Chub Pond

Chub Pond

This little backcountry pond has incredible potential for wildlife. Explore the trails surrounding the pond, and venture down to its shores for intimate views of the water and the hills that it lays beneath.

Hiking

Chub Pond is a very small backcountry wilderness pond with outstanding wildlife and birding potential. It is located along the Castle Rock Loop, but short side trips will be required to reach its shores for best viewing.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 28 and Route 30 in the hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake follow Route 28/30 toward Long Lake. Continue for 0.6 miles to Maple Lodge Road on the left. Drive Maple Lodge Road to its end at the hiker parking area. You will pass along a very narrow and seeming private road for some parts; just continue, the hiker parking is well designated.

Trail Description

Initially you will be following a private dirt road, please stay on the marked route. The trail markers are on the power poles. After a short distance you will leave the road and start on a foot trail. Within a few hundred feet of leaving the road you will come to split in the trail.

To reach the south sides of the pond follow the trail left over a small foot bridge. After a short distance you will see the pond off to your right. Very faint herd paths in this area will bring you to the shore.

To reach the northern sides of the pond follow the trail split to the right. This trail will bring you slightly uphill at times and above the pond. Along the trail, there are faint herd paths that will bring you down to the pond. This side of the pond gives the best views out over the marsh and open water.

This is an excellent destination for birding and even moose watching. Look around and you could potentially see a moose track and maybe even some fresh scat.

Distances

Trailhead to Chub Pond – 0.6 to 0.75 miles

Family with Young Kids

  • 20-25 minutes

Experienced Hiker

  • 10-20 minutes

Out of Shape Hiker

  • 15-25 minutes

Snowshoeing

This makes for an excellent snowshoe destination for the entire family. The loop gets moderate use in the winter but the side trips to the pond will get none. The pond in the winter is much less outstanding. Trail is not recommended of cross-country skiing.

Fishing

Directions:

From the intersection of Route 28 and Route 30 in the hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake, follow Route 28/30 toward Long Lake. Continue for 0.6 mile and turn left on Maple Lodge Road, then follow it to its end at the well-marked hiker parking area. Note that some sections of the road are very narrow and seemingly private.

Shoreline Fishing:

Limited but available.

Boat access:

NA

Insider Information:

    The deepest portion of the pond is located on the southwest end of the pond, which is accessible via the Castle Rock Trail on the south side of the pond.
    This pond gets very infrequent use for fishing, so the stock could be very good.
    Much of the pond is shallow, so it's best to float a bobber or use weedless hooks.

Fish Species:

Brook trout, bullhead

Special Regulations:

Always follow state fishing regulations and be sure to pick up a NYS Freshwater Fishing Guide at your local outfitters or regional DEC office.

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