Grassy Pond Trail Adirondacks Blue Mountain Lake New York hike

The Adirondack Mountains are dotted with lakes and mountains, so it should come as no surprise that you can hike to one or two peaceful ponds on this trail near Eagle Lake and Blue Mountain Lake. For those looking for something on the shorter side, it is an easy one-mile round trip hike to Grassy Pond. For those looking to immerse themselves in the Adirondacks, hike past Grassy Pond for a six-mile round trip trek to Wilson Pond. The mostly level trail to Grassy Pond has just a few rolling bumps that add up to 75 feet of elevation change over half a mile.

Starting from the south side of Route 28 west of Blue Mountain Lake (and just south of the smaller Eagle Lake), the trail to Grassy Pond and Wilson Pond heads south through a forest dominated by maples and firs.

Red markers are tagged to the trees along the trail to keep you on course, and since there are no steep stretches, you are free to enjoy a relaxing stroll through the forest. The trail can get muddy in places after it rains, but plank footbridges get you through these areas with dry feet.

Adirondack Hiking Trail
Hiking the trail to Grassy Pond

After a quarter mile, reach a pair of wooden trail signs where a path breaks off to the left toward the north side of Grassy Pond. Stick with the main trail, which continues straight ahead, wrapping around the southwest side of the pond.

Catch glimpses of water through the trees to your left as the trail nears the south end of the pond. Even as the trail approaches Grassy Pond, the water remains partially veiled by tree trunks. Standing water can surround Grassy Pond in the wet season, keeping hikers back from broad views of the pond. Regardless of the water level, you should have no trouble finding a relaxing place to take a break next to the tranquil pool.

Grassy Pond Trail Adirondacks
The trail approaches Grassy Pond
Grassy Pond Adirondacks
Grassy Pond

Beyond Grassy Pond, the trail continues another 2.5 miles to Wilson Pond and remains relatively gradual. Backpackers can take advantage of a lean-to at the end of the trail at Wilson Pond. This hike is especially enjoyable when autumn leaves add extra splashes of color to the trail. No fee or permit is required to hike to Grassy Pond and Wilson Pond. Dogs are also welcome, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: From Blue Mountain Lake at the intersection of routes 28, 28N and 30, drive west on Route 28 for 2.7 miles to the well-marked trailhead for Grassy Pond on the south side of the Road. Coming from the west, the trailhead is 21 miles from the town of Inlet on Route 28.

Trailhead address: Route 28, Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12842
Trailhead coordinates: 43.843208, -74.477043 (43° 50′ 35.54″N 74° 28′ 37.35″W)

Trail Map
Elevation Profile
Click or hover over any spot on this elevation profile to see the distance from the start and elevation above sea level at that location, which will be highlighted on the map.

You may also view a regional map of surrounding New York trails and campgrounds.

Photos

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These photos were taken in October of 2012. Click to enlarge.
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Tagged with · Adirondack Mountains · Adirondack Park · Blue Mountain Lake · Free Trails · Lakes
Distance: 1 mile · Elevation change: 75 feet

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