Treadway Mountain Trail

The trailhead is accessible via the Putnam Pond State Campground, located near Brant Lake, New York. Parking is available at the campground. Be aware that during its operating season (May through September), there may be a fee to enter the campground and access the trailhead.

While no specific hiking permits are generally required for the Treadway Mountain Trail itself, there may be an entrance fee to the Putnam Pond State Campground during its operating season (May through September), which is where the trailhead is located. This trail is within the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, so standard wilderness regulations apply.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trail. However, it's always best to keep them on a leash, especially in a wilderness area, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers.

The trail is rewarding in various seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is popular, but be prepared for warmer weather. In winter, it's suitable for snowshoeing, offering a unique, quiet experience, but it is not recommended for cross-country skiing.

The trail offers diverse scenery, starting through mixed pine and hemlock forests, passing alongside Putnam Pond, and traversing wetlands. The summit provides exceptional panoramic vistas of surrounding forests, mountain ridges, Putnam Pond, Pharaoh Mountain, and even distant High Peaks. Don't miss the View of Pharaoh Lake from the top.

The hike is generally considered moderate and typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the summit views. The route is approximately 3.6 miles (5.8 km) one way.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Treadway Mountain Trail. However, sections of the route also pass through parts of the Grizzle Ocean Trail and the Clear Pond Trail, offering connections to other paths within the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.

The trail is rated as moderate. It begins relatively flat, winding through forests and alongside Putnam Pond. After about a mile and a quarter, it begins a significant ascent, traversing wetlands before leading to steeper sections. These steeper parts often open onto large expanses of bedrock, which can be challenging. The most strenuous parts are concentrated in the final mile of the ascent.

The trail is marked by a changing sequence of colors: yellow, then blue, then red. However, navigation on the open rock sections can be challenging as traditional trail markers are scarce. In these areas, hikers should look for and follow rock cairns to stay on course.

Generally, there is no cell service in the vicinity of the Treadway Mountain Trail. This offers a great opportunity for a truly disconnected experience and full immersion in nature, but it also means you should be prepared with offline maps and emergency plans.

Beyond the stunning panoramic views, the summit of Treadway Mountain features unique geological formations. Hikers can find large veins of rose quartz at the peak, adding an interesting natural element to the beautiful open rock landscape.