A loop that circles three ponds with side trips to more. Beaver ponds and wide vistas, and more! The side trail to Bass Lake (1.4 miles RT) features rock ledges, cliffs, and great fishing.
Getting there
Take Exit 29 off I-87 and follow Blue Ridge Road east toward North Hudson, then drive north on Route 9. Continue for 2.5 miles, turn right on county Route 4C, then turn right on Ensign Road. Follow Ensign Road for just over 2.5 miles to the trailhead on the right.Hiking
Hiking
This route leads to two ponds and an open beaver meadow. From the parking area, take the right trail to Moose Mountain Pond, not the one for Hammond Pond — both trails are side-by-side, so be careful. The path stays in a nice valley as you pass by Berrymill Hill and the attractive Berrymill Brook. It heads uphill slightly but never undergoes any major elevation change. At 1.7 miles you'll come to a trail junction. Turn right for Bass Lake and head left for Moose Mountain Pond. Turning right leads 0.9 mi. to the east end of Bass Lake and its rock ledges, cliffs, and great fishing. Turning left, you'll soon come to the grassy Berrymill Pond, which has a large bridge over its outlet. The trail remains easy as it goes through a hemlock forest. Its beauty will keep you occupied, and before you know it you are at your destination at 3.2 miles, with Bald and Owl Pate mountains towering over you and Moose Mountain joining in. The trail continues along the shore to an attractive lean-to at 3.5 miles.
- Elevation: 1,265 feet
- Elevation gain: 320 feet
- Distance round trip: 7 miles
Mountain biking
- 6 miles RT, Easy to Moderate Grades, Pond Trail
