Wolf Pond - Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest - 4/2/17

A new trail had been in the works to Wolf Pond for many years.  I had taken a first look in September 2015 and it was 3/4 done at that time.  Additionally, a lean-to location had tentatively been selected on the east side of the pond and the site had been marked and cleared.

I went back in November 2016, only to find that no additional progress had been made.  Recently, friends had announced that the trail was now fully cleared and the lean-to was complete.  Lees, Rev and I paid a visit this afternoon.

We trailhead is at the large parking area where Blue Ridge Road (Boreas Road) crosses the Boreas River.  A bridge has been constructed at the start of the trail to secure the first water crossing.

  

Rev on bridge number 1.

Look at the snow depth on the bridge.

The trail doesn't follow the stream, but rather it winds through some pretty sections of pine forest, swinging back to the water only once. 

A small second bridge.

Still plenty of ice. 

When we reached the spot where the trail clearing had stopped in 2015, we noticed that the newly completed portion deviated from what had been flagged earlier.  I was wondering what the reasoning was, but it became apparent soon enough.  The lean-to location had been changed.  Rather than place the lean-to on the east side of the pond, it was constructed on the southwest corner.  This eliminated one additional stream bridge and it situated the lean-to further from a piece of private property.  these were my observations, but I don't know why the location was changed.

  

A box toilet.

The new lean-to

The lean-to construction was very well done and the structure should last for many years.  Wolf Pond is visible from the lean-to, but the lean-to is set back from the water's edge, as is current practice,

Wolf Pond

The Wolf Pond outlet.

The best views are from the southeast corner of the pond.  You have to rock hop across the outlet to get to the best viewpoint.  Here you will find wonderful views of the great range, similar to what can be seen from Boreas Ponds. 

A portion of the great range is visible in the background.

A zoom view.

A front view.

On this day it was 50 degrees, yet the snowpack was still quite deep.  The trail had been broken out last weekend and we only had to pack down the latest 4inches of snow.  It was warm enough that the snow didn't stick to our snowshoes.

The trail is still flagged with pink and yellow ribbons, but no trail discs have been placed yet.  The new lean-to will surely be a popular destination, but we didn't see anyone on this day.

Hike Stats:

Hike Distance:  5 miles roundtrip

Hike Time:  3 hours, including stops

Total Vertical Gain:  ~400'

  

This is the route of what will soon be a marked trail.