A portage trail leads to the shore of the pond, where there is an amazing vista across the water that includes Whiteface Mountain. Be careful, this area is surrounded by private land, stay on the trail.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 50 feet
• Based on walking in from large parking area by the bridge

Hiking to Connery Pond

From the large parking area, walk the newer trail that parallels the road, before reaching the dirt drive that leads to the pond. There is a portage trail here that leads to the shore of the pond, where there is an amazing vista across the water that includes Whiteface Mountain.

Paddling

The carry is a bit narrow with odd footing, but is a short distance where conditions are less of an issue. A boat that drafts less water can be put in at the outlet, part way up the carry trail, but it is typically too shallow, especially in late summer and fall. The launch area at the outlet can be very wet where careful footing is needed. While out on the lake be sure to look for Great Blue Herons fishing in the grassy shallows and Red-winged Blackbirds at the north shore. There is typically a large duck population on this pond and moose tracks have been seen along the shore. Common Loons frequent the water but be sure to give them their space, especially if a nest is nearby.

Fishing and ice fishing

This 81-acre pond, located in the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area and the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest, is listed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as one of Essex County’s top brown trout waters. You’ll also find splake, yellow perch, sunfish and pumpkinseed. Motors are not allowed. This pond is one of the first to freeze in the winter, offering earlier access to the yellow perch.

Connery Pond in the winter

This is a great option for an introductory snowshoe, but you will likely need to take them off on the road. Being prepared is necessary for any winter hike.

How to get there

From the four-way intersection in Wilmington, travel east on Route 86 toward Lake Placid. Drive for just about 10 miles to a large parking lot at a bridge over the Ausable River. From here, you can access Connery Pond and Whiteface Landing. Just up the road from the parking lot, there is a dirt road that leads back to the trailhead for Whiteface Landing. There are few spots, so parking on Route 86 is the best option.