If you think Stony Creek Pond is jut for fishing, think again! Grab your skis this winter and get outdoors.

Getting there

From the intersection of Route 3 and Route 30 in the Village of Tupper Lake follow Route 3 toward Saranac Lake. Continue for 9-miles to the small trailhead on the right, parking is on the left. There is no trail sign for Stony Creek Ponds, this is a portage trail. Locate the parking for Indian Carry, the trail is directly across the road between two guard rails.

The Indian Carry Hand Launch for Upper Saranac Lake) is on State Route 3, 8 miles east of the Village of Tupper Lake. Parking for 18 cars when plowed.

By the numbers

• Elevation Gain/Loss to Destination: -50 feet to the edge of the pond
• Distance Round Trip: 1.0 miles

Cross-country skiing

From the parking area cross Route 3, carefully. Wait till after you drop down over the embankment and cross the small bridge before you put on your skis. Once your skis are on, start a mellow ski through the mixed forest which gets very little sunlight in certain areas. This ski needs to have good snow conditions to be a fun outing, wait till later in the season for optimal timing. The terrain is very easy and the only serious downhill section is at the very end as you come to the shore of Stony Creek Pond.