The Essex Chain of Lakes, located in New York’s Adirondacks region, was opened to the public on October 1, 2013, after being acquired from Finch, Pruyn & Co. This 11,600-acre tract within the 69,000 acres purchased is now under the interim management while final access designations are determined by the Adirondack Park Agency. The area is anticipated to offer various designations, including Wilderness and Wild Forest. The Essex Chain of Lakes has sparked significant interest among paddle-sport enthusiasts eager to explore the previously inaccessible waters.
The lakes within the chain, including Deer Pond, Mud Pond, and Third to Seventh Lakes, are accessible via short portages, with the longest portage being about half a mile. It is still unclear how to get to Grassy Pond, Jackson Pond, and Eighth Lake. Currently, no motorized boats are allowed on the lakes, with a few exceptions for existing hunting and fishing club members with leases expiring by 2020.
This pristine area, largely untouched by development except for some logging and private cottages, supports diverse wildlife, including deer, moose, and various waterfowl. Spectacular views of nearby mountains like Dun Brook Mountain and Blue Mountain can be enjoyed from Third Lake. Notably, floating bogs are present between Fifth and Sixth Lakes.
The Essex Chain of Lakes is surrounded by other public lands and Finch, Pruyn & Co. acquisitions, such as Indian River and OK Slip Falls. These areas are set to offer numerous recreational activities, including hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, nature observation, and horseback riding on old logging roads. The Cedar River and Hudson River can be accessed from the new state-acquired lands, and activities like hunting, fishing, and trapping will be permitted in certain areas. Proposals for mountain bike trails and restroom facilities are being considered.
In 2014, 11 campsites were opened on the lakes, requiring permits from May through October. The nearby town of Newcomb, economically impacted by the decline of the paper mill industry, anticipates a boost from increased real estate sales and tourism. The state is working to balance economic needs with conservation efforts.
Approximately two hours’ drive north of Albany, the Essex Chain of Lakes is an ideal destination for a weekend paddle. Newcomb offers bed & breakfast accommodations, hiking trails, mountain bike routes, a golf course, and rentals for canoes and kayaks. Maps and information are available at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)-managed Adirondacks Park Visitor Interpretive Center.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the newly opened forest roads and paddle the scenic lakes and ponds of the Essex Chain of Lakes, a hidden gem of the Adirondacks.
