This may be one of the most difficult hikes in Moose River Plains Wild Forest.  It is a hike that will test your skills and endurance for sure.  There are two trailheads for the Sly Pond Trail in Moose River Plains Wild Forest.  The main trailhead is off Otter Brook Road, 1.1 miles south of the South Branch Moose River.  The marked trail is on the left. 

The other trailhead is sometimes referred as the summer trailhead because it requires wading the South Branch Moose River and is located 3.8 miles east of the junction of Otter Brook Road on Moose River Plains Road, turn right or south on a side road that leads to campsite #35.  There is a barricade where the road ends at the old washed out bridge over the river.

The summer trailhead requires wading the South Branch Moose River

The remote Sly Pond is one of the highest bodies of water in Adirondack Park at an elevation of 2872 feet.  It is a long 7.2 mile, rugged hike with an elevation gain of over 1000 feet to reach this true wilderness pond.  This hike will take you through wet areas, beaver ponds, steep ascents, a badly marked trail and will truly test your ability to keep yourself focused as well as from getting frustrated.  It is a round trip of over 14 miles, so give your self plenty of daylight if you attempt this strenuous hike.

From the main trailhead on Otter Brook Road, pass by a barricade and ascend using an old truck road as the path.  Soon pass by a rock wall several feet high and about 100 feet long on your left.  At 0.3 miles a rock formation on your right is interesting.  Your following red discs.

At 2.5 miles cross a bridge and reach a junction at 2.6 miles.  This junction is the trail that travels 0.6 miles from the summer trailhead that requires wading the South Branch Moose River near campsite #35.  The main Sly Pond Trail turns right at the junction heading gradually uphill following a roaring stream on your right.  The trail crosses a small stream at 3.1 miles then bends around a hill at 3.7 miles.  Cross a small stream at 4.0 miles.

At 4.4 miles the trail travels in a wet area.  Another wet area is reached at 4.9 miles.  At 6.0 miles avoid a beaver pond.  At 6.2 miles the trail ascends a bit steeper and you'll find more blow downs with less markers making the final push to Sly Pond more difficult.  At 6.6 miles a steeper section is reached with some partial views, reaching a high point of 2948 feet at 6.9 miles.  The trail now becomes obscure, but in about 50 feet you should start seeing the pond through the trees.

Continue to descend toward the shore, reaching the shore at 7.2 miles.  The pond is lined by conifers and its shores are boggy.  The DEC reports that the pond is too acidy to support fish life.  At the far end of the pond you see the crest of 3620 foot Little Moose Mountain.  Read a blog from the Forest Rat on a hike to Sly Pond here http://forestrat.wordpress.com/2007/06/16/sly-pond-revisited/

Starting your hike from the summer trailhead will still require a round trip of over ten miles in this rugged, remote area.

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