Bridgebrook Pond and Beyond

A light drizzle of rain, snow and sleet slowly fell from the dark, cloudy sky.  A crusty white dusting of snow rested on the pine boughs as the ground finally showed signs of winter.  We had decided that a relaxing walk in the woods was in order.  We were looking for something easy to slowly work off the holiday treats that had been consumed over the past few weeks. After studying the list of ponds, we decided that the two mile walk back into Bridgebrook Pond would be the perfect trek to hang a few more DEC signs and enjoy the last day of 2023.  With the Meateater podcast blaring on my radio I headed out for Tupper Lake.  

Scott was coming from the south and I from the north so the decision was made to meet at the Bog River Falls on Route 421 just outside of Tupper lake.  From there we would head down the road another five miles to our destination.  Since I had never been in this area I left a bit early so I could explore a bit before his arrival.  Around 9:45 am Google was telling me that I had arrived at my destination as the parking area appeared to my left. I parked the truck and grabbed my jacket.  Immediately I could hear the roar of the river so I headed down the short footpath to get a look at it. 

In true Adirondack fashion the frigid brown stained water crashed over the rocks as an island of pines peacefully collected snow in the middle.  The sight and sound was breathtaking.  It was one of those places you could sit and just watch for hours.  Off to the left was an old stone bridge that finished off this masterpiece of natural beauty. 

I spent a few minutes taking pictures then headed back to the parking lot.  I walked over the bridge to get a better look at the raging waters destination. 

On my way back to the truck I noticed a few clearings along the side of the road.  I decided to investigate.  To my surprise there were picnic areas set up along the road.  Picnic tables, fire pits and even an outhouse was set up for day use.  Apparently I wasn’t the only one who felt they could spend hours relaxing here. 

Just as I was finishing  up my exploration, Scott arrived.  We had a quick chat and headed up the road to the trailhead.  We parked our vehicles along the side of the road, packed up our gear and headed out for our hike into the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. The plan was to place signs at Black Pond and Bridgebrook Pond.  The narrow footpath through the woods was well maintained. 

Recently installed trail makers led the way as snowflakes gently fell upon us.  Pleasant conversation about our goals for 2024 filled the air while we walked along the frozen dirt path.  At a few locations we encountered small trees that had fallen across the path but nothing that slowed our one mile hike back to Black Pond.  There was just enough snow in the woods to feel like a winter hike but I had to admit it was kind of nice not having to wear my snowshoes yet. 

In a short time we made it to Black Pond.  The ice covered body of water was slightly snow swept.  Even though we were only a mile back into the woods the frozen environment gave the feeling of being far more remote. 

There wasn't an animal sound to be heard.  Just the occasional wind gust that would swirl the snow across the frosted water.  We placed our sign along the water's edge, took a few pictures then got back on to the trail.  I had read a review of this portion of the trail that said that there was a lot of beaver activity in the area between the two ponds so we had concerns on whether we were going to be able to make it there or not.  For the next three quarters of a mile the path was easy walking.  Just a  few small rolling ridges were the only variation in the terrain.  In the distance we could tell that the forest opened up a bit.  As we approached the clearing we could tell that we were heading down into a ravine. 

Down into the small valley we went expecting this to be the place where we would possibly find the trail washed out because of the beavers.  To our surprise it was rather dry.  A small wooden bridge crossed the only water we came to. 

We took a moment to admire some of the beaver’s hard work and moved on back up out of the ravine. 

Another five minutes down the trail we found ourselves again at the water’s edge. 

We had made it to Bridgebrook Pond. The dark gray clouds hanging over the frozen water added to the isolated landscape before us. 

We placed our DEC sign on a tree and explored the area.  There were primitive campsites set up near the water.  The thought of pitching a tent back here and watching an early spring sunrise as the forest wakes up around me tickled my synapses.  Around the bend we found some open water that mother nature had not placed her frozen hand upon yet. 

We took in the view for a few more minutes and decided to head back out of the woods. On the way back to the truck I reflected on how wonderful 2023 had been.  My adventures have brought me to some pretty special places throughout the North Country and now I can’t wait to see what I will find in 2024.  

About this area:

The Bog River Falls and the trailhead to Bridgebrook Pond sit on route 421 in Piercefield, New York.  Located approximately 10 miles south of Tupper Lake in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest, these locations are perfect for a day trip or, for the more ambitious individual, a backcountry camping/fishing adventure. 

The Bog River Falls picnic area would be a wonderful opportunity for a family to spend some quality time together in the outdoors or a peaceful place to sit by yourself and reflect on life.  The Bridgebrook Pond trail is about five minutes down the road from the falls and is a wonderful trail anyone can enjoy.  The easy terrain and stunning views really give you a great Adirondack outdoor experience without having to commit a lot of time training for a big hike.  If you are interested in fishing, these two ponds offer a secluded getaway with only a one to two mile hike.  I would love to see this area in the fall as I think the autumn foliage would add to the serenity to these backwoods waterways. If a Northern NY Adventure is on your 2024 bucket list check out these locations, I know they will spark a desire to explore more of what the North Country has to offer.

Aaron Hardy

Northern NY Adventures

“Make Life an Adventure”