Dish Rag Pond Trail.
The Dish Rag Pond Trail covers 1.1 miles through terrain that leads to its namesake body of water, a small backcountry pond typical of the region's less-traveled interior. At just over a mile, it's a manageable out-and-back for casual hikers looking to reach quiet water without committing to a full-day route. The trail sees modest use compared to high-traffic corridors elsewhere in the Park.
- Leg-stretcherShort and nearly flat — an hour or less
- Family-friendlyShort, easy, and gentle enough for young legs
- Good for snowshoeingNon-technical grade that carries a snowshoe track
- Peak foliage window — color starts up high and works down the valleys through mid-October.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~2,490 ft · live closures appear above
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.
Blue Mountain Lake.
The corner of the Park this trail calls home — its hamlets, waters, lodging, and the rest of its field record.
Read the Region→
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 Diner5.1 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!
- McSweeney's Irish Pub9.0 mi
An Irish-style pub on Route 30 in Indian Lake serving comfort-food classics (shepherd's pie, fish and chips) seven days a week, year-round. The dependable dinner spot in town.
- Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack9.4 mi
Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack is a family restaurant and bar with four Adirondack locations, offering homemade pizza, wings, and seafood. Guests can enjoy sports on high-def TVs, a full bar, and live music.
- Long View Lodge Restaurant11.5 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.
Sip.
4- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop5.5 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 Cafe13.3 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 Cafe17.4 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 House17.5 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 Stand13.0 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 Park13.0 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.17.1 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.
- Speculator Creamery20.1 mi
A family-run village creamery anchoring Speculator's tiny downtown near Lake Pleasant — a genuine community summer hub. Wide-ranging soft-serve flavors, the 16oz Nor'Easter blend, and hand-dipped hard ice cream. Roughly May through September.
Drink.
4- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake5.2 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.
- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store9.0 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…
- Brookside Hops & Hoagies13.0 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.
- Acorn Pub & Eatery at Oak Mountain19.0 mi
Acorn Pub & Eatery is a dining option at Oak Mountain, offering a place to eat and drink.
Stay.
4- Blue Mountain Lake Inn5.0 mi
Blue Mountain Lake Inn is a historic 1880s Victorian boarding house offering bed and breakfast lodging and whole house rentals in Blue Mountain Lake, NY, providing hospitality for guests exploring the Adirondack Park.
- The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake5.1 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.
- Steamboat Landing on Blue Mountain Lake5.4 mi
Steamboat Landing is a comfortable lakeside lodge in Blue Mountain Lake, Adirondack Park, offering renovated accommodations with scenic views and peaceful stays from June to October.
- Minnowbrook Conference Center6.2 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.
See.
4- BLUE MOUNTAIN CENTER5.0 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 Lakes Center for the Arts5.2 mi
Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts is a vibrant hub for creativity in the Adirondacks, offering inspiring performances, gallery exhibits, workshops, and community events for all ages.
- Adirondack Experience — Museum on Blue Mountain Lake6.4 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.
- Blue Mountain Fire Observation Station6.7 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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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Dish Rag Pond Trail?The Dish Rag Pond Trail is approximately 1.08 miles (1.7 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Dish Rag Pond Trail?Most hikers complete the Dish Rag Pond Trail in about 40 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 246 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Dish Rag Pond Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Dish Rag Pond Trail is an easy hike (246 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.