Bennett Lake, Middle Lake, and Murphy Lake from Creek Road

From Creek Road in Hamilton County, NY, a hiker can reach three lakes between 1.3 miles and 3.8 miles, with Willis Lake a little further at about 9.3 miles. The trail is suited for a family day hike or overnight hike, though it is truly wilderness—no running water or paved trails. Anticipate muddy trails with moderate, stony grade at times.

The trailhead on Creek Road is 2.3 miles east off NY-30N in the town of Hope. There is a wide shoulder at either side of the road, with a smallish DEC brown and yellow signboard. I suggest the Guide to Adirondack Trails: Southern Region as a guidebook and/or National Geographic Illustrated Map, Lake George, Great Sacandaga Lake for a map. For Upstate New Yorkers, the nearest Barnes and Noble or Eastern Mountain Sports may stock these things. I also suggest bringing a GPS on your trip with appropriate map sets, as some of the roads and trails in the Adirondacks are confusing. Don’t count on cellphone reception.

Note: I published an image gallery of highlight images along the Murphy Lake Trail for sale as prints. The gallery may be useful as a visual reference for the hike.

According to the Guide to Adirondack Trails, Southern Region(pg 123-124), The Murphy lake trail lies along an ancient, forgotten road, although one can easily hike it without ever knowing. A mile into the trail, there is an abandoned settlement and ferric oxide mine used for turn of the century paint pigments. Only an area of dark red soil and depression on the left remain.

The first miles of the Murphy Lake trail are relatively easy, but not without moderate climbs, mucky patches, and rocky areas. At 1.3 miles, there is a separate path on the right marked by a small rock pile, or cairn, on either side. This path leads to The first lake on the trail, Bennett Lake. The view is somewhat restricted by vegetation, but still noteworthy. At the time of this writing, there is a fireplace, a log bench, and an outhouse by the lake, with enough space to set up a few tents.

Continuing on the main trail, a steep rocky section, a couple of streams with a plank and boulders to cross, and some level walking greet the hiker. At 2.6 miles, another cairn marked path to the right leads to a fireplace and camping area along Middle Lake. At the time of this writing, there was a canoe along its shore. Unless camping there, it is not necessary to take this path to view the lake. A small distance ahead on the main trail provides ample viewing with evidence of beaver activity. Perhaps one of the more picturesque sections of the hike.

After a short steep climb, a protracted descent, and some more muck, Murphy lake comes into view, with the lean-to at 3.8 miles. A couple of rocky outcroppings protrude out to the lake, with, at the time of this writing, a canoe and makeshift paddle along one outcropping. Although nice for canoeing, I noticed leeches in the water, so I would not care to swim in the murky waters.

For most the trail ends here, but for the curious and adventurous, the trail continues on along the lake with some improvised fireplaces, then turns NW away from the lake, to the Pumpkin Rd. trailhead at 8.3 miles, and Willis Lake at around 9.3 miles. There isn’t really a place to camp at Willis Lake, or remarkable views, so it’s not a good ending point.

From Willis Lake, an adventurous spirit could travel another 6-12 miles to Wilcox Lake or Tenant Creek Falls , perhaps taking Hope Falls Road back to Creek Road, making a multi-day loop. However this concept is beyond the scope of this review.

As a reminder, I published an image gallery on the Murphy trail for sale as prints. Feel free to peruse as a reference for your hike.