Hike Reviews
September 16, 2015
Described loop hike also has good workout
<p>If you look at the contours on the Trail Conference map, you'll see that the loop hike I describe has an elevation gain of about 750 feet from Russell Brook to the top of the ridge. So you get a nice workout with this hike, too. Moreover, this is a loop hike which also visits the intersting Mud Pond.</p>
September 15, 2015
Hike South For More Exercise
<p>My wife and daughter visited Trout Pond yesterday. It being a damp, post-Labor Day Monday, the trail was deserted, and the leaves were just starting to turn.</p>
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<p>Instead of taking the route described here, we parked at the (empty) lot on Campbell Brook Road and took the trail south. We had to cut the hike short when one of our party became sick, but the out-and-back to Trout Pond had, as best as I can read on the NYNJTC map, a roughly 900' - 1000' total climb over 3.4 miles.</p>
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<p>If you're looking to give your legs a bit more of a workout, that's the route to take.</p>
May 22, 2014
Trout Pond
<p>Yes, the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. My experience is that Trout Pond is very popular on weekends but less so on weekdays. As to getting there, there is a parking area on Russell Brook Road (it must be approached from the north, as most of the road along the brook was washed out a number of years ago), and you hike in from there on a trail that follows a woods road. The woods road leads around the northern side of the pond to the lean-tos, which are at the western end. There are several designated campsites near the western end of the pond, and there is also a designated campsite at the southeastern corner of the pond, across the pond's outlet. There is no formal trail along the southern side of the pond.</p>
May 22, 2014
Camping at Trout Pond
<P>That is great news, and thank you again for confirming. I assume that it is "first come, first serve" when it comes to occupying one of the campsites? Also, do you happen to know how are the conditions are to get there and around the Pond?</P>
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<P>Sincerely,</P>
<P>Greg</P>
May 20, 2014
Camping at Trout Pond
<p>While camping is generally permitted anywhere in the Forest Preserve, camping is ordinarily not permitted with 150 feet of any pond or stream, except at designated sites. Thus, camping along the shore of Trout Pond would not be allowed at undesignated sites. However, there are several designated campsites along the shore of Trout Pond, besides the two lean-tos at the pond. Primitive camping at Trout Pond is permitted at these sites.</p>
May 20, 2014
Trout Pond Camping
<P>Other than the lean-to, is camping permitted along Trout Pond itself? When I was younger I camped adjacent to the tributary located on the eastside of the Pond. I would enjoy to take my kids camping here and would like verify the it is in fact acceptable. I assume there is no registry as these are not designated camp sites, and this is considered "primitive" camping. Any information would be very helpful and appreciated. We would enjoy sticking to back country camping, away from actual campground areas where people congregate.</P>
<P>Sincerely,</P>
<P>Greg</P>
July 10, 2013
Hiked this loop on July 6, 2013
<P>Trails, shelters, bridges, etc. are all in excellent condition. Water at mud pond was great for a quick dip to cool off on a hot day.</P>
February 12, 2012
Beware "seasonal road"
This is a great hike but be mindful that Russell Brook Road is a "seasonal road" ( and is marked as such) -- we made the mistake of ignoring that fact, got stuck, had tow truck drama, etc. Do not tempt fate!