Courtney and Shingletree ponds are two small bodies of water in the Hammond Pond Wild Forest. You won't miss Courtney Pond; it sits right on the edge of the road. It is very scenic with lily pads and abundant wildlife. 

Getting there

The trailhead is located on Route 9, 0.2 miles south of the Sharp Bridge Campground. Courtney Pond is located right beside the road, so it is not easily missed. Park at a small roadside lot next to Courtney Pond.

Hiking and snowshoeing

This end-to-end hike, only 1.1 miles one way, runs from from Courtney Pond to Shingletree Pond along a trail with minor elevation changes. It is full of lovely terrain, and features a tunnel that runs under the Northway. The narrow path goes from the Hammond Pond Wild Forest to the Dix Mountain Wilderness. It ends at Shingletree Pond.

This path gets little use, so take care to stay on the trail.

In winter, this path would make a nice snowshoe to stretch your legs.

Paddling

Both ponds are small, but offer classic Adirondack scenery. These are good choices for days when it might be windier on larger bodies of water. There is a hand launch at Courtney Pond. Shingletree is surrounded by dead and down trees and may be harder to access with no official launch.

Fishing

Courtney and Shingletree ponds are reclaimed trout ponds, so the use of fish as bait is illegal. Shingletree mat be fished easier from shore than a boat, due to access. Courtney, however, has a nice hand launch and is easily accessible.