The 92,000 acre Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest is located in the central section of Adirondack Park. This wild forest borders or contains 44 ponds and other small lakes, as well as portions of the Hudson River and much of the Boreas River.  Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest lies both east and west of NY 28N in western Essex County.

The main attractions of the area are the lakes and ponds, the Boreas River and Vanderwhacker Mountain. The Boreas River, a designated scenic river, is truly a beautiful Adirondack river. The Wolf Pond, Durgin Brook and Lester Flow sections of the upper Boreas are well known to bird clubs. These are plant and bird life communities of unusual interest, particularly in the more boreal forms.

The 3386 foot Vanderwhacker Mountain with its fire tower and spectacular views of the high peaks is a very popular hiking destination.  The summit offers possibly the nicest panorama of the high peaks from the southern Adirondacks.  The drive to the trailhead along Moose Club Road is very rough.  Other popular trails within the area lead to Stony Pond, Cheney Pond, Lester Flow, Rankin Pond, and the Boreas River.

For those adventurers looking for more of a challenge and remoteness in this wild forest can try bushwhacking to the summits of 3675 foot Cheney Cobble and 3839 foot Rist Mountain.  Both mountains, located east of Tahawus, are trail less and difficult to reach due to location.  We are unsure of any views from either mountain.

You'll find three lean to's in the wild forest, with one at Stony Pond and two at Cheney Pond.  The two at Cheney Pond are only accessible via boat.  You'll also find roadside campsites along Boreas Road, North Woods Club Road, NY 28N and one along Moose Club Road.

A future section of the North Country National Scenic Trail will travel through the wild forest.

Look below for maps of the popular destinations in this wild forest (many maps were courtesy of Andy Arthur from andyarthur.org).

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