Winch Pond is the easternmost link in a trio of small ponds off NY-86 between Lake Placid and Wilmington — Copperas Pond to the west, Owen Pond between them — connected by roughly two miles of rolling trail through mixed hardwood and conifer. At eight acres, it's the smallest of the three, tucked into a quiet basin with no designated campsites and minimal shoreline traffic; most hikers treat it as a turnaround point or a midday lunch stop on the loop. The pond sees occasional fishing pressure for brook trout, though no stocking records or survey data exist in the DEC files. Access is via the Copperas Pond trailhead on NY-86 — plan on 1.5 to 2 miles depending on which direction you take the loop.
No bait & tackle shops listed yet.
Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data; surface and capacity from OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.
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What to do, where to stay, and what's reopening across the Park as the snow melts and the calendar fills.
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Overnight, day, and trip camps in the Park — the camp belt, choosing the right fit, costs and financial aid, ACA accreditation, and the questions every parent should ask before they commit.
