A hidden backcountry gem, Wilson Pond Trail takes you through open forest, past Grass Pond, and up gentle hills to the shores of the pond. Large rocks and scenic hills make the pond a stunning destination.
How to get there
From the intersection of Route 28 and Route 30 in Blue Mountain Lake follow Route 28 toward Raquette Lake. Continue for 2.5 miles to the state trailhead on the left.
Key statistics
- Distance: 5.5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 630 feet
- Elevation at shore: 2,160 feet
Hiking
Wilson Pond is one of those hidden ponds that so many would consider a backcountry gem. With a well-placed lean-to on its shore, it makes for an excellent destination for a weekend of hiking and fishing.
Trail Description
From the trailhead you will be on a very easy to moderate trail. The forest is fairly open and easy to see through. Soon you will find yourself passing by Grass Pond to your left, slightly through the trees, a cross-road is found here, ignore this and stay straight. In a bit you will be at a short steep descent to a crossing of Loon Brook. Loon brook is not too big, but the crossing can be a bit tough during high water. Past the crossing, the trail follows the shore for a bit before climbing steeply to higher ground.
The trail will continue to climb steadily through the Blue Ridge Wilderness. Some rolling hills will be intermixed but mostly you will be gaining slight elevation. Eventually the trail makes a very hard left and starts a moderate hike to the shore of Wilson Pond and the lean-to sitting at this location. Attractive rock outcroppings and deep blue waters add to the majestic scene. The slope of Blue Ridge, one of the tallest peaks in the Adirondacks, is opposite.
Camping
There is a lean-to for primitive camping.
Fishing
Shoreline Fishing: Just follow the 2.25 mile foot trail to the north shore. Paths around the shore access other regions
Boat Access: None
Fish Species: Brook trout
Insider Tip: This is not the most productive pond, but fishing does make for a fun activity if you're camping nearby.
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.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
This trail gets very little use in the winter making travel slightly harder. Traction is also touchy for skiing as well as ample ground cover due to a tight canopy. The trail is designed perfectly for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but it might take a bit more of an effort to break trail to the pond.
Winter overview
In the winter Wilson Pond makes for a much more exciting ski tour, but the ski tour is not great for everyone. However, if you can't ski to Wilson Pond, you should snowshoe to it.
From the trailhead you will snowshoe over the embankment to the trail register and start on a very easy trail with several small rolling hills. The trail is usually well packed from heavy use at least to Loon Brook. Soon you will find yourself passing by Grass Pond to your left, it can be seen through the trees. A cross-road is found here, ignore this and stay straight. In a bit you will be at a short steep descent to a crossing of Loon Brook. Loon brook is not too big, but the crossing can be a bit more cautious than expected. Especially during a warm spell, this brook will have to be crossed with care and might even require scouting a bit up and down stream.
Past the crossing, the trail follows the shore for a bit before climbing somewhat steeply to higher ground. The trail will continue to climb steadily through the Blue Ridge Wilderness Area. Some rolling hills will be intermixed but mostly you will be gaining slight elevation near to the top of a small unnamed knoll. Eventually the trail makes a very head left and starts a moderate ski to the shore of Wilson Pond and the lean-to sitting at this location. The lean-to makes for a great location to relax, think about your day, look upon the slopes of Blue Ridge across the pond, and enjoy a hot beverage.
Additional information
Hiking over a frozen body of water can access you to areas not seen by most in the summer. With that being said it is a dangerous activity to cross frozen water bodies and should be done with care and respect for your environment. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice.
