Stony Creek Ponds, between Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake, is an inter-connecting body of water often used for paddling and fishing, turns into a good destination for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 1 mile round trip
• Elevation gain: 125 feet

Cross-country skiing

From the parking area cross Route 3, carefully. Wait until after you drop down over the embankment and cross the small bridge before you put on your skis. Once your skis are on, start a mellow ski through the mixed forest which gets very little sunlight in certain areas. This ski needs to have good snow conditions to be a fun outing, wait until later in the season for optimal timing. The terrain is very easy and the only serious downhill section is at the very end as you come to the shore of Stony Creek Ponds. Be careful of ice conditions, and don't go out onto the Ponds if the ice isn't thick enough.

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.

The Indian Carry Hand Launch for Upper Saranac Lake is on State Route 3, 8 miles east of the Village of Tupper Lake. Parking for 18 cars when plowed.