Stony Pond Trail is part of an intricate network of pond trails in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. The trail continues for just over a mile more along the shores of Little Sherman Pond and Big Sherman Pond to the southern shore of Big Sherman Pond.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 5.6 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 750 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and a bridge
• Based on a hike to near the end of Big Sherman Pond

Hiking the Stony Pond Trail

From the trailhead the path climbs slightly before descending to a newer bridge overlooking a wetland. As you approach Stony Pond you will have a beautiful brook babbling to your left with small cascades that produce a wonderful sound. The intersection reached at Stony Creek Pond has a lean-to and a picnic table, and there are views across Stony Creek Pond of Green Mountain.

Many people stop here for the day. There is an option to continue on to Center Pond by taking a left at the picnic table and crossing the outlet. The trail here continues over rolling terrain to another backcountry pond. There is a 0.2-mile spur to Center Pond. The round-trip addition would be 2.4 miles and 390 feet of elevation gain.

Going right at the lean-to, the trail continues for just over a mile more along the shores of Little Sherman Pond and Big Sherman Pond to the southern shore of Big Sherman Pond. The trail does continue, but most do not bring a second car, and turn around to where you came from.

Stony Pond Trail in the winter

This is a designated snowmobile trail in the winter, but does see much use by snowmobilers. It is a classic cross-country ski for those with backcountry experience, and also makes for a nice snowshoe. Do not expect this trail to be broken out, and be prepared for all winter conditions. Be especially careful around frozen bodies of water, and don't go out on ice without knowing its thickness.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Stony Pond sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!

Snowmobiling

This trail doesn't receive a lot of usage because of its limited miles. It is not groomed.

How to get there

Take Exit 29 off of Interstate 87 and follow Boreas Road west toward Newcomb. Continue to Route 28N, take a left and head toward Minerva. Continue for just under 10.5 miles to the trailhead on the left.

This abandoned road is approximately six miles to the end. The cable gate marks the end of state land, and is your signal to turn around. Also known as Deer Creek Trail.

From Route 28N turn west onto Fourteenth Road at Minerva's 4-way intersection. Bear right at fork, over bridge at Deer Creek, and follow the jeep road with a gradual descent.

A long, straight trail alongside the Hoffman Notch Wilderness. Borders Minerva Stream, heads north to Cheney Pond along Lester Flow, then ends at Blue Ridge Road. Also known as the Irishtown Snowmobile Trail.

Snowmobiling

This is an ungroomed, backcountry trail. Be aware that there is no bridge over the Boreas River near the southern end of the trail.

Services in Newcomb and Schroon Lake.

This 14-mile groomed trail joins Newcomb and Long Lake, and only crosses the highway once. Also known as Trail C8B.

Miles of groomed trails, high altitude for good snow cover, and breathtaking scenery makes Newcomb a popular snowmobiling destination.

How to get there

Parking at the old Newcomb House, on the corner of Route 28N and Pine Tree Road in Newcomb, near the Inn at Santanoni. Services in Newcomb & Long Lake.

Newcomb to Indian Lake, also known as Trail 538, is a 14-mile trail traversing deeply wooded areas in the heart of Hamilton County and the Adirondacks.

Miles of groomed trails, high altitude for good snow cover, and breathtaking scenery makes Newcomb a popular snowmobiling destination.

How to get there

Parking at the old Newcomb House, on the corner of Route 28N and Pine Tree Road in Newcomb, near the Inn at Santanoni. Services in Newcomb & Indian Lake.

This trail connects on both ends to Trail 1. It is very hilly and has many dips and turns. The southern end of this trail is Drakes Pond, a small beaver-enlarged pond.

You can generally cross the pond, conditions permitting, or backtrack to ride around it, but beware of the short, steep hills in this section. At intersection 8, you can take Trail 4 back to Trail 1.

Photo courtesy Schroon Lake-North Hudson Snowmobile Club.

This trail connects to Trail 1 and intersects With Trail 2 at Drake's Pond and has a large snowmobile parking area.

The trail travels along a small cliff that overlooks the outlet of the beaver pond and into the Seagle Music Colony before crossing Charley Hill Road and meeting with Trail One near Horseshoe Pond.

Photo courtesy Schroon Lake-North Hudson Snowmobile Club.

Trail 5, opened in 2001 with a newly constructed bridge, is easily reached from the Town Garage/Golf Course parking lot. Ride the access trail on the north side of Hoffman Road near the Highway Department sand pile slowly, because this is a driveway. Once in the abandoned sand pits, the trail bears to the left.

The main trail travels through the sand pits and up a long, fairly steep hill before turning back across Hoffman Road. It will then pass near the new town water tower before returning you to Trail 1.

If conditions permit you can travel to the right and access two non-maintained trails; the first will take you through the tunnels under the Northway to the Schroon Lake Fish and Game Club. There is a small bridge on the right and the Club is visible across it. The second is a dead end that parallels the Northway for approximately 1.5 miles.

Photo courtesy Schroon Lake-North Hudson Snowmobile Club.