Hike across lands where the Nehasane Lodge Great Camp once stood proud in the Adirondack wilderness. Frederica is a lovely mountain, with exceptional views for those who venture here.
Getting there
From the intersection of Routes 30 and 28 in Long Lake, head north on NY-30 N toward Keough Road for 6.8 miles. Turn left onto Circle Road for 3.0 miles, to the left onto Sabattis Road for another 4.5 miles. Turn left onto Lake Lila Access Road, for 7.4 miles. Continue onto Nehasane Lake Road for 1.6 miles. Destination will be on the right.
*Please note: the speed limit on Lake Lila Access Road is 15 mph. A high clearance vehicle is helpful on this rough dirt road, but a low clearance vehicle can make it with great care.
Bicycles are allowed on the Lake Lila Road, but not beyond the parking area on the trail to Mount Frederica.
By the numbers
- Elevation: 2,170 feet
- Distance: 4.5 miles to the summit (1.5 for paddlers from the western shore of Lake Lila)
Hiking
There is a kiosk and trail register in the Lake Lila parking area. The 4.5 mile hiking trail follows an old dirt road in a westerly direction around the north side of Lake Lila. After 1.5 miles, views of Lake Lila appear as the trail reaches the northern edge of the lake. For the next 1.5 miles, there are views of the lake as the trail continues west and then south along the western edge of Lake Lila.
At the 3 mile point, a sign points out a right turn for Frederica Mountain (with 1.5 miles left to reach the summit). The trail continues on an old dirt road and crosses the old railroad bed. About halfway on this last 1.5 mile section, there is a right turn onto a hiking trail. Watch for the "Trail" sign. The trail gradually climbs up to the cliffs of Frederica Mountain. There are 180 degree views overlooking Lake Lila and many mountains. Blue Mountain is a prominent peak in the view-line.
Alternative route: Paddlers on Lake Lila can access the trail to Frederica Mountain from the western shore of Lake Lila. There is an open area where the old Lodge used to be. Just to the right (north) of this location is a sign for camp sites 8 & 9. This is a good place to leave your canoe/kayak. There is a sign for the trail at this location. Take the short trail up to the old dirt road and head right for a couple hundred feet to the left turn for the trail to Frederica Mountain. (If you take-out farther north, you may need to hike south on the dirt road to pick up the trail.) The description of the 1.5 mile trail up Frederica Mountain is the same as above.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
In winter the Lake Lila Road is gated and not plowed, but can be used for skiing or snowshoeing. This will add significant milages onto your trip.
