Windfall Pond is a beautiful destination for those looking to hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, bird, or fish. Follow the easy trail to Windfall Pond for a one-stop destination, or continue on to other ponds in the area via a network of connected trails in the Pigeon Lake Wilderness Area.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 2.1 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 270 feet
- Hike includes bridges and trail junctions
Hiking to Windfall Pond
From the register, the trail begins mellow as it follows a stream to a footbridge 0.1 miles in. You're on the trail to Queer Lake for a majority of this trip. The trail gently follows the stream until crossing at another bridge at 0.7 miles. Just before the second bridge take note of an interesting flume on the right. Around 1.1 miles, there is a trail junction for the Chain Ponds Trail. Take a right, and after this, you’ll ascend just a little bit to the north shore of Windfall Pond, which is lined with downed trees and plenty of beauty.
Windfall Pond in winter
Winter access is great here for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The parking area is regularly plowed and the trail has very few elevation changes. Make sure to be prepared for any Adirondack winter outdoor adventure.
Experience more trails in Hamilton County
Looking to find some more trails to hike in Hamilton County? With hundreds of miles of trails, we can help you find more amazing hikes in the big outdoors.
Birding
You can find Olive-Sided and Yellow-Bellied Flycatchers, Nashville Warblers, Northern Parulas, Palm Warbler, and Lincoln’s, Swamp, and White-Throated sparrows.
Fishing
Please remember that the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited on all lands, lakes, ponds, and streams of the Pigeon Lake Wilderness Area.
How to get there
From Inlet, follow Route 28 toward Old Forge. Turn right in Eagle Bay onto Big Moose Road. Continue for about 3 miles to the parking area on the right.
