The Branch.
The Branch is a tributary stream in the Paradox Lake drainage — one of those named waters that exists on the DEC registry without much in the way of public record or angler chatter. No species data in the state files, no trailhead signs pointing you to a specific access, no lean-to or campsite designation to anchor a trip report. It likely feeds or drains one of the ponds in the Paradox Lake Wild Forest, where most small streams run cold and seasonal, holding brookies if they hold anything at all — but that's conjecture, not gospel.
The Branch has public access. Summits nearby include Marsh Pond Mountain and Three Brothers Mountain.
The water, surveyed.
- Cold-water season returns — dress for immersion, and from Nov 1 New York requires wearing a PFD in boats under 21 ft.
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.
- 01Elk Lake Road Parking Area #2Trailhead1.7 mi
- 02Elk Lake Road Parking Area #11.9 mi
- 03Elk Lake Parking Lot2.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Hoffman Notch Parking Area3.0 mi
- 05Gulf Brook Road Campsite 1 Parking area4.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Gulf Brook Road Campsite 1 Parking area4.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Gulf Brook Road Campsite 1 Parking area4.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Gulf Brook Road Campsite 1 Parking area4.0 miunpavedDirections →
+4 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- Trail Break at Schroon Lake9.5 mi
Trail Break at Schroon Lake offers a restaurant, bar, and lodging in Schroon Lake. Guests can enjoy a menu of food, wine, and beer, live music on select evenings, and overnight stays in their rooms from May through October.
- Pitkins Restaurant10.5 mi
Pitkin's Restaurant is a family dining landmark in Schroon Lake, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a broad menu in a modern rustic setting. It features a new patio, including pet-friendly outdoor dining, and is conveniently locate…
- DeCesare's Pizzeria10.9 mi
DeCesare's Pizzeria in Schroon Lake offers a menu of pizza, Italian dishes, and salads. They provide online ordering for both carryout and delivery.
- Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar11.8 mi
Sticks and Stones Wood fired Bistro and Bar, Menu, Events, Catering, Location, Adirondack style private parties.
Sip.
4- Cupola Crepes10.4 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.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co10.5 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.
- Old Mountain Coffee Company14.0 mi
Great Coffee, Great Food, Great Baked Goods & Great People. Stop in to enjoy our house roasted coffee, browse our menu for a bite to eat or grab a delicious treat from our bakery. Order Online for pickup or stop in.
- Counter Space18.7 mi
A casual cafe in Elizabethtown serving coffee, espresso, and light bites — a local gathering spot in the Essex County seat.
Sweet.
4- Stone Bridge Ice Cream17.5 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.
- Black Rooster Maple18.3 mi
Pure Adirondack Maple Syrup, Maple Cream, Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup
- Cedar Run Bakery & Market18.7 mi
Cedar Run Bakery & Market offers scratch-made baked goods, deli items, fresh menu options, and take & bake meals, alongside a selection of wine and spirits. They are open Friday through Monday from 8 AM to 6 PM.
- Adirondack Corner Store21.2 mi
A longtime deli and general store at the corner of Route 73 in Lake Placid with an ice cream counter and subs — a locals' spot off the Main Street tourist row.
— 17.5 mi to the nearest scoop; save it for the ride home.
Drink.
4- Paradox Brewery4.3 mi
Paradox Brewery offers a diverse tap selection, a full menu with pizza, burgers, and BBQ, and an expansive mountain landscape.
- Flanagan's Pub & Grill10.5 mi
Long-standing, log cabin–style haunt offering traditional pub grub, draft beer & cocktails.
- The Brown Swan and Tavern10.5 mi
The Brown Swan and Tavern in Schroon Lake, NY, offers Adirondacks-inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a family-friendly setting.
- The Old Mine15.2 mi
The Old Miners Tavern is a historic Adirondack tavern in Moriah, NY, offering classic bar food like juicy burgers and chicken wings, a full bar with rotating craft beers, and a welcoming atmosphere for friends to gather.
Stay.
4- Blue Ridge Falls Campsites2.2 mi
Blue Ridge Falls Campsites is a campground in North Hudson, NY, offering RV, pop-up, and tent camping near Schroon Lake and I-87. Guests can enjoy Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a camp store, with easy access to area attraction…
- Blue Ridge Motel5.0 mi
A renovated roadside motel on Route 9 between Schroon Lake and North Hudson, with private baths, AC, wifi, a pet-friendly room, and a continental breakfast in the lobby.
- Medcalf Acres Riverfront Campground - Camping in the Adirondacks7.7 mi
A riverfront campground on River Road in Schroon Lake with seasonal sites, in-house Schroon River tubing, free ice and wood at check-in, and tribute-band weekends.
- Maple Leaf Motel9.2 mi
Modest property offering simple rooms & cabins with fridges, microwaves & free WiFi, plus a pool.
See.
4- Penfield Homestead Museum13.7 mi
Penfield Homestead Museum preserves the history of Crown Point, NY, and the surrounding Ironville area. Explore the historic homestead, barns, church, and learn about local history, military conflicts, and notable families.
- Camp Santanoni16.6 mi
Built by the wealthy Pruyn family, Camp Santanoni is a publicly-owned National Historic Landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the early Adirondack Great Camp era and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Natural Stone Bridge & Caves16.7 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.
- Lake Placid Bobsled Experience17.2 mi
Mt Van Hoevenberg, a Lake Placid Legacy Site, offers the thrilling Skeleton Experience for visitors and youth bobsled and skeleton programs, continuing its Olympic legacy as a venue for winter sports.
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Suggest an edit →Frequently asked.
- Where is The Branch located?The Branch is a stream in the Paradox Lake region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- Is The Branch open to the public?Yes, The Branch 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 The Branch?Within roughly seven miles of The Branch: 21 designated campsites, 5 lean-tos or shelters, 1 listed campground. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.