Mitchell Ponds (click on map above for full details) can be found on the Blue Mountain Lake USGS quad topo map. Mitchell Ponds is part of the Moose River Plains Wild Forest located southeast of Old Forge, NY in Hamilton County. The latitude and longitude coordinates for Mitchell Ponds are 43.8262, -74.4524 and the altitude is 2142 feet (653 meters).
The yellow tagged trail is 2.8 miles over mostly level terrain that travels along a former timber road, continuing between two ponds and terminating at a natural rock dam. The two ponds are partially separated by a peninsula and lined with picturesque cliffs along the north side. A one-mile long spur trail along the north shore ends near the outlet. According to the map below there is a leanto and reportedly there is a nice campsite on lower Mitchell Pond’s western point near the outlet.
To reach the Moose River Plains western gate proceed to Inlet, turn south on the Limekiln Road from Route 28 about a mile east of the Hamlet. Follow the road two miles to the entrance gate just past the Forest Ranger Headquarters.
Access to the Moose River Plains eastern gate is via the 12-mile long partially paved Cedar River Road, originating at NYS Route 28 approximately 2 miles west of the Hamlet of Indian Lake.
The Moose River Plains road system extends between these gated entrances with side roads ending at Indian Lake and Rock Dam. These roads in most places accommodate two-way traffic but can be narrow with some steep pitches. They are considered unimproved and may be impassable following even a light snow fall. DEC may close either or both gates to entry by vehicles and/or RV’s at any time it is felt that the road conditions may be hazardous due to inclement weather. When the roads are closed, a sign will be posted at the two major highway entries.
Those coming from the south can meet at Charlie Johns Store in Speculator at 9:30am.
Trail information for the Moose River Plains area is covered as part of DEC’s Central and Southern Adirondacks and available here.
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November 4th, 2008 | Tags: Mitchell Ponds, Moose River Plains | Category: Adirondacks, Winter Camping
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