Hike to Shallow Lake in the Pigeon Lake Wilderness

Shallow Lake is a 268 acre remote lake located in the Pigeon Lake Wilderness in Central Adirondacks. This trail starts from Brown Tract Pond Campground, near campsite number 68 via the Shallow Lake Trail. This is a nice and easy hike for all fitness levels, with little elevation gain.

There is a wooden sign marked “Shallow Lake” (yellow trail) near a parking area. Take the trail from here, and follow the shore of lower Brown Tract Pond for 0.2 miles, until the trail reaches the jct. with Sucker Brook Bay Trail (another route into Shallow Lake).

From here, you will make a left and follow an old road for a very short distance before turning right onto the Shallow Lake Trail (yellow trail). The trail is bike friendly up until this point. There is a lot of blow down across this section of the trail. As you continue, look for a sign marked 'Wilderness Area' as you enter the Pigeon Lake Wilderness and continue to follow the trail towards Beaver Brook. At 0.5 miles you will reach a very wet and marshy area crossing Beaver Brook over a trail of log bridges. It is very scenic through here with some nice photo opportunities.

After crossing the Brook, the trail will continue towards Shallow Lake, through some wet areas crossing over more logs, with minimal ups and downs and at 1.4 miles you are at Shallow Lake. After enjoying some time at the lake in solitude, you will follow the same route back to the parking area. Total round trip is 2.8 miles.