Adirondack Walks: Stony Pond in the William C. Whitney Wilderness Area

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After a few weekends filled with theatre we needed a little family outdoor time to bring back some balance. We have never entered the William C. Whitney Wilderness area. We have driven past with a longing look wondering what lies beyond that road.

As we drive down the winding road private posted signs flank the road. At first we are unsure if we are going the right way. Finally those familiar DEC signs start appearing. The William C. Whitney area is surrounded by private land in and around the Wilderness area.

We cross the bridge over Little Tupper Lake when someone spots a pair of mallards paddling on the marsh. It is one of our first signs of spring. The horse trail is just beyond so we eagerly question what other spring gifts may be on the trail.

We have no plans to walk the complete four miles to the shore of Little Tupper Lake. Stony Pond is a little closer at 2.75-miles. The snow is granular and the ground is bare in most places. The snowshoes are obsolete here. We kick them off and leave them at the side of the trail and continue on foot. About a mile later the trail opens up to a wide field with a brook and remnants of a beaver dam. We decide not to press on.

We hear birds in the distance and search the surrounding trees for signs of growth. It is still a bit early. The weatherman is predicting snow. That is fine as well. A few well-directed snowballs and we also find all the good things to do with spring snow.

From Tupper Lake drive about 12 miles on Route 30S toward Long Lake. Turn west onto Route 10A (Sabattis Circle Road) for 2.9-miles. At the fork in the road proceed on Route 10A, crossing the bridge overlooking Little Tupper and the parking area to Stony Pond Trailhead is the next right.

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