The Mystery of Pine Pond

The 12-mile, round-trip (6 miles one way), hard-packed, doubletrack route leading toward scenic Pine Pond, on the northern edge of the High Peaks Wilderness Area, is one of Lake Placid’s most popular trails. Because of the restrictions on riding in designated wilderness areas, this trail travels through the state’s “Wild Forest” zone and is permissible and ideal to ride. Pine Pond, a tiny, isolated gem rimmed by stands of old-growth white pine on its wide, sandy shores, is beautiful in all seasons. The pond was formed when a large chunk of Ice Age ice fell off one of the glaciers. The ice surrounding this large piece melted faster than the chunk. The result is that sand filled in around the sides of this chunk of ice, and when it finally did melt, a large hole in the ground remained. Naturally over time this hole filled with water. Pine Pond is known as a kettle hole. The Adirondack landscape has been extensively sculpted by the glaciers that dominated North America during the Ice Ages. The glaciers, which were sometimes 1,000 feet thick, completely covered the mountains. Your trip into Pine Pond will be exciting, easy, and scenic. This well-worn trail is easy to follow and a must-do for all ability levels. Located in northeastern New York, Adirondack Park. The trailhead is located within minutes of the village of Lake Placid. The grade of the trail going to the pond is a gradual descent with the exception of the initial climb. A few rolling hills are thrown in for fun and the trip back from the pond will nevertheless be generally uphill. The most technical part of the ride is at the beginning, an uphill with rocks to maneuver around followed by a rocky downhill. After this, the trail is rolling and has several areas with mudholes that may be deceptive in depth. Don't forget to allow for adequate time and energy for the longer return uphill. Once dark falls, what was first an easy trail can quickly become an evening's nightmare.