area is forest covered, extensive forest fire damage in the southern half has resulted in much of it now being covered with brush, pin cherry, aspen and bracken fern.

In the northern half, mixed hardwood and softwood stands of trees relatively small in diameter predominate. The exceptions are the scattered individual white pine trees just north of the former truck trail which were not cut in the last logging operation.

An extensive trail system is popular with many hikers visiting the area, especially when looking to get away from the crowds in the Old Forge area.  The Middle Settlement Lake Loop is the most popular of the hikes in the area because of the hike being featured in hiking guide books. 

A hike to Middle Branch Lake, Cedar Pond or Grass Pond are also popular.  Hikes to Pine Lake or Big Otter Lake can also be done, although both are technically in Independence River Wild Forest.  Since the trails in the area have been set up a certain way, you can create your own loop hike of any type of distance.

There are two lean tos in this Wilderness; Middle Settlement Lake and Middle Branch Lake.

Look below for a map from National Geographic Illustrated of Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness.

 

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