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Scott and Wallface Ponds - A Hike Parts of Which You Might not Like

On Thursday October 14th, my friend Jeff and I ventured out for a rugged adventure from ADK Loj to Scott and Wallface ponds. A 13.8 mile round trip that had a little bit of everything as far as a trail goes.

Starting out at the Loj, we traveled along the shore of Heart Lake and at 0.4 miles we signed in. The trail traveled around Heart Lake, (photo) and then entered a beautiful forest with leaf covered trail throughout. Moving along at a good clip, we followed the easy trail with gentle ups and downs to Scott clearing lean-to at 3.8 miles. A beautiful well kept lean-to that has camping written all over it.

After a ten minute break here we crossed a small stream and moved along to the junction of Scott and Wallface ponds and the side trail left to Indian Pass. We stayed right and moved along until we came upon an old broken down dam. Crossing the dam on some rocks, (water very low here), we entered the trail from "ANOTHER WORLD".

Bring along plenty of extra socks and even more patience as you will need both as you are walking through mud and water most of the way to Wallface pond at 6.9 miles. The time that it took us from the dam to Wallface pond was just as long as it took for nearly half of the whole trail. Bushwacking until you can bushwack no further, the trail finally comes to an end at Wallface pond.

Looking for a place to snap a picture is difficult but we managed to find one (photo) and sat and collected ourselves from the very difficult last couple of miles. This trail was very tiring from the dam in and I would suggest that unless you are a very patient individual that you leave this one alone.

The hike to Scott's clearing lean-to is a beautiful one and should not be missed. The rest should be. Take the time to follow this unbelievable trail to the lean-to and while you are there, visit the many side trails along the way as this area is longing for a visitor. Adventure at its best here folks and we certainly got our money's worth that day.

NOTE: For a more complete description of the trail, please see ADK's (guide to) ADIRONDACK TRAILS - High Peaks Region 13th Edition, pp 139-140.

Take care and happy hiking.
Rick McCorry and Jeff Rock.