Helms Pond.
Helms Pond is a 10-acre backcountry water in the Blue Mountain Lake township — small enough that it doesn't show up on most recreational maps, quiet enough that it sees minimal pressure even in high season. No formal trail access or DEC designation, which means this is private-land or bushwhack territory depending on where you approach from; check current land status and access rights before heading in. The pond sits in mixed hardwood and softwood forest typical of the central Adirondacks — the kind of water that rewards local knowledge and a willingness to navigate without blazes. No fish data on record, but ponds of this size and remoteness often hold brook trout if the inlet streams are cold enough.
Helms Pond reaches a maximum depth of 5 feet, with a mean depth of 3 feet. Helms Pond has public access. Summits nearby include Little Blue Mountain and Castle Rock.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
9 parking areas· 1 accessible
Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data and NYSDEC records; surface and capacity from NYSDEC and OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.
- 01Wilson PondTrailhead2.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Wilson Pond2.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Parking Area For Blue Mountian And Tirrell Pond2.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 04South Pond Water Access Parking3.4 mipavedDirections →
- 05Cascade Pond Trail3.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Cascade Pond Trail Parking Lot3.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 07DEC parking 188874.0 mi
- 08Northville Lake Placid Trail Parking Lot5.4 mipavedDirections →
+1 more on the map above
What’s in the water.
NYSDEC has stocked this water across 10 recent seasons — the ledger below is the public record.
The stocking record.
Launch & supply.
Getting in, staying over.
On the water.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The peaks.
The waters.
The trails.
Read before you launch.
Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner3.4 mi
Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner: the best Diner in Indian Lake, NY. Order directly online today for takeout or delivery. Save money, support local business!
- Long View Lodge Restaurant5.1 mi
Long View Lodge Restaurant on Long Lake offers a full-service dining experience with an award-winning chef. Known for its quality ingredients and an ever-changing menu in a warm, inviting Adirondack setting, no reservations are necessary.
- Long Lake Diner & Owl’s Head Pub7.1 mi
Long Lake Diner & Owl's Head Pub has been proudly serving food, beverages, and memories since 2004.
- Northern Borne7.3 mi
Family-owned grocery and outdoor-supply store on Long Lake's Main Street, with organic, gluten-free, and vegan options plus a made-to-order deli counter. Camping and outdoor gear stocked alongside the grocery.
Sip.
4- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop2.9 mi
Seasonal coffee shop inside the 1895 schoolhouse that houses Blue Mountain Designs. Espresso, locally roasted coffee, loose-leaf tea, baked goods, avocado toast, sandwiches, and soups. May through October.
- Waypoint Cafe7.2 mi
Long Lake cafe at 1265 Main St. La Colombe coffee, homemade quiche, avocado toast, artisan sandwiches, salads, poke bowls, soups, and charcuterie. Closed Mondays; weeknight happy hour 4–6 p.m.
- Tamarack Cafe17.8 mi
Tamarack Cafe in downtown Inlet serves a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options, from traditional favorites and specialty bowls to creative salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The cafe also features an 18-hole mini-golf course.
- Blue Line Coffee House17.8 mi
Blue Line Coffee House offers Adirondack-inspired apparel, handcrafted mugs, and mountain-themed gifts, along with pre-packaged coffee and coffee accessories. Products are available for nationwide shipping, and local customers can order dr…
Sweet.
4- Custard’s Last Stand7.0 mi
Custard's Last Stand is a historic ice cream shop in Long Lake, established in 1958, serving a variety of soft frozen custard & hard ice cream, sundaes, specialty shakes, floats, and ice cream sodas. They also offer merchandise and gift cards.
- The Park7.0 mi
Trying to find a fast food restaurant in Long Lake? Pay a visit to The Park. We offer a range of burgers, sides, ice cream, drinks and coffee options.
- Northern Lights Creamery Inc.17.6 mi
An Inlet institution for 40-plus years, a short walk from Arrowhead Park on Fourth Lake — soft serve, homemade gelato, floats, flurries, and specialty sundaes.
- Skyline Ice Cream23.6 mi
A roadside soft-serve stand on Route 30 in Tupper Lake since 1985 — vanilla and black-raspberry twists, gelato, Dole Whip, and Michigans, now with an expanded burger-and-fries menu.
Drink.
4- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake3.0 mi
Hex and Hop is a craft brewery and meadery located in Bloomingdale, New York. They offer full-flavored, high-quality craft beer and mead, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing community and craft.
- Brookside Hops & Hoagies7.1 mi
Brookside Hops & Hoagies is a casual, family-friendly shop in Long Lake, founded in 2023, offering craft beers and hoagies made with fresh ingredients and Boars Head deli meats. It operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM.
- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store12.7 mi
Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store offers a full bar with an extensive bottle selection and local drafts, alongside a menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees. The restaurant is currently closed for mud season and wi…
- Daiker's21.6 mi
Daikers is an Adirondack pitstop in Old Forge, NY, offering seasonal and local dining with a deck overlooking Fourth Lake. Their caring and committed staff ensure a fantastic experience for guests.
Stay.
4- Minnowbrook Conference Center1.7 mi
A 28-acre conference and retreat center on Blue Mountain Lake operated by Syracuse University, with meeting rooms, lakeside patio, and full-service catering for academic and private groups.
- Hemlock Hall1.8 mi
A historic family-owned resort on Blue Mountain Lake's north shore, open mid-June through mid-October, with eight lodge rooms, four motel units, nine cottages, and breakfast and dinner included.
- The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake2.2 mi
An Adirondack Great Camp on Blue Mountain Lake, 12 acres with 1,600 feet of waterfront, 30-plus lodging options, full-service dining, and seasonal recreation. National Register listed.
- Forked Lake Campground2.8 mi
Forked Lake Campground is situated on the east shore of 1248-acre Forked Lake. This remote campground offers a great wilderness experience, featuring beautiful surroundings and comprehensive planning for visitors.
See.
4- BLUE MOUNTAIN CENTER1.9 mi
Blue Mountain Center is a working community of writers, artists, and activists set in the heart of the Adirondacks, the largest state park in the continental U.S.
- Adirondack Experience — Museum on Blue Mountain Lake2.1 mi
More than 20 buildings across 121 acres hold interactive exhibitions on Adirondack life, from boat collections and photography archives to outdoor activities and a research library.
- Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts3.0 mi
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- Blue Mountain Fire Observation Station4.1 mi
Blue Mountain offers a rewarding fire tower hike in the Central Adirondacks, featuring sweeping views and historical significance, with a world-class museum located at its base.
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- Where is Helms Pond located?Helms Pond is a pond in the Blue Mountain Lake region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Helms Pond?Helms Pond has a surface area of approximately 10 acres, a smaller backcountry water.
- How deep is Helms Pond?Helms Pond has a maximum depth of 5 feet, with a mean depth of 2.6 feet.
- Is Helms Pond open to the public?Yes, Helms Pond has public access. See the listing page for current trailhead, parking, and boat-launch details, and check active DEC advisories before visiting.
- Can you camp at Helms Pond?Within roughly seven miles of Helms Pond: 26 designated campsites, 21 lean-tos or shelters, 1 listed campground. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.