Possibly the most adventurous hike I’ve ever done is at Wolf Lake State Forest. Here you’ll find gorgeous lakes, great hiking among the trees and maybe, like me, a black bear.
This encounter took place on the Wolf Lake and Moon Lake via Beaver Ponds trail which you will find info about below, as well as my account of my first black bear encounter while hiking.
Table of Contents
Basic Trail Information for Wolf Lake and Moon Lake via Beaver Ponds Trail
- Trail Name: Wolf Lake and Moon Lake via Beaver Ponds
- Location: New York
- Length: 6.8 miles
- Elevation: 600 feet
- Difficulty: hard, only if you do the loop since the trail overgrown the 2nd half. If you do an out and back from the lakes it’s a moderate hike.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Elevation Gain: 550 feet
- Type of Trail: loop
- Who I Recommend this to: experienced hikers
- What season did I go: mid-summer
- Gear Recommendations: pants for the bushwhacking, download the trail guide to your phone, DEET, bear spray
- Cell service: can be spotty
- Water availability: yes, if you filter it
- Special Requirements: parking is free, no permits needed
- Must see feature: Wolf and Moon Lakes
Location of Wolf Lake and Moon Lake via Beaver Ponds Trail
Bear Encounter at Wolf Lake State Forest!
There were no signs at the trailhead warning of black bear. But there is at least one in these woods.
The day started normal. My hiking partner and I headed out early, got breakfast at our favorite diner then drove to Wolf Lake State Forest trailhead to escape reality into the woods for a few hours. Little did I know this hike would change my life.
Right away the trail started with an exciting challenge – it was a hot, humid day on an overgrown trail. At least I the flying nuisances were staying away since I drenched myself in DEET at the parking lot.
I got into a rhythm, like I always do on trail, and began to admire the lush green landscape. This may have been my first mistake – not paying attention to my surroundings.
The second mistake was slacking well behind my hiking partner. I like to video record and take lots of photos so he tends to hike about 50 yards ahead of me, waiting usually at interesting features or forks in the trail.
As a gleefully walk the trail, noting how we were climbing out of the wet areas to a dryer less humid region, I heard large branches breaking ahead of me. I was alone and unprepared for what was coming at me!
A bear!
A large, black bear, about 300-400 pounds was running downhill towards me!
All I could do was scream! My body froze and I literally could not move.
As a scream exited my mouth and my body became rigid the large animal seem to look up at me in fear.
This huge lumbering animal was so close to me that I could see the expression on its face. And as I shrieked the bear made a sharp right turn. That’s when I realized I was safe.
With the danger eliminated I watched the big black bear run from me. I was astonished. I managed to scare a bear. Well, actually both Dan and I did. Because I soon realized it was Dan who originally spooked the bear into running my way. He was not aware of this fact until we both realized the black bear was running from the direction Dan had been hiking.
Both Dan and I were relieved to be safe and I’m sure the bear felt the same way.
With all the video footage I took that day I unfortunately got none of my experience, just memories of my first bear encounter, this written story and my immediate reaction caught on camera in my bear encounter video.
Honestly, the rest of the hike was pretty epic without the bear encounter. We went on to hang out at a gorgeous lake, bushwhacked our way back to the car and came across other critters I’ve never seen before in real life. Be sure to watch my Wolf Lake State Forest video for the rest of the hiking adventure.
Helpful Takeaways
Suggested gear and information for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- If you do the loop wear pants, the shrubs destroy your legs
- Download the map before you go
- Bring DEET and use it
- Check for ticks as often as possible
- Have fun!
Online Resources for this Trail
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
- General information about Wolf Lake State Forest
- Alltrails guide to this trail
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Bring lunch. The lean-tos here are located right on the lakes with amazing views
- Grab breakfast or lunch at the Silver Leaf Diner in De Kalb Junction, NY
- Great hamburgers, pizza and grub at the 2 E’s Bar and Grill (very family friendly) in Edwards, NY
FAQs for Wolf Lake and Moon Lake via Beaver Ponds Trail
Located just outside the “blue line” of the Adirondacks Wolf Lake as well as it’s sister lakes, Moon and Huckleberry Lakes, are located just outside the New York town of Edwards.
The quick answer is no. There are no steep climbs but the area does have rolling hills that can eventually equal to some elevation gain yet not much. There are no big climbs or descents.
Yes, you can swim in all the lakes located in Wolf Lake State Forest. Please note that the lakes are primitive and you can come across dangerous, unexpected obstacles. And there are no life guards located at the lakes. Enjoy but swim at your own risk.
Yes, bring Fido along for a great experience in the forest. Please keep your dog leashed for the safety of all animals in the region.
There sure are! And I encountered one! There are no signs stating this is bear habitat but they certainly live in the 4000+ acres of Wolf Lake State Forest. While you’re out for a hike be sure to make human noises like singing or speaking out loud as to not startle a bear, a scared or startled bear may attack.
Watch My Bear Encounter Story and Hike to Wolf Lake New York
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
Let’s wander, grow, and figure it out together.
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