Gull Pond is a beautiful destination for someone looking for a quick hike to stretch their legs or for families. It is less than half a mile to the pond.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 1 mile round trip
• Elevation gain: 65 feet

Hiking

This marked foot trail might have some wet spots in low areas, but is otherwise on the easier side. (But don't worry, there are bridges.) Stick to the trail to avoid causing trail erosion. 

Camping

A side trail on the left a short distance from the pond leads to a designated tent site. There is no camping allowed at the rock outcrop overlooking the pond.

Fishing

It's well worth the added effort to have a pond all to yourself. Most of the shore can be used for fishing. Since there is a 0.5 mile hike to the pond, there is no boat access without a portage. That said, a canoe or kayak would be ideal to fish the deeper waters where trout tend to hang out during warmer months. A herd path may be visible around the pond, and that can be used to find different locations.

Fish species found here include: brook trout and bullhead.

How to get there

From Exit 28 on Interstate 87, take Route 9 toward Schroon Lake. In 0.6 miles, take a left onto Alder Meadow Road. Follow this for 3.8 miles to the Gull Pond Trail on the left. Park here.

The falls along The Branch can be seen in their awe from afar at this parking location. This makes for a wonderful scene for photography.

Getting there

From exit 28 in Schroon Lake follow I-87 north for one exit to exit 29, North Hudson. From here take a left and follow Blue Ridge road for 2.5 miles to the small Hamlet of Blue Ridge. Parking is on a dirt pull off above the river on the left.

Hiking

Just a bit further up the road on the left is a dirt road, not drivable without super high clearance that will bring you to above the falls. Walk this road for a short distance and you will be above the falls and you can follow the path down to falls. This waterfall does get some people in it cooling off, but more for wading than truly swimming. It is less than 0.2 miles to the falls.

Explore hiking and fishing in the beautiful, quiet woods and waters of the Adirondack Hub.

Getting there

From Exit 29 on Interstate 87, follow Blue Ridge Road toward North Hudson and take a left onto state Route 9 and follow it north. Continue for 2.5 miles and turn right onto Caza Turn Road, then take the next right onto Ensign Pond Road. Follow Ensign Pond Road for just under 3 miles to the trailhead on the right.

Hiking

At the trailhead there is an immediate split; right heads toward Bass Lake, left goes toward Hammond Pond. Signs will point the correct way. This nice hike will bring you along a well-used trail and quickly passes by a snowmobile access point, which is used mainly as a handicap access. Continue straight ahead from Berrymill Brook. There will be an obvious split, but it's not marked. Heading right and slightly uphill brings you above the pond for a view of it through the trees, and eventually leads to Black Brook Pond. Turn left to descend slightly to the shore of the pond for the best views.

For a longer trip, continue along the shore to the western portion of the lake, where additional views await.

• Elevation Gain: 250 feet
• Distance Round Trip: 2.0 to 6.0 miles, depending on route

Fishing

There is a 1-mile hike along a foot trail to access this pond. The shore fishing is decent with options. Paths lead around parts of the shore to add other access locations

Looking for a backcountry pond that doesn't require a lot of work to get to? If so, Cheney Pond is perfect for you! It's all peaceful wild forest and beautiful scenery. Visitors in any season can enjoy a variety of activities, including: hiking, fishing, paddling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and camping.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 1 mile round trip
• Elevation gain: 150 feet 
• Hike includes trail junctions

Hiking to Cheney Pond

Follow the old access road turned into an easy trail to a camping, picnic, and launch area at the pond. The hike is quite easy and all downhill to the pond. You will pass by an intersection with the trail to Lester Dam at 0.4 miles. Turn left here and the pond is 500 feet away. There is a designated primitive tent site at the initial spot you meet up with at the pond, as well as a lean-to that is paddle access across the pond.

Cheney pond in the winter

Since it is not that long of a trail, this makes for a great snowshoe for beginners or even an excellent place to stretch your legs before a more rigorous adventure. It is also a great cross-country ski, but might be a bit too fast for beginners. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing over a frozen body of water is a winter past time; it can access you to areas not seen by most in the summer. With that being said, it can be a dangerous activity to cross frozen waterbodies 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. 

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Looking for another hike? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find another adventurous hike for you!

Fishing

Trout can be easily fished from shore and the bullheads tend to bite all day. There is a shallow bay on the north side of the pond, which is a nice location for panfish and floating a bobber for brookies. Fish species include: brook trout, bullhead, panfish, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. There are plenty of grassy areas where bass are said to hide.

Paddling

This lovely little pond is part of the Lester Flow. This is a hand launch only. Canoes and kayaks will likely need to be wheeled or carried the half mile to the pond.

The lean-to is a great choice for those looking to try winter camping, but only when ice is thick enough.

