Take the easy, rolling old roadbed by foot, bike, or snowmobile out to the spacious waterfront of Mitchell Ponds for some scenic views.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 5.8 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Hike includes trail junctions
Hiking to Mitchell Ponds
The path is on an old roadbed with two trailheads, although the eastern trailhead is recommended, which is described here.
Start by following the old road a short distance past a barrier, and you'll go over a bridge at about 0.5 miles. At around 1 mile in there will be a couple more bridges.
At 1.8 miles there is a campsite with two tent sites, a table, and a privy. Continuing straight the old road disappears and the trail on the right is what you'll follow. Heading straight ahead is the trail that leads to the end of Upper Mitchell Pond, which is the higher of the two ponds.
The trail to Upper Mitchell Pond is as an accessible footpath and ends at a picnic site and deck overlooking the pond. This is a common point for folks to turn around, but you can also go back to the junction and turn left to head to Lower Mitchell Pond. You'll hike upwards in elevation until reaching another junction. Go left, as the path that leads straight/right heads to the other trailhead. You'll get to Lower Mitchell Pond 0.4 miles from the first pond. The trail turns left, around the end of the pond, ending at the outlet stream at one mile from the Upper Pond. Turn back around and follow the way you came to get back to your car.
Mitchell Ponds in the winter
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.
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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 can be used for mountain biking because of its mellow nature and how wide it is.
Paddling
Canoe or kayak access only, but very long carry from the Moose River Plains Road.
Fishing
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.
Fish species: 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.
How to get there
The trail starts 8 miles down Moose River Road from the Moose River Plains visitor sign-in near Limekiln Lake.