Take the easy, rolling old roadbed by foot, bike, or snowmobile out to the spacious waterfront for some scenic views. 

Key statistics

• Distance: 5 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 440 feet

Hiking

The path is on an old roadbed that ends at both trailheads to Mitchell Pond. This trail is a snowmobile trail and mountain bike trail, so it is quite wide. The grade is very mellow, especially from the north. There are limited amounts of elevation change but the trail does climb slightly to Upper Mitchell Pond. A short spur trail on the left will lead to a rise and a picnic table.

Birding

Wood warblers, woodpeckers, and ruffed grouse are seen here often. On the water you might see great blue heron, merganser, and common loons. The last golden eagle to nest in New York state was along this trail in 1971.

Cycling

This trail is a snowmobile trail and mountain bike trail, so it is quite wide. The grade is very mellow, especially from the north. There are limited amounts of elevation change but the trail does climb slightly to Upper Mitchell Pond. A short spur trail on the left will lead to a rise and a picnic table. A bit further a spur trail leads to a dock overlooking Upper Mitchell Pond. Cross the inlet and another spur trail of roughly 0.8 miles will be on the left to access Lower Mitchell Pond. The views of and out over the ponds are fantastic and a photographer's dream.

Shoreline fishing is all you will have on these two ponds. Lower Pond is very deep, and that's where lake trout are. It is also reported that kokanee salmon are found here, but they're difficult to catch. Most people fish for brown trout.

Mitchell Ponds in the winter

This trail is not recommended for winter access as the Moose River Plains Wild Forest is a snowmobile corridor and not open to cars or trucks in the winter.

Paddling

Canoe or kayak access only, but very long carry from the Moose River Plains Road.

Fishing

Shoreline fishing is all you will have on these two ponds. There is ample room to access the ponds in several areas but you will have to hike a minimum 2 miles to access the two ponds. The trail does go over a decent sized hogback requiring a moderate climb and descent. Lower Pond is very deep.

Fish species: Brown trout, kokanee, lake trout (lower only) 

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

How to get there

The trail starts 8 miles down Moose iver Road from the Moose River Plains visitor sign-in near Limekiln Lake.