Big Pond Trail.
Big Pond Trail covers 5.6 miles through terrain that suits a moderate day hike. The route's name suggests a pond destination, though specific access points and trail conditions vary seasonally. Check locally for current trailhead information and whether the full distance is an out-and-back or includes loop options.
- Half-day hikeA few hours round trip
- Peak foliage window — color starts up high and works down the valleys through mid-October.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~2,008 ft · live closures appear above
- GroundSurface
Read the line before you walk it.
What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
Curated trailheads & parking near this route.
Editorial trailhead listings within roughly 3 miles — permit info, parking capacity, and access-road conditions.
Guides, outfitters & shuttles.
If you’re already out here.
Schroon Lake.
The corner of the Park this trail calls home — its hamlets, waters, lodging, and the rest of its field record.
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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- DeCesare's Pizzeria2.0 mi
DeCesare's Pizzeria in Schroon Lake offers a menu of pizza, Italian dishes, and salads. They provide online ordering for both carryout and delivery.
- Pitkins Restaurant2.2 mi
Pitkin's Restaurant is a family dining landmark in Schroon Lake, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a broad menu in a modern rustic setting. It features a new patio, including pet-friendly outdoor dining, and is conveniently locate…
- Trail Break at Schroon Lake2.4 mi
Trail Break at Schroon Lake offers a restaurant, bar, and lodging in Schroon Lake. Guests can enjoy a menu of food, wine, and beer, live music on select evenings, and overnight stays in their rooms from May through October.
- Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar2.6 mi
Sticks and Stones Wood fired Bistro and Bar, Menu, Events, Catering, Location, Adirondack style private parties.
Sip.
3- Cupola Crepes2.2 mi
Family-run creperie at 1095 Main Street in Schroon Lake. Sweet and savory crepes (gluten-free batter available), scones, coffee, and soft serve. Wednesday through Sunday.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co2.2 mi
9 Mile Coffee Co. is a coffee shop in downtown Schroon Lake, NY, serving a variety of coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches, and soups. They also sell their custom coffee blends and gift cards online.
- Old Mountain Coffee Company23.7 mi
Great Coffee, Great Food, Great Baked Goods & Great People. Stop in to enjoy our house roasted coffee, browse our menu for a bite to eat or grab a delicious treat from our bakery. Order Online for pickup or stop in.
Sweet.
4- Stone Bridge Ice Cream7.8 mi
Stone Bridge Ice Cream is a seasonal stand located 2.5 miles from the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, offering over 40 flavors of soft serve, custom ice cream cakes, and signature sundaes. It features outdoor seating and a kids' swing set.
- Crossroads Ice Cream12.8 mi
The ice cream counter at The Crossroads, a country and outdoors store off I-87 Exit 25 in Chestertown between Schroon and Brant Lake — hard and soft ice cream on the road north.
- Main Street Ice Cream Parlor13.4 mi
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- The Hungry Crow Market & Café13.8 mi
A downtown North Creek market and cafe serving soft serve alongside scratch-made desserts, next to Hudson River Trading Co. — the cone stop in the Gore and Upper Hudson area.
Drink.
4- The Brown Swan and Tavern2.1 mi
The Brown Swan and Tavern in Schroon Lake, NY, offers Adirondacks-inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a family-friendly setting.
- Flanagan's Pub & Grill2.2 mi
Long-standing, log cabin–style haunt offering traditional pub grub, draft beer & cocktails.
- Paradox Brewery7.8 mi
Paradox Brewery offers a diverse tap selection, a full menu with pizza, burgers, and BBQ, and an expansive mountain landscape.
- Black Bear Restaurant & Bar8.4 mi
Black Bear Restaurant & Bar is an American eatery in Pottersville, NY, offering comfort food, sandwiches, and breakfast. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, quick service, and popular dishes like meatloaf and gravy fries.
Stay.
4- The Adirondack Inn2.2 mi
Historic Schroon Lake inn at 1051 US 9, walking distance to the lake, beaches, restaurants, and shops. Eight Adirondack-themed rooms, fully renovated in 2014. Open May through October.
- Terra Alta cottages2.3 mi
Historic Montgomery Ward kit-home cottages from the 1930s on 14 acres with 400 feet of Schroon Lake shoreline, owned by the Starfield family since the mid-1950s. Dog-friendly for a fee.
- Maple Leaf Motel2.5 mi
Modest property offering simple rooms & cabins with fridges, microwaves & free WiFi, plus a pool.
- Medcalf Acres Riverfront Campground - Camping in the Adirondacks3.8 mi
A riverfront campground on River Road in Schroon Lake with seasonal sites, in-house Schroon River tubing, free ice and wood at check-in, and tribute-band weekends.
See.
4- Natural Stone Bridge & Caves7.2 mi
Explore the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern U.S., carved by Trout Brook. Offers self-guided trails, adventure tours, and winter snowshoeing with ice formations.
- Town of Horicon Museum11.8 mi
The Brant Lake Museum is housed in an 1890s farmhouse, featuring period furniture, clothing, tools, and photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries. It also includes a Carriage House with military and local hotel exhibits.
- North Creek Depot Museum13.5 mi
Saved from demolition, this 1872 landmark station is now a museum, heritage center, and cultural hub in historic North Creek, featuring a fabulous diorama and exhibits on the Adirondack Railroad, Theodore Roosevelt, and local history.
- Revolution Rail Co. - Thurman Station13.5 mi
A pedal-powered rail biking operation at Thurman Station on the Adirondack Railroad bed near North Creek, with family-friendly seasonal tours rolling alongside the Hudson River corridor through forest and open river-bank country.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Big Pond Trail?The Big Pond Trail is approximately 5.60 miles (9.0 kilometers) — a typical day-hike length.
- How long does it take to hike the Big Pond Trail?Most hikers complete the Big Pond Trail in about 3 hours 15 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 941 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Big Pond Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Big Pond Trail is a demanding hike (941 ft of climbing over the route) — sustained climbing best suited to fit, experienced hikers. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.