New York · Hiking · Near Schroon Lake

John Pond Trail

2.3 mi
round trip
669 ft
climb
1,826 ft
high point
Out and back
route

John Pond Trail is an easy hike in New York's Siamese Ponds Wilderness, managed by the State Department of Conservation. The trail is about 4.6 miles long and has a total elevation gain of 162 feet, making it a low-effort outing over a little more than a mile of walking on either side of the high point. The route starts at a low of about 1,673 feet and climbs to roughly 1,826 feet, with the steepest stretch coming at about 1.4 miles in with a 10% grade. The climb is spread out, so the trail is not demanding for anyone looking to spend a few hours in the wilderness. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Indian Lake put July highs around 75°F with lows near 54°F, while September cools to highs around 67°F. Winters are cold, with January highs averaging about 25°F. Clear Pond Trail lies about a mile away, and Big Brook offers canoeing about 2 miles off. Climbers can head to Chimney Mountain, about 2.4 miles away, and Puffer Pond Trail is roughly 3 miles from the trail.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    NYSDEC designated campsite

    Campground

    Campground · 2.5 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Log House Restaurant and Pub

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 5 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Schroon Lake

Local outfitters

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  • Best time to go

    Best time to visit John Pond Trail

    No month here meets our mild-weather rule. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      25° / 6°

      17 wet

    2. Feb

      28° / 7°

      14 wet

    3. Mar

      36° / 15°

      14 wet

    4. Apr

      49° / 28°

      14 wet

    5. May

      63° / 40°

      16 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 49°

      15 wet

    7. Jul

      75° / 54°

      15 wet

    8. Aug

      73° / 53°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 45°

      13 wet

    10. Oct

      54° / 35°

      16 wet

    11. Nov

      41° / 25°

      16 wet

    12. Dec

      31° / 14°

      17 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Indian Lake 2sw, NY, 4.2 mi away at 1,670 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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