Mountain Pond

[slowandsteady]

Has anyone hiked near Mountain Pond (between Jackson and Chatham, NH)? Any idea what condition the shelter is in? Thinking about an overnight at/near the shelter and hike in that area along with a canoe paddle. I recollect that you can bring a car in along Slippery Brook Road although my WMG is not with me. I read something in the Mountain Ear or North Conway Sun about someone hiking in with a Kayak recently. Didn't know if it would be a high traffic area this weekend.

 

[el-bagr]

I visited Mountain Pond in May '04 (link to TR). It's only about 1/4 mile in from the trailhead. You could easily portage a boat in there -- the trail is relatively flat and easy. I'd probably do it in one pitch -- 1/4 mile is within reasonable one-pitch hauling distance.

The shelter was in fine condition at that point, though the near-trail area on that side of the pond was disappointingly impacted. The far side (counterclockwise from the loop junction) is nicer, IMO, though it'd be harder to find a legal campsite.

 

[slowandsteady]

el-bagr:

Thanks for the information - perfect - we're in the mood for something different!

 

[Waumbek]

The Mountain Pond shelter is about a mile in from the trailhead. It's a leftover from the days when there was an extensive trail system between Chatham and No. Conway and fewer auto roads. You could not drive to within a mile of it in the 1920s. It's a vintage structure. I don't think the roof leaks. You probably can't see this on the picture, but on the end of each sapling pole that make up the roof rafters, a beer bottle cap is nailed. That should also tell you that the shelter may get heavy local use on holiday weekends. The day I was there in July, however, I didn't see anyone else and no evidence of trash. More likely, it is used for fishing trips. A very nice place. (Take a trowel as I did not see a privy.)

 

[--M.]

Rain

Yes, it's water-tight: I was in there two years ago for an exploratory walk-&-fish, and sat with a book while it POURED. It was very cozy. The fish, by the way, were teeny.

There were a half-dozen other people of different stripe around (one tube-fishing, a campsite or two, some walkers, saw some bike tracks).

It's pretty. A little wet.

 

[SAR-EMT40]

Was there this summer and found the pond an easy walk in and thought that a kayak would be easy to get into the pond itself and lots of fun to play with.

It seemed heavily traveled when we were there but a very nice area.

Look forward to hearing your report if you do it.

Keith

 

[Stan]

I cross country skied in with a group a few years ago and we shared trails with snowmobiles. It is a beautiful pond and the shelter was pretty well drifted with snow, probably for the better as even then we packed out a couple empty beer cans.

 

[Puck]

I cross country skied in with a group a few years ago and we shared trails with snowmobiles. It is a beautiful pond and the shelter was pretty well drifted with snow, probably for the better as even then we packed out a couple empty beer cans.

I use to take my son here. On more then one occasion we packed out garbage bags full, broke up fire rings etc. We picked up beer bottles, pickle jars, boots and firecracker paper.

That said...the place is great for owls, night herons, upland sandpipers etc.

 

[slowandsteady]

OK, so far, from everyone's input:

Looking for something different to break up the mountain hiking (call it peakbaging burnout?) plus the foliage should be starting to glow in that area. Want to keep it close to Jackson to minimize driving. Also scouting for XC ski alternatives to the Jackson XC Trails. Might not be a great place to camp this coming weekend if we want a quiet time. Portage is not too long, have done longer ones on Allagash at times of low water. On that basis, might do a long day trip. Bring old hiking boots and gaitors, canoe & gear, binocs, bird book, fishing pole (for 12-year-old), trash bags . Plan to go out early Sat or Sun morning, rain or shine.

 

[arghman]

Been there last summer (day hike, not an overnight). Good place for an overcast day; I saw loons and kingfishers & didn't run into another soul.

 

[kltilton]

I ran on the Slippery Brook Trail on Sunday and the leaves are looking nice. Not quite peak foliage, but very nice. Enjoy your time at the pond.

 

[forestgnome]

Mountain Pond is a special place. Thanks much to those who have volunterily removed the garbage of slobs.

I've seen many moose there. One early morning, I watched a pack of coyotes feast on a deer out on the ice. Later on, a bald eagle feasted on it. I've also seen bears and a porcupine. One night I heard alot of rustling around then a tree drop. Moments later the tree was floating by under the moonlight, being towed by a beaver. Loons have not yet gone south.

This would be a nice time to go. By this weekend, the foliage should be beautiful. Rain has been scarce, so the trail around the pond will be at its' best; it can be swampy at the outlet on the west end. There's a beautiful view of South Baldface from the south side of the pond. The trail is flat, but it is very rocky in places.

Happy Trails!