We've been to the very picturesque Wolf Pond (Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest) before, but we had a reason to go back this past weekend. DEC is in the process of building a new trail. Page 215 of the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest Unit Management Plan shows a map with a trail labeled "Option #3. This is the location of the trail that is under construction.
As of 9/7/2015, the entire trail was flagged and it had been cut to within 0.4 miles of the outlet of Wolf Pond. The remaining 0.4 is still an uncut, somewhat thick, bushwhack. Boards have been dropped at 2 locations where small foot bridges will be installed.
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| Ribbons still mark the cut and uncut future trail |
The new trail quickly reaches Wolf Pond Brook, but then veers away from it for the remainder of the hike to the pond outlet.
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| Rev has approved this a water hole. |
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| Wolf Pond Brook |
The trail seems wind unnecessarily at times and in the end it will be about 2.4 miles to the outlet of the pond. The trail will then follow an old woods road for a short distance before re-entering the woods to reach the flagged and labeled future lean-to location on the east side of the pond.
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| Just a beautiful viewpoint... |
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| Skylight, Marcy, Haystack Basin and Saddleback grace the background. |
From the location where the lean-to is to be constructed, the pond cannot be seen. They have planned the lean-to for a secluded spot away from the water.
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| Future lean-to location |
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| Yep... |
This trail once complete, will provide access to a very beautiful pond. The addition of the new lean-to should help to attract some campers as well a provide a lunch destination for day trippers.
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| Beavers are helping to dam the outlet |
Hike Stats:
Hike Distance: 5.6 miles round trip
Hike Time: 3 hours (including bushwhack of uncut trail sections)
Total Vertical Gain: ~ 400'
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| Location of the trail that is in the progress of being built (9/7/15) |
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