Adirondack Sports February 2024

SNOWSHOE, XC SKI & HIKE
FEBRUARY 2024 13
Hour Pond
P
By Bill Ingersoll
H
our Pond is nestled within a secluded basin, and
although it is not really remote, the surrounding
mountains ensure that it seems that way. There is
a lean-to near its east shore and an attractive campsite
near the outlet, either of which would be a fine setting
for a weekend backpacking trip. Bullhead Mountain
serves as a pleasing backdrop, although its position to
the west causes the sun to set prematurely in the evening,
from the perspective of anyone camping on the
east shore. Hour Pond has been known as a recreational
destination for several generations, but an explanation
for its unique name has not yet been uncovered.
There are two ways to reach the pond, and both of
them are very fine trails. This route from Old Farm via
Hour Pond Brook is the traditional route, and the one
better suited for skiing and snowshoeing… assuming, of
course, the occurrence of a traditional winter, which is
scarce these days. But if nothing else, this is still a good
hike with or without winter equipment.
Getting There – Access to this part of the Siamese
Ponds Wilderness – which has much to offer in addition to
this hike to Hour Pond – begins on Thirteenth Lake Road.
This paved byway starts on NY Route 28 in North River
and traces a winding course through Christian Hill and
alongside Thirteenth Brook.
Old Farm Road forks right from Thirteenth Lake Road
four miles from North River. Plowing ends in a clearing
at 0.5-mile – a spot that serves as a winter trailhead
most years. At other times of the year, you can follow the
remaining road into state land and the official trailhead
parking area at 0.7-mile.
The Trail – The wide trail begins with a quick drop that
skiers will appreciate, and others will hardly notice. At 0.2-
mile you reach the trail register and the northern junction
with the Botheration Pond Loop, and at 0.6-mile the trail
to Elizabeth Point, forks right. The main trail then enters
a large stand of Norway spruce, which were planted here
by a prior generation of conservationists as a reforestation
effort. As its name suggests, Norway spruce is not a tree
species that is native to North America; the ones here may
eventually be succeeded by the balsam firs lurking in the
understory.
The site of the Thirteenth Lake House, known as Old
Farm Clearing, is now a much smaller clearing at the heart
of the spruce plantation. A foundation can be seen to the
right of the trail, and a spring to the left. This was at one
time the trailhead parking area, but it is now a key intersection
1.2 miles from the trailhead. The southern end of
the Botheration Pond Loop is on the left; the trail to the
East Branch Sacandaga River is straight ahead; and the
trail to Puffer and Hour Ponds is on the right 350 feet past
the clearing.
Considering the rather sloppy nature of our recent
winters, expect unforgivably wet conditions for the first
To Puffer Pond
To Eleventh Mountain
Old Farm Clearing
MAP BY
BILL INGERSOLL
TRAIL THROUGH
OLD FARM CLEARING.
BILL INGERSOLL
See SNOWSHOE, XC SKI & HIKE 15 ▶