Just like chicken noodle soup, a walk through the woods to a pond is good for the soul. It’s different from hiking to a mountain top. Not only are these hikes less strenuous, but having a lakeside destination is arguably more serene and peaceful. Generally less human traffic. Low key. Usually forested walks. Very family friendly and dog friendly. In fact, I think these are excellent starter hikes for young kids and anyone who hasn’t had much experience hiking in the ADK. The terrain — especially around Owen and Copperas Ponds — will give you a good idea of what to expect on hikes with greater elevation gain. Rocky and lots of tree roots.

These hikes are great in summer if you’re looking to take a dip in the water. Good in the spring mud season when we need to avoid higher elevations — but be prepared with bug spray in black fly season. Ideally, try these trails in autumn to catch reflections of fall color in a crystal clear pond.

Here are five favorite ponds to visit, all under 500 feet of elevation gain, listed in order from least elevation gain to most.

Lake Placid via Brewster Peninsula Trail

Owen Pond: There are a number of trails and ponds on the drive between Lake Placid and Wilmington. Owen Pond is definitely one of my favorites. The trail follows a babbling brook to the pond, which makes it an especially pleasant walk. It’s about 1.5 miles roundtrip (depending on how far you take the trail) and just 100 feet of elevation gain. There’s a campsite beside the pond at about the 0.7 mark, which makes a good stop for lunch or a snack. Also nice to sit along the pond’s rocky shore and throw a stick for you dog or watch the kiddos play. You can also take a connector trail all the way to Copperas Pond for a longer walk (see below). The Owen Pond trailhead is less than 7 miles from our cottage in Lake Placid, with parking along side the road.
Lake Placid: I take Maddie on Brewster Peninsula Trails to Lake Placid on a fairly regular basis. There are several routes, but it’s generally a 2-mile loop with about 100 feet of elevation gain. We usually walk from our cottage to Simply Gourmet, and pick up the trail from the back of their parking lot. You’ll frequently see other people walking these trails, and at least a couple other pups.
Moose Pond: For a slightly longer trail, try the 3.1 mile roundtrip to Moose Pond. It’s still relatively flat, with just 220 feet of elevation gain. And only 12 miles from Lake Placid past Saranac Lake. You can also paddle Moose Pond, but use a different trail for the canoe put-in.
McKenzie Pond: Following Jackrabbit Trail to McKenzie Pond is a classic walk. It’s 4.1 miles roundtrip and 285 feet of elevation gain through the forrest. In winter, Jackrabbit is open for cross-country skiing too. The trailhead for this route is off McKenzie Pond Road (out of Ray Brook), less than 7 miles from our cottage.
Copperas Pond: The trail to Copperas Pond is a short 1 mile round-trip from the roadside trailhead to the pond, and about 350 feet of elevation gain. You hike up and over a ridge to get to the pond, and back up and over the same ridge to get back to the car. It’s typical ADK terrain with lots of rocks and tree roots, so consider your hiking boots or good trail shoes, and bring poles if you like. You can choose to explore around the pond, or even follow the connector trail all the way to Owen Pond for a two-fer. There are a few campsites and one lean-to around Copperas which make a great place for a picnic lunch. Even though it’s near the highway, you can’t hear any traffic noise once you’re in the woods. It’s a lovely pond, and less than 8 miles from our cottage. Note that parking is on the opposite side of the highway from the trailhead, so you’ll need to cross carefully.

5 Pond Walks With <500 Feet Elevation Gain

Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free

Bike ADK