This is a pretty pond with a trail all the way around it. The hike to Sprague Pond is 0.3 miles down an easy path to reach its shore.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 0.6 miles round trip (out and back from pond's shore)
- Elevation gain: 50 feet
Hiking to Sprague Pond
Once you pass through the gate you will be on a very well-maintained and easy trail. There is minimal elevation change along the entire route and no obstacles to contend with. About halfway to the pond there is an obvious, but unmarked, split in the trail. Left leads to a fish barrier dam in about 100 feet. It's worth a quick gander. The pond is shortly beyond the split and has plenty of fisherman paths around the shoreline. The scenery is amazing, especially when fall brings out stellar colors.
Sprague Pond in the winter
This could be a nice, short snowshoe or crosscountry ski, but one that doesn't recieve a lot of winter attention. Be prepared to break trail, and make sure you are experienced in winter hiking.
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Paddling
The carry is an easy one and will accommodate a cart if you need or desire to use one. Once on the water this makes for an excellent beginner paddle destination. Its calm waters and shallow bays are a nice touch to this backcountry destination. There are also a couple small islands worth hopping as well. The water is well-sheltered and calm, and no motorboats are allowed in the Blue Ridge Wilderness Area.
Fishing
This pond is stocked with brown trout. The brown trout fishing from shore is decent, and there is plenty of room to cast a line. The panfish are pretty abundant as well making for a fun fishing destination for the kids. The best fishing is from a boat, but don't feel it is necessary.
How to get there
From the intersection of Route 28/30 and Cedar River Road in Indian Lake, follow Cedar River Road. Continue for 4.5 miles to the Sprague Pond Trailhead on the right. The trailhead has a small sign and a yellow gate. A small parking area is roadside on the opposite side of the road.