Pharaoh Lake has several lean-tos and campsites on the water, making it a good backpacking destination.

My recent backpacking trip to Henderson Lake had me thinking about all the lovely places I’ve passed by during day trips.

With the final destination somewhere else, these places didn’t get the attention they deserved at the time and are worthy of being the focus of a visit.

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My criteria for a backpack-worthy place may be different than yours. I’m drawn to places on the water; others may want mountain views. I want places accessible enough for me to reach with a backpack, but not so accessible that they’re crowded. I also like having day hike options nearby.

So, without further ado, here were some of the wild places where I want to wake up:

I’ve hiked and skied into Pharaoh Lake many times, usually from Mill Brook outside Brant Lake, but I’ve never gone in to spend the night. It didn’t make the cut on this last trip because my friend Virginia and I figured the area would be busy with weekend visitors. It would be........

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