Cooper Kiln Pond, August 11, 2013, Wilmington Range, Adirondack Park

The Lean-To at Cooper Kiln Pond

It wasn't supposed to be an "ascendant outing," but our recent hike to Cooper Kiln Pond turned out to be just that. The pond is one of our favorite spots in the ADKs. We're always there on busy weekends and still have the place all to ourselves. We usually come at it from the west, via an easy rolling trail that covers only around five hundred feet in elevation gain over 3 miles of distance. This time, we decided to come in from the east and parked near the trail head at the intersection of Bonnieview Avenue and John Bliss Road north of Wilmington.

Not a good idea. The western approach is not hard, but it is a long, sustained climb that starts off on a dirt track along Pettigrew Brook that eventually gives way to an ankle-breaking walk through dry steam beds and rocky washouts. On a normal day, the hike would be just fine. But since we were both expecting a nice lollygagging amble through the woods, the unexpected uphill slog had a definite psychological effect. Plus, the ass-kicking that I got from Giant Mountain the day before was making itself known in my ankles and thighs.

Trail to Cooper Kiln Pond

Still, as expected, the ultimate arrival at our little spot made it all worthwhile. Lunch - nap - and espresso on the big flat rock in front of the pond-side lean-to rounded out a pleasant Sunday afternoon at CCP.

By the way, I do in fact know how to read a topographic map...

Chalk it up to a late summer brain fail.

Destination: Cooper Kiln Pond
Elevation: 3,011 feet (Gain: 1,689)
Distance: Up and Back, 6.4 miles round trip
Conditions: Sunny, 70 degrees F
Notable Flora: Mycologists Delight

The Pond

Shrooms