The 50,100 acre Pigeon Lake Wilderness Area is located in the west central Adirondacks in the Towns of Inlet and Long Lake in Hamilton County, and the Town of Webb in Herkimer County. The wilderness lies between four of the larger bodies of water in the Adirondacks--Big Moose Lake, Stillwater Reservoir, Raquette Lake and the Fulton Chain of Lakes.

The terrain consists of low, rolling hills, with the exception of West Mountain near the eastern boundary. There are many brook trout ponds and streams and a considerable expanse of swampland along the courses of Sucker Brook and Beaver Brook.

The forest cover runs to mature or near-mature mixed softwoods and hardwoods, with some dense spruce-balsam types near the 2902 foot summit of West Mountain and in the swamplands. Old growth white pine can be found in the vicinity of Pigeon Lake and a few other places.

It is easily accessible to the public from the south, southeast and southwest, but to a lesser extent from the west and north because of posted private lands. The chief attractions for the public are the trout ponds, which entice fishermen as well as hikers and campers who frequent scenic spots around Cascade Lake, Queer Lake, Constable Pond, Pigeon Lake and Gull Lake. It is also a popular area for hunters during the big game season.

The NY DEC maintains Brown Tract Pond Campground on the southeastern perimeter of the wilderness in Moose River Plains Wild Forest. There are six shelters located within Pigeon Lake Wilderness.  Only one, Queer Lake Lean To, is accessible without boat.  The other five; Sister Lake Lean To, Little Sister Lake Lean To, Andy's Creek Lean To, Upper Gull Lake Lean To and Russian Lake Lean To, can only be accessed via boat then hiking.

The most popular hikes Pigeon Lakes Wilderness include Cascade Lakes Loop, Constable Pond, Queer Lake, Chub Lake, Windfall Pond, Chain Pond and Pigeon Lake.  If your looking for solitude and remoteness try the long hike to the 2902 foot summit of West Mountain.  We also recommend a hike to Shallow Lake.  You can also try the remote 6+ mile Norridgewock Trail located in the northwestern corner of the wilderness.

 

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