Balm of Gilead Brook.
Balm of Gilead Brook is a tributary water in the Indian Lake region — one of those named flows that appears on the topo but carries no angler reputation, no trailhead register, no lean-to access in the collective memory. The name itself (likely borrowed from the medicinal resin of a poplar species common to wet Adirondack drainages) suggests early settler geography rather than recreational infrastructure. Without fish stocking records or maintained trail access, it lives in that broad category of Adirondack streams better known to loggers, trappers, and bushwhackers than to day-hikers — a footnote water in a region dense with them.
Balm of Gilead Brook has public access. Summits nearby include Harvey Mountain and South Mountain.
The water, surveyed.
- Peak foliage from the water — the best seats in the Park are in a canoe this month.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
7 parking areas
Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data and NYSDEC records; surface and capacity from NYSDEC and OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.
- 01Trail ParkingTrailhead2.1 miunpavedDirections →
- 0213Th Lake Parking Lot2.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Old Farm Parking Lot2.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Trail Parking3.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Moxham Mountain4.4 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Chatiemac Lake Parking Lot5.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Northwoods Club Rd Parking Lot6.5 miunpavedDirections →
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The peaks.
The waters.
The trails.
Read before you launch.
Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- becks TAVERN4.8 mi
A tavern on Peaceful Valley Road in North Creek serving German-inspired dishes alongside burgers, wings, and bar standards. The Yurts out back are the conversation piece.
- McSweeney's Irish Pub10.5 mi
An Irish-style pub on Route 30 in Indian Lake serving comfort-food classics (shepherd's pie, fish and chips) seven days a week, year-round. The dependable dinner spot in town.
- Cafe Adirondack Restaurant & Wine Room12.3 mi
Please call 518-494-5800 for reservations, or to check for takeout and walk in availability.
- Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar16.2 mi
Sticks and Stones Wood fired Bistro and Bar, Menu, Events, Catering, Location, Adirondack style private parties.
Sip.
4- 9 Mile Coffee Co17.3 mi
9 Mile Coffee Co. is a coffee shop in downtown Schroon Lake, NY, serving a variety of coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches, and soups. They also sell their custom coffee blends and gift cards online.
- Cupola Crepes17.3 mi
Family-run creperie at 1095 Main Street in Schroon Lake. Sweet and savory crepes (gluten-free batter available), scones, coffee, and soft serve. Wednesday through Sunday.
- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop20.3 mi
Seasonal coffee shop inside the 1895 schoolhouse that houses Blue Mountain Designs. Espresso, locally roasted coffee, loose-leaf tea, baked goods, avocado toast, sandwiches, and soups. May through October.
- The PERKS of Speculator21.3 mi
Speculator coffee shop and bakery at 2855 NY-30. Specialty coffee, espresso, fresh-baked bagels and pastries, plus breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Gluten-free options across the bakery case.
— 17.3 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
4- The Hungry Crow Market & Café4.6 mi
A downtown North Creek market and cafe serving soft serve alongside scratch-made desserts, next to Hudson River Trading Co. — the cone stop in the Gore and Upper Hudson area.
- Stone Bridge Ice Cream12.7 mi
Stone Bridge Ice Cream is a seasonal stand located 2.5 miles from the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, offering over 40 flavors of soft serve, custom ice cream cakes, and signature sundaes. It features outdoor seating and a kids' swing set.
- Crossroads Ice Cream14.3 mi
The ice cream counter at The Crossroads, a country and outdoors store off I-87 Exit 25 in Chestertown between Schroon and Brant Lake — hard and soft ice cream on the road north.
- Main Street Ice Cream Parlor14.4 mi
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Drink.
4- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store10.5 mi
Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store offers a full bar with an extensive bottle selection and local drafts, alongside a menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees. The restaurant is currently closed for mud season and wi…
- Black Bear Restaurant & Bar12.2 mi
Black Bear Restaurant & Bar is an American eatery in Pottersville, NY, offering comfort food, sandwiches, and breakfast. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, quick service, and popular dishes like meatloaf and gravy fries.
- The Hub16.4 mi
The Hub is a cafe, restaurant, lounge, bar, and bike repair shop located in Brant Lake, also serving the Lake George, Loon Lake, Friends Lake, and Schroon Lake areas.
- The Brown Swan and Tavern17.1 mi
The Brown Swan and Tavern in Schroon Lake, NY, offers Adirondacks-inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a family-friendly setting.
Stay.
4- North River Hobby Farm Cabin and Glamping Rentals1.1 mi
Located in the southern Adirondacks, this vacation rental property offers cozy cabins and glamping tents set over 40 acres of wildflowers and woods. Each cabin features charming old-style detailing with bay windows, beadboard walls, and…
- The Alpine Lodge4.6 mi
A 19-room lodge in North Creek with recently updated rooms, suites with kitchenettes, smart-room amenities, Tesla chargers, pet-friendly rooms. Five minutes to Gore Mountain.
- Gore Mountain Lodge4.9 mi
Gore Mountain Lodge is your Adirondack lodging vacation escape two minutes from both the lifts at Gore Mountain and the Hudson River.
- The Inn on Gore Mountain5.2 mi
Adirondack-themed ski lodge 500 feet from the Gore Mountain access road. Main Lodge plus four two-story cabins, eighteen rooms total, sleeping up to thirty-two guests across twelve bedrooms.
See.
4- Revolution Rail Co. - Thurman Station4.4 mi
A pedal-powered rail biking operation at Thurman Station on the Adirondack Railroad bed near North Creek, with family-friendly seasonal tours rolling alongside the Hudson River corridor through forest and open river-bank country.
- North Creek Depot Museum4.4 mi
Saved from demolition, this 1872 landmark station is now a museum, heritage center, and cultural hub in historic North Creek, featuring a fabulous diorama and exhibits on the Adirondack Railroad, Theodore Roosevelt, and local history.
- Natural Stone Bridge & Caves11.1 mi
Explore the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern U.S., carved by Trout Brook. Offers self-guided trails, adventure tours, and winter snowshoeing with ice formations.
- Town of Horicon Museum16.6 mi
The Brant Lake Museum is housed in an 1890s farmhouse, featuring period furniture, clothing, tools, and photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries. It also includes a Carriage House with military and local hotel exhibits.
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Suggest an edit →Frequently asked.
- Where is Balm of Gilead Brook located?Balm of Gilead Brook is a stream in the Indian Lake region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- Is Balm of Gilead Brook open to the public?Yes, Balm of Gilead Brook has public access. See the listing page for current trailhead, parking, and boat-launch details, and check active DEC advisories before visiting.
- Can you camp at Balm of Gilead Brook?Within roughly seven miles of Balm of Gilead Brook: 51 designated campsites, 8 lean-tos or shelters. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.