Stony Pond – Scenic Trails between Minerva and Newcomb

By Rich Macha

Stony Pond, at an elevation of 2,077 feet, is a large scenic pond located east of NY Route 28N about halfway between Minerva and Newcomb, and lies within the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest section of the Adirondack Park. There are three trails that lead to the pond – one is fairly short and the other two are of moderate length and difficulty.

The two-mile trail from Route 28N is a designated snowmobile trail, but I have not seen any signs of actual snowmobile use over my most recent two or three visits, probably because it’s short and somewhat of a dead end for them. The trail has some good hills that can be enjoyed by intermediate skiers – snowshoers should find it easygoing.

At 0.3-mile from the start, a short side-trail on the right leads down to Twentyninth Pond. At the one-mile mark, the trail passes below a sizable beaver dam – you may want to work your way up it to take a peek at the resultant pond above the dam. Once you arrive at Stony Pond, from a clearing you will see Green Mountain to the east, the outlet will be on your left, and a sharp right will lead you to a lean-to that has a narrow view of the pond. A picnic table, built in 2018 as an Eagle Scout project, can be used but it is highly likely that you will need to remove some snow before taking advantage of its utility.

My first winter camping trip was at Stony Pond. Back then, the lean-to was situated closer to the edge of the pond. The two-mile snowshoe or ski with a large winter pack on your back is only a minor obstacle. If you camp, the east-facing lean-to should offer a sunrise view, and, hopefully, the warmth of the sun will inspire you to get out of your toasty sleeping bag all ready for what adventures the day might bring. Whether you camp or just stop for a break, always make sure that you don’t leave any trash or belongings at the site when it is time to leave so that others can enjoy a clean campsite.

The Stony Pond Trail continues south along or near the pond’s western shore. In winter, it is much easier to just head out onto the pond and pick up the trail again at the south end of the pond. The trail then makes a steep climb before dropping to the shore of the Sherman Ponds. A heads-up to skiers – there may be some exposed rocks near the bottom of the hill. You can then walk or ski south across the ponds and pick up the trail again that eventually will take you to John Brannon Road in Irishtown. Expect to drop 900 feet in elevation over a distance of two miles – in the right conditions, this can be quite a thrill on skis. There may be some light snowmobile use over this trail. You can start at the Route 28N trailhead and enjoy a through trip with a substantial loss in elevation by spotting a car at the Irishtown end and shuttling back up to the Route 28N trailhead.

The Hewitt Pond Trail leaves the lean-to area, crosses the outlet (probably not advisable in winter), and follows the north shore for a while before heading north toward Barnes and Hewitt ponds. Again, in winter, it will be easier to go across the pond surface to the pond’s northeast arm before picking up the trail again. In this northeast arm, I once had the pleasure of observing a beaver drag a branch from the shore and disappear down a hole in the ice with it.

As you leave the pond, you may find the going easier by staying a little west of the trail and going across a beaver pond that parallels the trail – you will miss the start of the trail to Center Pond though, if that happens to be on your agenda. This 0.2-mile trail climbs fairly steeply before dropping down to Center Pond where you should really feel as if you are “in the middle of nowhere.”

Continuing north on the Hewitt Pond Trail, the route climbs for a while before dropping 370 feet in half a mile – another fun run on skis, although last winter there was a bit too much blowdown that interfered with a clean run down. Barnes Pond looks like a moderately-sized beaver pond with dead trees sticking up from the snow-covered ice. The trail may be difficult to follow as it crosses over the pond’s inlet. It is then another 1.1 miles to the shore of Hewitt Pond where you can see private camps and Hewitt Pond Mountain on the opposite shore.

A year ago, I convinced a couple of ski buddies, Jim and John, to ski to Stony Pond from the Hewitt Road trailhead. We found the early going to be very laborious on skis as the trail pulled away up a hill so as to avoid private land. There was some blowdown to step over so I cannot recommend that section, except possibly to snowshoers or the most intrepid of skiers.

You can combine trails around Stony Pond based on your desires, and enjoy a lightly used area of the Adirondack Park while at it. Even a tour of the pond’s edges can reveal wonders. The ponds usually have solid ice in mid-winter – just remember that the ice will be thin near inlets and outlets so stay well clear of those areas.  

 Maps, directions to the trailheads, and more info can be found on DEC’s website: dec.ny.gov/lands/105777.html.

A lover of wild places, Rich Macha has led many trips for the Adirondack Mountain Club, and has spent 20 years in the paddle/snowsport business. More of Rich’s adventures can be found at northeastwild.blogspot.com.