The trail to Black and Bridge Brook Ponds is relatively new and not on most people’s radar, so it gets less use that other trails in the region. Hike a flat trail through an open forest, which is very quiet and peaceful, to a couple backcountry ponds that sit south of Mount Arab.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 3.8 miles round trip (both ponds)
• Elevation gain: 375 feet
• Hike includes bridges

Hiking to Black and Bridge Brook Ponds

The trail back to Black Pond is a great destination for those wishing a shorter trip, and that distance may be enough for many. Just above Black Pond the trail splits, right goes to Bridge Brook Pond and left drops steeply to the shore of Black Pond, which is only about 100-200 feet away. 

To head over to Bridge Brook Pond you will head right and stay above Black Pond on a very narrow trail. There will be a couple of small rolling hills, then a much larger one that brings you over an outlet near a beaver dam with great scenery.

A short climb over an additional major outlet brings you to another small descent. Once past this outlet you will be in an open forest with a steady descent all the way to Bridge Brook Pond. The trail ends at a campsite above the pond. To approach the pond you will have to scramble down the steep shoreline. 

In the winter

From the trailhead you will have a rolling ski through an open forest, but on a fairly narrow trail.

The trailhead is somewhat difficult to follow in the winter. There is no designated parking location for cars, so the trailhead does not stand out. With no parking, it can be difficult to get off the road adequately; you may need to scout around for a good location. Under most circumstances the shoulder is plowed back far enough to park in the general location, and the trail itself does receive some winter use. Even so, be prepared to break trail, and have everything you need for a winter emergency.

Discover more trails in Tupper Lake

Looking to find some more trails to hike in Tupper Lake? With endless mountains, lakes, and waterfalls to visit in the Adirondacks, there are always more trails to discover!

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 30 and Route 3 in Tupper Lake, follow Route 30 toward Long Lake. Continue for 9 miles to Route 421, or Horseshoe Lake Road, on the right. Follow 421 for roughly 4 miles to the trailhead on the right. The trailhead is obscure with a small DEC sign on a tree set back in the woods.