Fishbrook Pond North Lean-to

For dedicated New York State hikers, backpackers, and anglers seeking an authentic, primitive wilderness experience, the area around **Fishbrook Pond North Lean-to** offers a rewarding escape within the expansive **Lake George Wild Forest** of the Adirondack Park. This site, officially managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), is not a traditional drive-up campground but a classic Adirondack lean-to—a three-sided log shelter with an overhanging roof—located deep in the backcountry near the town of Dresden, NY.

The surrounding area is characterized by the rugged beauty of the Adirondack Mountains, offering challenging yet highly scenic hiking trails. Fishbrook Pond itself is a centerpiece of this region, a 39-acre body of water managed by the DEC primarily for its outstanding brook trout fishery, making this location particularly prized by anglers across New York State. The entire experience here is centered on self-sufficiency, adherence to "Forever Wild" principles, and immersion in the natural environment. Access to the lean-to is gained only by a significant hike, ensuring a degree of solitude rarely found at more accessible recreational sites.

**⚠️ Important Current Information:** While the location historically featured the Fishbrook Pond North Lean-to, recent reports from the New York State DEC confirm that the structure has regrettably **burned down**. Consequently, the **entire site is temporarily closed to all camping and campfires until further notice.** New York residents planning a trip to this specific location must be aware of this closure. However, the information below details the standard experience of the location and the features of the surrounding area, which remains a premier backcountry hiking and angling destination managed as part of the Lake George Wild Forest unit. Once the DEC lifts the closure and potentially rebuilds the lean-to, these features will once again define the experience.

When the site is open, the lean-to offers a coveted first-come, first-served shelter for up to 8 campers, allowing overnight visitors to enjoy the tranquility of the pond's northern shore. Its high elevation and location within the Lake George Wild Forest make it an essential stop for multi-day treks, combining the challenge of an Adirondack hike with the unique reward of sleeping under a rustic shelter near a teeming trout pond. The site is a testament to New York State's commitment to maintaining primitive camping opportunities in its vast Forest Preserve.

The Fishbrook Pond North Lean-to site is situated on Fishbrook Pond, located in the town of Dresden, Washington County, New York, with a ZIP code of **12819, USA**. The area is part of the larger Lake George Wild Forest.

Accessibility is exclusively by foot, requiring a dedicated trek into the backcountry, making it unsuitable for drive-up camping.

• **Primary Access Trailhead:** The most common access point is via a trail that begins near **Dacy Clearing Road**, often associated with the trailhead for Sleeping Beauty Mountain.
• **Hiking Distance:** The trail to Fishbrook Pond is approximately **2.5 to 3.5 miles** one way from the Dacy Clearing parking area (depending on the season and whether the road gate is open). The trail often passes by popular landmarks such as Sleeping Beauty Mountain and Bumps Pond.
• **Trail Difficulty:** The hike is generally rated as **moderate**, involving significant elevation gain and loss, typical of Adirondack trails which are often rocky and rooted. The overall trek requires preparation for backpacking.
• **Water Access:** Once at the pond, there is direct access to the water, which must be filtered or treated before consumption.

The camping experience at a lean-to site is primitive and based on Leave No Trace principles. Services are minimal, focusing on providing essential shelter and a designated camping area.

• **Lean-to Shelter:** Historically, the North Lean-to provided a roofed, three-sided shelter for up to 8 people. This structure includes a raised wooden sleeping platform and is available on a **first-come, first-served basis**. (Note: Currently closed due to fire damage).
• **Designated Fire Area:** A fire pit or stone ring is typically present near the lean-to for legal campfires, provided the DEC's fire danger rating is low enough. (Note: Campfires are currently prohibited due to site closure).
• **Primitive Privy:** A simple pit toilet (privy) is usually located discreetly near the lean-to to manage human waste and maintain sanitation, as per DEC regulations.
• **Tent Camping:** When the lean-to is full or the site reopens, primitive tent camping is allowed nearby, but tents must be pitched at least **150 feet** from the nearest road, trail, or body of water, and at least 150 feet from the lean-to itself.
• **Carry In/Carry Out:** There are no garbage facilities; all trash must be packed out by the camper. All food and scented items must be stored securely to prevent bear encounters (often using bear canisters or bear hangs).

The primary highlights of the Fishbrook Pond North Lean-to location are the natural environment and the recreational opportunities it enables within the Lake George Wild Forest.

• **Adirondack Brook Trout Fishing:** Fishbrook Pond is actively managed by the DEC as a heritage New York State brook trout pond, offering excellent fishing opportunities for serious anglers. Round whitefish are also present.
• **Scenic Pond Setting:** The pond itself is a beautiful, tranquil body of water, offering picturesque views and a great spot for nature observation, photography, and quiet reflection.
• **Proximity to Sleeping Beauty Mountain:** The trail access is shared with the popular hike to Sleeping Beauty Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains.
• **Backpacking Hub:** The location is part of a network of trails and lean-tos (including the Fishbrook Pond South Lean-to) in the Lake George Wild Forest, allowing for multi-day backpacking loops and extensive wilderness exploration.
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The secluded environment and deep woods are home to various New York State wildlife, including beaver, otter, numerous bird species, and large mammals.

As a DEC-managed facility, all questions regarding the Fishbrook Pond North Lean-to site's current status (especially regarding the fire closure), regulations, and trail conditions should be directed to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 5 office.

Address: The physical location is a backcountry site near Dresden, NY 12819.

DEC Main Phone: (518) 897-1200 (DEC Region 5 Headquarters)

For experienced New York State backpackers and anglers, choosing the Fishbrook Pond North Lean-to area is choosing the **quintessential Adirondack backcountry experience**. What is truly worth choosing here is the **seclusion and the quality of the primitive environment**. You earn your spot by hiking a challenging trail, which filters out crowds and ensures a more solitary connection with the "Forever Wild" Forest Preserve.

The unique combination of a pristine, managed brook trout fishery and its location along the trail system leading to spectacular vistas like Sleeping Beauty Mountain makes it a highly valuable destination for wilderness purists. When the site reopens, its lean-to will once again offer a crucial, simple shelter along a challenging and deeply rewarding New York State trail.

Fishbrook Pond North Lean-to

Dresden, NY 12819, USA