Second Pond Trail.
3 kilometers along the shores of Second Pond, offering hikers a modest immersion in forested terrain that is reported to hold brook trout and to attract wading birds during the warmer months. The path, which traces much of the pond's perimeter before returning through second-growth stands, is often described as level and undemanding, suitable for those seeking a half-day walk without significant elevation gain.
- Good for snowshoeingNon-technical grade that carries a snowshoe track
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~2,546 ft · live closures appear above
- lwnNetwork
Read the line before you walk it.
What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
What the route itself carries.
Summits reached, waters touched, and the lean-tos along the way — read it like a cue sheet, mile posts ascending.
Guides, outfitters & shuttles.
If you’re already out here.
Indian 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- becks TAVERN3.8 mi
A tavern on Peaceful Valley Road in North Creek serving German-inspired dishes alongside burgers, wings, and bar standards. The Yurts out back are the conversation piece.
- Cafe Adirondack Restaurant & Wine Room12.2 mi
Please call 518-494-5800 for reservations, or to check for takeout and walk in availability.
- McSweeney's Irish Pub14.7 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.
- Oscar's Smokehouse16.5 mi
Oscar's Smokehouse has been making fine smoked meats and cheeses for over 70 years in Warrensburg, NY.
Sip.
4- The PERKS of Speculator18.9 mi
Speculator coffee shop and bakery at 2855 NY-30. Specialty coffee, espresso, fresh-baked bagels and pastries, plus breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Gluten-free options across the bakery case.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co19.2 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.
- Cupola Crepes19.3 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.
- Uncle Carl's Coffee20.2 mi
Uncle Carl's Coffee serves expertly crafted coffees, artisan teas, pastries, and light savory bites. They also offer daily quiche and bagels, along with homemade soups, frozen meals, local meats, and cheeses.
— 18.9 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
4- The Hungry Crow Market & Café4.5 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.
- Main Street Ice Cream Parlor12.1 mi
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- Crossroads Ice Cream12.2 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.
- Stone Bridge Ice Cream12.8 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.
Drink.
4- Black Bear Restaurant & Bar12.1 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.
- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store14.7 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…
- The Hub14.8 mi
The Hub is a cafe, restaurant, lounge, bar, and bike repair shop located in Brant Lake, also serving the Lake George, Loon Lake, Friends Lake, and Schroon Lake areas.
- Crazy Loon Distillery14.8 mi
At the Crazy Loon Distillery, we produce high quality Adirondack inspired craft spirits that reflect the innovative nature and peaceful mindset of the North Country of New York. We offer a lineup of flavorful craft spirits inspired by the…
Stay.
4- Black Mountain Lodge2.5 mi
A cabin resort on State Highway 8 in Johnsburg, between Brant Lake and Garnet Lake in the southern Adirondacks. Year-round.
- The Inn on Gore Mountain3.3 mi
Adirondack-themed ski lodge 500 feet from the Gore Mountain access road. Main Lodge plus four two-story cabins, eighteen rooms total, sleeping up to thirty-two guests across twelve bedrooms.
- Gore Mountain Lodge3.9 mi
Gore Mountain Lodge is your Adirondack lodging vacation escape two minutes from both the lifts at Gore Mountain and the Hudson River.
- The Alpine Lodge4.7 mi
A 19-room lodge in North Creek with recently updated rooms, suites with kitchenettes, smart-room amenities, Tesla chargers, pet-friendly rooms. Five minutes to Gore Mountain.
See.
4- North Creek Depot Museum4.8 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 Station4.8 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.
- Natural Stone Bridge & Caves11.9 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.
- The Promise Gardens Estate of the Adirondacks15.1 mi
The Promise Gardens is the perfect wedding venue with gorgeous gardens, rustic barns and mountain views near Lake George and the Adirondacks.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Second Pond Trail?The Second Pond Trail is approximately 2.65 miles (4.3 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Second Pond Trail?Most hikers complete the Second Pond Trail in about 1 hour 30 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 369 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Second Pond Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Second Pond Trail is a moderate hike (369 ft of climbing over the route) — steady climbing that rewards a reasonable base of fitness. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.