The trail to Stony Creek Ponds is a historical canoe carry route called Indian Carry, and its current form was built by the Adirondack Mountain Club, with the land being transferred to the state by the Adirondack Land Trust.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 1.0 mile round trip
• Elevation gain: 125 feet

Hiking to Stony Creek Ponds

From the parking area cross Route 3, carefully. Once on the trail, start a mellow hike through the mixed forest which gets very little sunlight in certain areas. The boardwalks along this trail, which is considered a canoe carry, can be very slippery. The terrain is very easy and the only one downhill section at the very end is all the elevation change you will really have. The views out over the pond are fantastic.

Stony Creek Ponds in the winter

This could make for a nice little cross-country ski trip in the winter. 

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!

Paddling

Paddling Stony Creek Ponds is part of the Tupper Lake Paddling Triad, and a must-do for anyone looking to get out on the water in the Adirondacks. Views of Stony Creek Mountain, and access to the Raquette River via Stony Creek, make this a great destination.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 3 and Route 30 in the Village of Tupper Lake follow Route 3 toward Saranac Lake. Continue for 9 miles to the small trailhead on the right, parking is on the left. There is no trail sign for Stony Creek Ponds, this is a portage trail. Locate the parking for Indian Carry, the trail is directly across the road between two guard rails.