Mitchell Ponds

Fishing from shore is a Mitchell Ponds preference.
Fishing from shore is a Mitchell Ponds preference.
The trail is wide for most of the Mitchell Ponds hike.
The trail is wide for most of the Mitchell Ponds hike.
Mitchell Ponds has interesting terrain in the Adirondacks.
Mitchell Ponds has interesting terrain in the Adirondacks.
A scenic ledge will test your bushwhacking skills.
A scenic ledge will test your bushwhacking skills.

Info

Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet, NY 13360
info@adirondackexperience.com

The view from this pond could make anyone faint! Take the easy, rolling old roadbed by foot, bike, or snowmobile out to the spacious waterfront. 

Hiking

This trail has easy, rolling terrain and is a great place for the whole family. The path is on an old roadbed that ends at both trailheads to Mitchell Pond.

This trail is a snowmobile trail and mountain bike trail, so it is quite wide. The grade is very mellow, especially from the north. There are limited amounts of elevation change but the trail does climb slightly to Upper Mitchell Pond. A short spur trail on the left will lead to a rise and a picnic table.

Birding

Wood warblers, woodpeckers, and ruffed grouse are seen here often. On the water you might see great blue heron, merganser, and common loons. The last golden eagle to nest in New York state was along this trail in 1971.

Cycling

This trail is a snowmobile trail and mountain bike trail, so it is quite wide. The grade is very mellow, especially from the north. There are limited amounts of elevation change but the trail does climb slightly to Upper Mitchell Pond. A short spur trail on the left will lead to a rise and a picnic table. A bit further a spur trail leads to a dock overlooking Upper Mitchell Pond. Cross the inlet and another spur trail of roughly 0.8 miles will be on the left to access Lower Mitchell Pond. The views of and out over the ponds are fantastic and a photographer's dream.

Shoreline fishing is all you will have on these two ponds. Lower Pond is very deep, and that's where lake trout are. It is also reported that kokanee salmon are found here, but they're difficult to catch. Most people fish for brown trout.

Location and Distances

The first trail starts at mile marker 5.8 in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest, then loops back out to the second trailhead at Benedict Creek at mile marker 8. The second trailhead is the better of the two. From there, it's only 2 miles to Upper Pond.

Most can expect the round-trip hike to take up to 4 hours, less for experienced hikers. Most mountain bikers should be able to complete the round trip in less than 2 hours.

Winter Overview

This trail is not recommended for winter access as the Moose River Plains Wild Forest is a snowmobile corridor and not open to cars or trucks in the winter.

Paddling

A bit further a spur trail leads to a dock overlooking Upper Pond. Cross the inlet and another spur trail of roughly 0.8 mile will be on the left to access Lower Mitchell Pond. The views of and out over the ponds are fantastic and a photographer's dream.

Canoe or kayak access only, and a very long carry from the Moose River Plains Road.

Fishing

Shoreline fishing is all you will have on these two ponds. There is ample room to access the ponds in several areas but you will have to hike up to 2 miles to access the two ponds. The trail does go over a decent sized hogback requiring a moderate climb and descent. Lower Pond is very deep. It is reported that kokanee and lake trout are available here.

Fish Species Types:

Brown trout, kokanee, lake trout (lower only)
Special Regulations: Always follow state fishing regulations and be sure to pick up a NYS Freshwater Fishing Guide at your local outfitters or regional NYSDEC office.

Location: The first trail starts at mile marker 5.8 in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest, then loops back out to the second trailhead at Benedict Creek at mile marker 8. The second trailhead is the better of the two. From there it's only 2 miles to Upper Pond.

Most can expect the round-trip hike to take up to 4 hours, less for experienced hikers. Most mountain bikers should be able to complete the round trip in less than 2 hours.

Find out more

Read our blog post, Hiking Near Inlet in the Moose River Plains.

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