John Pond is a scenic destination in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness. This relatively flat trail through an Adirondack Wilderness Area ends at a lean-to, the perfect place to rest on the shore of John Pond.

Getting there

A maze of backroads will take you to the trailhead for John Pond. From the hamlet of Indian Lake, take NY Route 30 south. Turn left on County Route 4. Turn left on Starbuck Road, which turns into Lakeview Road. At the end of the Lakeview Road, you reach Wilderness Lane. Turn right and follow Wilderness Lane to the end of the road, where there is a large snow plow turnaround. There is a dirt road that leads to a small parking area and the start of the John Pond trail. 

Trail description

Finding the trailhead is much more difficult than the hike itself! Following a former road, the trail is well defined and marked with blue trail markers. The whole family can enjoy this hike! Traveling parallel to John Pond Brook for awhile, the trail is quite picturesque. Just over 1.5 miles, you pass by a couple grave sites from 1897 and just beyond that, you cross the outlet to John Pond. A trail intersection is reached about 1.8 miles from the trailhead but continuing your hike to John Pond, the path climbs a bit and you reach a lean-to in just over 2-miles. This is your destination. You might notice a faint path leading beyond the lean-to. This continues onto Clear Pond, but is overgrown and may be challenging to follow. 

Winter overview

This would make a fine cross-country ski outing or snowshoe hike.