The 1.25 mile one way hike to Stewart Lake is a popular hiking destination in Shaker Mountain Wild Forest of the southwestern Adirondacks. Some hikers continue on toward Indian Lake to create a longer day hike for a round-trip of about 4.6 miles. Others start their hiking adventure by climbing to the fire tower on Kane Mountain and then hike to Stewart Lake since they share the same trailhead/parking area.

Directions: From Caroga Lake Campground take NY 29A north for 4.5 miles. Turn right on Green Lake Road and drive 0.5 miles. There will be a fork in the road. Take the left fork and the one lane gravel road takes you to a parking area in about 500 feet. This is the Green Lake Road Trailhead for the Kane Mountain Fire Tower Trail and the Stewart Lake Trail - Indian Lake Trail. The GPS coordinates are N43 10.766 W74 30.298 for the trailhead for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.

From the parking area, look for the DEC trail sign that states Stewart Lake is 1.25 miles and Indian Lake is 2.0 miles. The distance is real close to Stewart Lake, however Indian Lake is 2.2 via my GPS or 2.3 miles according to the National Geographic Map. You are following yellow DEC plastic markers for this well used trail. Almost immediately you pass a small pond on your left. The trail climbs most of the way toward the lake. The main Stewart Lake Trail never actually takes you to the shore of the lake, however there are two unmarked paths that travel to the shore. We suggest that you choose the second path for the Stewart Lake. You'll pass this unmarked path at about 1.4 miles into your hike.

The main trail now becomes more level as you travel toward Indian Lake. The trail ends at the shore of Indian Lake at 2.2 miles (according to my GPS), although the DEC sign has the mileage at 2.3 miles.

Look below for a map of this hiking destination.