Pug Hole.
Pug Hole is an 8-acre pond in the Indian Lake region — small, remote, and off the standard tourism grid in a way that defines much of the central Adirondacks. No fish data on record, no maintained trail infrastructure, no lean-tos noted in the immediate vicinity — the kind of water that shows up on a topo map and stays quiet because access requires either local knowledge or a willingness to bushwhack. The name itself (likely tied to logging-era vernacular) is more colorful than the pond is accessible. If you're headed this way, confirm access and ownership lines before you go — central Adirondack pond country is a patchwork of private holdings and state land, and not every named water invites a visit.
Pug Hole has public access. Summits nearby include P Gay Mountain and Kettle 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
10 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 ParkingTrailhead2.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Northwoods Club Rd Parking Lot2.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Moxham Mountain4.9 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Lost Pond/Stony Pond Trail Parking5.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 0513Th Lake Parking Lot5.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Chain Lakes Road South Parking Lot5.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Outer Gooley Parking Area5.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Old Farm Parking Lot6.2 miunpavedDirections →
+2 more on the map above
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- McSweeney's Irish Pub8.1 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.
- becks TAVERN9.4 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.
- Cafe Adirondack Restaurant & Wine Room14.7 mi
Please call 518-494-5800 for reservations, or to check for takeout and walk in availability.
- Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner16.4 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!
Sip.
4- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop16.9 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.
- 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 Crepes17.4 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.
- Waypoint Cafe20.2 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.
— 16.9 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
4- The Hungry Crow Market & Café8.9 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.
- Stone Bridge Ice Cream14.9 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 Cream17.8 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 Parlor18.1 mi
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Drink.
4- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store8.1 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 & Bar14.7 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.
- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake16.8 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.
- The Brown Swan and Tavern17.2 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 Rentals4.0 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…
- Twin Coves on Indian Lake8.0 mi
Twin Coves offers nine fully equipped cottages on the shore of Indian Lake, surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. Guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, water skiing, and various games, with nearby amenities like marinas, golf, and restaura…
- Thornbush Acres RV Park8.1 mi
A private RV park on Big Brook Road in Indian Lake with 46 large pull-through sites, full hookups, 30/50 amp service, free Wi-Fi, bathhouse, dump station, and a campstore. Mid-May through mid-October.
- The Alpine Lodge8.8 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.
See.
4- Revolution Rail Co. - Thurman Station8.5 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 Museum8.5 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.
- Newcomb Ski Slope12.1 mi
2 slope municipal ski slope free to the public.
- Natural Stone Bridge & Caves13.0 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.
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Suggest an edit →Frequently asked.
- Where is Pug Hole located?Pug Hole is a pond in the Indian Lake region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Pug Hole?Pug Hole has a surface area of approximately 8 acres, a small pond.
- Is Pug Hole open to the public?Yes, Pug Hole 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 Pug Hole?Within roughly seven miles of Pug Hole: 67 designated campsites, 5 lean-tos or shelters. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.