Erebus Mountain and Fishbrook Pond Loop

Why hike it

If you’re into long, quiet forest miles with a pristine pond payoff, this loop delivers. It circles the flanks of Erebus Mountain and reaches Fishbrook Pond—one of the loveliest backcountry waters in the Lake George Wild Forest. Expect classic Adirondack footing (roots, rocks, occasional mud), beaver ponds and streams, and a real sense of solitude compared to nearby headline peaks.

The route and distance

Plan on roughly 11.5 miles total for the full loop, starting from the Hogtown–Dacy Clearing access area. Many hikers link Bumps Pond to Fishbrook Pond and then wrap around Erebus back to Dacy Clearing. You can hike it either direction and tack on nearby features if you want extra mileage. Variations exist (some shorter around 8.5 miles), but the full circuit typically falls in the 10–12 mile range.

What to expect

The trail is generally well signed, with steady climbs and a few short, steeper pitches. The west-shore path along Fishbrook Pond can be faint and muddy in places—stay near the shoreline to keep the line. The true summit of Erebus is wooded and has no official trail; most hikers skip it. Along the way you’ll move through mixed hardwood and evergreen forest, past glacial erratics and beaver activity, and between small ponds and wetlands. Wildlife sightings can include deer, plenty of birds, and occasional black bear.

Scenery and vibe

Fishbrook Pond is the highlight: clear, reflective water ringed by forest, with designated backcountry campsites that make an inviting lunch or overnight stop. Views from Erebus are limited to partial lookouts; if you want big panoramas, save that for nearby Sleeping Beauty and treat this loop as a quieter, wilder counterpart.

When to go

Best time is late spring through fall (May–October). Expect lush greens or wildflowers early, and excellent foliage later. Summer can be buggy—bring repellent—and the pond makes a great cool-down stop. In winter, experienced snowshoers do complete the loop, but navigation gets trickier and you’ll see fewer tracks. Early autumn mornings can be quite cold.

Practical tips

• Parking at Dacy Clearing fills on weekends; arrive early. The access road is rough—AWD helps.
• Bring a map or offline GPS; cell service is unreliable.
• Water is plentiful—carry a filter.
• Waterproof boots are smart; mud and wet crossings are common.
• Camping is first-come, first-served at designated sites around Fishbrook (and nearby Bumps Pond).

If you crave an open summit, consider pairing this with Sleeping Beauty or choosing that peak instead. If you want a longer, quieter Adirondack loop anchored by a beautiful pond, this one is underrated and rewarding.