How to get there

To get here, follow Blue Ridge Road (County Road 84) toward Newcomb from Exit 29 off I-87. It is 13.4 mile to the trailhead parking area on the left. The "trail" to Cheney Pond follows an old access road, and while travel is permitted, it is not recommended. At first, the access road appears to be a fine gravel road, but soon deteriorates with washouts, ruts, and extremely muddy sections. No worries though; it's only about a half mile walk to the pond with minimal elevation change.

This short hike ends at a particularly scenic pond. On the northeastern side of the pond is a long finger created by a beaver dam and on the north end of the pond is an attractive wetland where birding could be quite good. There is the option to explore the second pond on an unmarked trail.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 2.2 miles round trip for both ponds, 0.8 miles for Rankin
• Elevation gain: 280 feet round trip for both ponds
• Hike includes unmarked trail

Hiking to Rankin and Little Rankin Ponds

From the parking area cross the road carefully and quickly, as the trailhead is located on a corner where traffic tends to move quickly. Once at the trailhead, you will sign into the trail register and follow the trail behind the register, not the old road to the right. The trail is marked with blue disks. Along the 0.4 mile trail (one way) there is a sweep around a small knob on your right known as Crusher Hill, while not changing much in elevation. There is a slight descent at the end to reach the eastern shore of Rankin Pond.

If you wish to continue to Little Rankin Pond be aware that there is no marked trail or designated route to reach the small back-county body of water. Map and compass and GPS knowledge is highly recommended. Not recommended for inexperienced hikers or children. To continue on to Little Rankin Pond, locate a herd path to your right from the end of Rankin Pond Trail. This anglers herd path is very faint and blowdown does cover it in spots. This herd path will bring you to another small spot with a great view of the pond. The herd path from here starts to become much less apparent and eventually disappears, but keep the pond to your left and continue down the finger to a beaver dam crossing.

Once you cross the beaver dam you will need to make your way through a somewhat open forest and head northwest, keeping the slopes of Rankin Pond Mountain to your right. Remain in the valley. Little Rankin Pond is a quaint little pond with a faint trail, but gives a nice, backcountry, secluded feel.

Rankin and Little Rankin Ponds in the winter

From the parking area which should be plowed out regularly, you will need to cross the road to access the trail. This trail is a good, mellow introduction to snowshoeing to the first pond. Only experienced hikers should attempt to reach the farther pond. Be prepared for all winter conditions.

Birding

Most of these species are found during the migration and breeding season. This is considered a lowland boreal forest, with species like Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Boreal Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Cape May Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, and Pine Siskin.

Paddling

At the trailhead there is room for one car to unload a car-top boat, but park across the road (north via a slight curve) at the designated parking area. The trail is narrow, but overall fairly easy with a brief, somewhat steep, drop near the end. This trail is not the best option for a cart; it is recommended that you use a boat that you can carry.

Once on the pond you will have a wonderful secluded paddle, and most likely to yourself. The shoreline length is approximately one mile and the water is well-sheltered/mostly calm.

Fishing

There is a deep area good for brook trout, and only accessible by boat. As a result, there's not much angler competition. There is a limited amount of shoreline fishing but it’s decent in a few spots. At the end of the trail which is 0.4 miles from the parking area and slightly further along the shore on the east side via a short herd path. At the deepest it is around 20 feet, but the best fishing is had from the deeper portion and the finger on the NE side, which is accessed best by boat.

Fish species: brook trout, bullhead

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Do the Rankin Ponds 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!

How to get there

From exit 28 in Schroon Lake, follow I-87 north for one exit to the North Hudson Exit 29. From here follow Boreas Road west toward Newcomb. Continue to Route 28N and take a left and head toward Minerva. Continue for just under 10 miles to the trailhead on the right, parking is on the left just prior to the trailhead.

Take a pleasant hike through Hammond Pond Wild Forest to reach Trout Pond. If you choose, continue on to Round Pond.

How to get there

Trout Pond Trailhead: On Ensign Pond Road (County Rt. 4) between North Hudson and Moriah. Marked by a large DEC sign, it is 6.2 miles east of Rt. 9 N of North Hudson on the left side of the road. One can also continue 1.3 miles to Round Pond.

Key statistics

• Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 250 feet
• Based on visiting both ponds

Hiking

A pleasant hike through Hammond Pond Wild Forest, with a trail following the Trout Pond's west shoreline. Continue on the trail to reach Round Pond's southern end.

Snowshoeing

The shoreline trail makes this showshoe trek easy to follow even with a fresh snow.

Fishing

Brook trout, which also means the use or possession of bait fish is prohibited. Unwanted introductions of minnows/bait fish are a primary factor in the decline of brook trout fisheries.