Alder Lake — Attraction in Town of Hardenburgh

Definitely more enjoyable now that it's monitored. I still think it should have a manned gate to offset the over use of the area and the lack of respect for the natural environment. Be aware... It's a zero electric zero cell service zero bathroom zero food stand place. It's a small lake in the mountains... No snack shack, no pavilion, no rental for anything. If you bring stuff with you take it back with you. There is no garbage can no dumpster and no bear is going to eat the garbage you leave behind. This is one of the most overused dirty areas during tourist season. A gate and a charge for entry would deter a lot of the unnecessary trashing of a remote area. It would be beneficial in helping to maintain it and ensure repairs...that become necessary when out of area people.. spray paint there out of area towns like bridge graffiti on the trees and rocks. Same as the lean to areas around. There is no quiet time there unless you go early day... Or off season. Sadly. Our locals appreciate the area immensely and are enjoying the opportunity for the solitude it provides away from the crowds...now. One of the most disrespected places in our...

Pros: great place to camp—lots of camp sites (I think there are 14) which are mostly pretty nice if you're ok with primitive camping; it's at the foot of amazing hiking trails—top of the mountain is beautiful, also there are lean-tos farther up the trails for more camping awesomeness; beautiful views; lake is great, especially if you stay at a campsite with direct access.

Cons: beach site could be better (not that big); not all of the campsites have water access; no way to know if there will be a campsite available before going (usually not a problem, but can be on busier weekends in the summer); bears! (be careful with your food...

We randomly found this site dropping our boys off at Onteora Scout Camp. We didn't hike very far but did a little bit around the pond. The pond is great and clean, and really a hidden gem. I wish I had my kayak. There were people kayaking and using their SUP's. My daughter and I had fun trying to catch frogs in the pond. Then right by the parking their is an entrance to a spring. We refilled our water bottles and hike down further to the stream and there was a really cool path with waterfalls. We had so much fun exploring the area. I'd...