Berry Pond Forest Preserve

LGLC purchased the Berry Pond tract on January 22, 2008, for $2.654 million, marking the largest dollar purchase in LGLC’s history at that time. The purchase was made possible in part through a loan from the Open Space Conservancy (OSC) and funding provided by the Helen V. Froehlich Foundation.

On March 26, 2015, LGLC sold Berry Pond to the state and it is now part of the New York State Forest Preserve.

The Berry Pond Preserve includes the headwaters of West Brook, a tributary that has a significant impact on the water quality of Lake George. This single project connects nearly 10,000 acres of protected land, linking New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Prospect Mountain, The Nature Conservancy’s recently acquired Finch, Pruyn & Co., Inc. parcels, and other open-space land owned by the Village and Town of Lake George.

The Preserve includes Berry Pond, a pristine wetlands and open water wilderness that is home to an active beaver community and contains a small great blue heron rookery. The highpoints of the land provide expansive views of Lake George to “the Narrows” and southern views to Butler Pond and the lower Adirondacks. Situated adjacent to the existing Lake George Recreation Center, the Berry Pond tract will provide significantly expanded outdoor recreational resources for residents and area guests. Distance And Terrain
Part of the NYS Forest Preserve this is a 4.5 miles of mod-challenging trails with scenic views and an active beaver pond. Access to the Berry Pond trails is gained through the Village of Lake George’s Recreation Center trail system. From the kiosk, follow the trail with LGLC’s blue markers through the Rec. Center trail system. Look carefully for a number of directional changes. After making a sharp left turn, the blue trail ascends 280 feet over 0.4 miles to the Berry Pond land boundary. It then descends gradually for another 0.2 miles to the intersection with the orange trail. Hikers can then choose to continue along the blue trail for scenic views or the orange trail to Berry Pond itself. Please note that the orange trail also serves as a snowmobile trail, so use caution in the winter.

The blue trail climbs 520 feet over about 1 mile to reach views looking north at Lake George (1,620-ft elevation) and south at Butler Pond and Vermont (1,640-ft elevation). It then descends gradually on a dirt road to reconnect with the Orange trail just north of the Berry Pond loop. As noted on the map, the blue trail makes two sharp turns. Please look carefully for these directional changes.

From the initial junction of the orange and blue trails, the orange trail follows a dirt road for 0.56 miles (300-ft elevation gain) to the second junction with the blue Trail. The orange trail then leads southwest for 0.1 miles along a dirt road to the Berry Pond loop. Following the loop clockwise, the trail continues along the dirt road for approximately 0.25 miles before cutting into the woods for a forested, pond-side trail for the remaining 0.75 miles of the loop. Note: use caution where the trail crosses below the beaver dam. During high water, it may not be passable.

Highlights And Key Points Along The Route
Home to an active beaver community and contains a small great blue heron rookery. Expansive scenic views of of Lake George to “the Narrows”.

Identify And Describe The Management Organization
Berry Pond Preserve is owned and managed by New York State. To report any problems or acquire permits please contact DEC Forest Ranger Evan Donegan at 518-656-9086 or the DEC Regional Office at 518-897-1300.

Additional Notes
The Berry Pond Preserve is subject to State Forest Preserve rules. Please follow DEC rules when visiting the preserve.

Motorized recreational vehicles are NOT allowed, except for snowmobiles on designated trails.

Please park only in the preserve’s designated area at the Village of Lake George Recreational Center lot.

Hunting and trapping is permitted according to New York State regulations. Please use caution when hiking during hunting seasons: wear bright colors and hike in groups. Hunters, please be aware of hikers and hunt away from trails.

To report any problems or acquire permits, contact DEC Forest Ranger Evan Donegan at 518-656-9086 or the DEC Regional Office at 518-897-1300. For emergencies, call DEC Dispatch at 518-891-0235.

Fees
no
ADA Accessible
no
Tours Are Offered
no
Site is Child-friendly
no
Site is Pet-friendly
no