Cone Pond southwest of Welch-Dickey?

[grouseking]

Does anyone know if there is a trail that leads to this pond? I'd like to check it out.

grouseking

 

[RoySwkr]

I think we found sort of a herd path. I was disappointed when I got there. But that was years ago.

 

[Periwinkle]

I've heard there is, but have never been. A friend gave me directions years ago (which I've since completely forgotten ). From what I do remember tho, the beginning of the trail was completely overgrown, and there are parking issues. If I happen to see my source of info in the near future, I'll ask about it again and PM you.

BTW, Steve Smith's book Ponds and Lakes of the White Mountains lists this as a bushwhack but also mentions some sort of testing station at the pond. You'd think there would be at least a herd path to the pond if anyone is still checking on the equipment there.

 

[grouseking]

Cone Mountain pond lies at 1500 ft elevation on Cone mountain in Thornton NH. It is rather isolated with few visitors except a few locals. The pond itself is about 20 acres in size with crystal clear water, unfortunately it is highly acidic. Because it is surrounded by spruce and receives a high dosage of acid rain and snow the pond cannot support life. The only other sign of man here is a weather station located on the western shore of the pond. This weather station is part of the acid rain monitoring network is operated by scientist from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest.

Access to this part of the pond is via Cone Ridge Road which is off of Sugarbush Lane which can be accessed from Upper Mad River Road in Thornton. Just drive to the end of the road and look for a rather obvious path. Beware there is no sign. The hike is rather short only about 15 minutes.

You can also access from the top of Woodwinds road which is off of Orris Rd. Just drive past the Welch/Dickey parking lot then take your next two lefts and drive up as far as you can. There is no obvious trail from here so you’ll have to use your bushwhacking skills to get you to the pond. If you are lucky you may be able to find my beaten path. There is a steep cliff section you will have to scramble around but it affords beautiful views back towards Welch/Dickey and Sandwich Mountain. This is a hike I used to do every other day or so and only came across another hiker once.


Those are the words of the local, cut and pasted.

I just may have to visit sometime if I find myself in the Waterville Valley area. I've seen a pic of the weather station but i couldnt see the pond. I wonder if Steve Smith's White Mtn Pond book has a picture.


grouseking

 

[MadRiver]

Periwinkle, did you get my PM?