The Adirondack Mountains are dotted with lakes and mountains, so it should come as no surprise that you can hike to one or two peaceful ponds on this trail near Eagle Lake and Blue Mountain Lake. For those looking for something on the shorter side, it is an easy one-mile round trip hike to Grassy Pond. For those looking to immerse themselves in the Adirondacks, hike past Grassy Pond for a six-mile round trip trek to Wilson Pond. The mostly level trail to Grassy Pond has just a few rolling bumps that add up to 75 feet of elevation change over half a mile.
Starting from the south side of Route 28 west of Blue Mountain Lake (and just south of the smaller Eagle Lake), the trail to Grassy Pond and Wilson Pond heads south through a forest dominated by maples and firs.
Red markers are tagged to the trees along the trail to keep you on course, and since there are no steep stretches, you are free to enjoy a relaxing stroll through the forest. The trail can get muddy in places after it rains, but plank footbridges get you through these areas with dry feet.
After a quarter mile, reach a pair of wooden trail signs where a path breaks off to the left toward the north side of Grassy Pond. Stick with the main trail, which continues straight ahead, wrapping around the southwest side of the pond.
Catch glimpses of water through the trees to your left as the trail nears the south end of the pond. Even as the trail approaches Grassy Pond, the water remains partially veiled by tree trunks. Standing water can surround Grassy Pond in the wet season, keeping hikers back from broad views of the pond. Regardless of the water level, you should have no trouble finding a relaxing place to take a break next to the tranquil pool.
Beyond Grassy Pond, the trail continues another 2.5 miles to Wilson Pond and remains relatively gradual. Backpackers can take advantage of a lean-to at the end of the trail at Wilson Pond. This hike is especially enjoyable when autumn leaves add extra splashes of color to the trail. No fee or permit is required to hike to Grassy Pond and Wilson Pond. Dogs are also welcome, so get out and enjoy!
To get to the trailhead: From Blue Mountain Lake at the intersection of routes 28, 28N and 30, drive west on Route 28 for 2.7 miles to the well-marked trailhead for Grassy Pond on the south side of the Road. Coming from the west, the trailhead is 21 miles from the town of Inlet on Route 28.
Trailhead address: Route 28, Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12842
Trailhead coordinates: 43.843208, -74.477043 (43° 50′ 35.54″N 74° 28′ 37.35″W)
You may also view a regional map of surrounding New York trails and campgrounds.
 | Buttermilk Falls This 0.5-mile round trip hike visits a pleasant waterfall on the Raquette River near Long Lake. |
 | Rock Lake This easy 1.6-mile round trip hike visits a backcountry lake in the Adirondack Mountains near Blue Mountain. |
 | Sawyer Mountain This 2.5-mile round trip hike ascends 650 feet to a summit with panoramic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding Adirondack peaks and valleys. |
 | Cascade Mountain & Porter Mountain This 6.2-mile hike bags a pair of High Peaks near Lake Placid with excellent views over the Adirondack Mountains. |
 | More trails in New York explore other hikes in the Empire State. |
 | Camping on Blue Mountain Lake There are six designated primitive sites on Blue Mountain Lake's wilderness islands and shore. Are you ready to boat to your campsite? |
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