Darning Needle Pond Trail.
28-kilometer path leads to a secluded pond whose name recalls the slender dragonflies that patrol its margins. The route is reported to offer an undemanding walk, suitable for those seeking a quieter destination than the region's more celebrated summits provide. At trail's end, the pond itself—small, often still—rewards the effort with a sense of remove that longer approaches do not always guarantee.
- Family-friendlyShort, easy, and gentle enough for young legs
- Good for snowshoeingNon-technical grade that carries a snowshoe track
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~1,759 ft · live closures appear above
- lwnNetwork
Read the line before you walk it.
What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
Guides, outfitters & shuttles.
If you’re already out here.
Tupper 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- The Clubhouse at Tupper Lake Country Club15.9 mi
The Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar at Tupper Lake Golf Club offers a full bar, weekly specials, and hosts events and weddings. Open to the public, enjoy meals with a view of the golf course.
- PorkBusters BBQ16.8 mi
PorkBusters BBQ is a Tupper Lake restaurant serving barbecue dishes seven days a week from 11 AM to 9 PM. They offer a menu for dine-in or takeout, plus catering for parties and events.
- Amado17.2 mi
A small restaurant on Cliff Avenue in Tupper Lake serving Brazilian dishes (moqueca, feijoada) alongside lamb pot pie, fish fry, and a clearly marked vegan section. Homemade desserts.
- Guido's Pizzeria17.3 mi
Guido's Pizzeria in Tupper Lake has been serving hand-thrown pizzas, subs, calzones, dinners, and wings since 1988. They offer free delivery within the Town of Tupper Lake on any size order and make fresh dough daily.
— 15.9 mi to the nearest table out here; plan the drive to dinner.
Sip.
1— 21.6 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
3- Skyline Ice Cream17.4 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.
- The Park22.1 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.
- Custard’s Last Stand22.1 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.
— 17.4 mi to the nearest scoop; save it for the ride home.
Drink.
3- Raquette River Brewing16.7 mi
A family- and dog-friendly taproom pouring year-round craft beer alongside four permanent food trucks, from wood-fired pizza to Carolina barbecue.
- Lakeview Lanes & The Foul Line Sports Bar16.9 mi
Lakeview Lanes & The Foul Line Sports Bar in Tupper Lake offers 8 lanes of bowling, an arcade, a sports bar, and outdoor seating with food and drinks for family fun.
- Brookside Hops & Hoagies22.1 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.
— 16.7 mi to the nearest pint; appoint a driver.
Stay.
4- The Lodge at Seveys13.7 mi
The Lodge @ Seveys is a spacious and recently remodeled facility that serves as the perfect family getaway in the heart of the Adirondacks. With seven bedrooms accommodating up to fourteen people, the lodge features a fully equipped…
- Red Top Inn LLC15.5 mi
No-frills lodgings by Tupper Lake with boat rentals and nightly bonfires by the lake.
- Pine Terrace Motel & Resort15.8 mi
Waterfront motel offers basic cabins with kitchens & WiFi plus pool & tennis courts.
- Norridgewock Lodge17.2 mi
NORRIDGEWOCK LODGE, an oasis in the Adirondack Mountains. Our lakeside resort is the perfect remote vacation in the wilderness of the Beaver River. Book online!
See.
4- Adirondack Railroad17.1 mi
Adirondack Railroad offers scenic train experiences through the beautiful outdoor scenery of New York, departing from stations in Utica, Thendara, and Tupper Lake. They provide various themed rides, including special events and multi-hour…
- John Dillon Park17.7 mi
John Dillon Park, run by Paul Smith's College, is an accessible outdoor recreation area in Long Lake featuring a 3.5-mile accessible trail system, lean-tos, and fishing access. It is closed for the summer 2026 season for water system impro…
- The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory17.9 mi
Free 2-Day Space Camp at the Adirondack Sky Center Calling all future space explorers— get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure! Join us to explore some of the most fascinating topics in outer space! We’ll cover black holes, space tra…
- The Wild Center18.5 mi
Live animals, hands-on exhibits & forest trails connect guests with the Adirondacks.
— 17.1 mi to the nearest sight on file; fold it into the drive.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Darning Needle Pond Trail?The Darning Needle Pond Trail is approximately 2.04 miles (3.3 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Darning Needle Pond Trail?Most hikers complete the Darning Needle Pond Trail in about 1 hour 15 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 286 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Darning Needle Pond Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Darning Needle Pond Trail is an easy hike (286 ft of climbing over the route) — gentle grades suitable for most fitness levels and families. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.