Porter Brook.
Porter Brook threads through the Indian Lake township in the southern Adirondacks — one of dozens of small tributaries that feed the Cedar River drainage system in this corner of the park. The stream appears on USGS maps but carries no access or fisheries data in the DEC system, which usually means it's either intermittent flow, crossed by a single unmarked logging road, or tucked far enough from maintained trails that it sees more moose than anglers. Indian Lake itself (the hamlet and the water) sits at the center of a vast network of old tannery roads, hunting camps, and private inholdings — terrain where a name on a map doesn't always translate to public ground. Worth checking the DEC Unit Management Plan for the area if you're working a bushwhack route or hunting season scout.
Porter Brook has public access. Summits nearby include Buell Mountain and Snowy Mountain.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
12 parking areas· 3 accessible
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.
- 01Snowy Mountain Trail ParkingTrailhead2.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Watch Hill Parking Area2.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Indian Lake Parking3.9 mi
- 04Indian Lake Parking Lot4.1 mi
- 05Wakely Pond Accessible Launch4.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Wakely Pond Accessible Fishing Dock4.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Wakely Pond4.4 mi
- 08Moose River Recrieation Area4.5 miunpavedDirections →
+4 more on the map above
Getting in, staying over.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The peaks.
The waters.
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- McSweeney's Irish Pub7.5 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.
- Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner9.7 mi
Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner: the best Diner in Indian Lake, NY. Order directly online today for takeout or delivery. Save money, support local business!
- Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack13.8 mi
Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack is a family restaurant and bar with four Adirondack locations, offering homemade pizza, wings, and seafood. Guests can enjoy sports on high-def TVs, a full bar, and live music.
- Charlie Johns Store14.8 mi
Opened in 1939, Charlie Johns Store is Speculator's anchor general store — 12,000 square feet of full grocery selection, produce, fresh meats, a full deli, bakery, and hardware. Purchased from Charlie Johns in 1971 by Dean Lane, the Lane family has owned and operated it since.
Sip.
4- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop10.2 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 Speculator15.2 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.
- Waypoint Cafe17.9 mi
Long Lake cafe at 1265 Main St. La Colombe coffee, homemade quiche, avocado toast, artisan sandwiches, salads, poke bowls, soups, and charcuterie. Closed Mondays; weeknight happy hour 4–6 p.m.
- Tamarack Cafe20.6 mi
Tamarack Cafe in downtown Inlet serves a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options, from traditional favorites and specialty bowls to creative salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The cafe also features an 18-hole mini-golf course.
Sweet.
4- Speculator Creamery15.2 mi
A family-run village creamery anchoring Speculator's tiny downtown near Lake Pleasant — a genuine community summer hub. Wide-ranging soft-serve flavors, the 16oz Nor'Easter blend, and hand-dipped hard ice cream. Roughly May through September.
- Custard’s Last Stand17.5 mi
Custard's Last Stand is a historic ice cream shop in Long Lake, established in 1958, serving a variety of soft frozen custard & hard ice cream, sundaes, specialty shakes, floats, and ice cream sodas. They also offer merchandise and gift cards.
- The Park17.5 mi
Trying to find a fast food restaurant in Long Lake? Pay a visit to The Park. We offer a range of burgers, sides, ice cream, drinks and coffee options.
- The Hungry Crow Market & Café19.9 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.
— 15.2 mi to the nearest scoop; save it for the ride home.
Drink.
4- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store7.5 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…
- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake10.0 mi
Hex and Hop is a craft brewery and meadery located in Bloomingdale, New York. They offer full-flavored, high-quality craft beer and mead, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing community and craft.
- Acorn Pub & Eatery at Oak Mountain14.1 mi
Acorn Pub & Eatery is a dining option at Oak Mountain, offering a place to eat and drink.
- Lemon Tree Brewery15.2 mi
Lemon Tree Brewery is a brewery and taproom located in Speculator, NY, steps from Lake Pleasant. It offers house brews like SASQUATCH HAZY IPA and Blueberry Wheat, along with other local NY State micro-brewed beers and wines in a relaxed s…
Stay.
4- Snowy Mountain Inn3.2 mi
Snowy Mountain Inn offers Bed & Breakfast lodging and secluded cottages with lake and mountain views, plus a "guests only" dining room featuring Real Pit Southern BBQ.
- Timberlock3.3 mi
Since 1899, Timberlock has been a family camp offering rustic cabins, lakeside activities, and unforgettable summers in upstate New York.
- The Lorca Adirondacks3.7 mi
A classic Adirondack drive-in lodge rebuilt as a self-check-in contemporary boutique. Eight rooms walled in natural pine, with fire pits, grills, lawn games, a seasonal pool, and a short walk to Indian Lake.
- Camp Driftwood5.1 mi
Camp Driftwood offers 10 unique and comfortable rental cabins on the shores of Indian Lake in the Adirondack Park, providing a serene escape since 1919.
See.
4- Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts10.0 mi
Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts is a vibrant hub for creativity in the Adirondacks, offering inspiring performances, gallery exhibits, workshops, and community events for all ages.
- BLUE MOUNTAIN CENTER10.4 mi
Blue Mountain Center is a working community of writers, artists, and activists set in the heart of the Adirondacks, the largest state park in the continental U.S.
- Blue Mountain Fire Observation Station10.8 mi
Blue Mountain offers a rewarding fire tower hike in the Central Adirondacks, featuring sweeping views and historical significance, with a world-class museum located at its base.
- Adirondack Experience — Museum on Blue Mountain Lake11.2 mi
More than 20 buildings across 121 acres hold interactive exhibitions on Adirondack life, from boat collections and photography archives to outdoor activities and a research library.
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Suggest an edit →Frequently asked.
- Where is Porter Brook located?Porter Brook is a stream in the Indian Lake region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- Is Porter Brook open to the public?Yes, Porter 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 Porter Brook?Within roughly seven miles of Porter Brook: 77 designated campsites, 5 lean-tos or shelters, 1 listed campground. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.