This hike takes you through a notch between the Stephenson and Wilmington Ranges to a remote pond with a lean to.  From the road the trail climbs along an old woods road. The trail passes an open area at 0.3 miles.  The trail gently climbs with some eroded sections of trail. At 1.6 miles cross a small brook on a bridge. The steepest section of the trail is next before reaching the height of land at 1.9 miles. This hike is in the Wilmington Wild Forest of the Adirondacks.

At 2.2 miles the trail begins its descent toward the pond, reaching the pond outlet at 2.6 miles. The lean to is just past the outlet. The pond is small with some large rocks on the eastern shore that create nice picnic spots. Simply retrace your steps for a pleasant 5.2 mile round trip hike. The trail does continue another 3.2 miles descending to Bonnieview Road. This hike follows a snowmobile trail.

Directions:  From NY 86 in Wilmington, go 2.8 miles up Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway (NY 431) to the junction with Franklin Falls Road, on the right, then 0.7 mile on Franklin Falls Road (County Route 18) to the trailhead on the right. There is some parking along the shoulder. Cooper Kiln Pond is 2.7 miles one-way from the trailhead. The GPS coordinates are N44 24.316 W73 53.071 at trailhead.

Trailhead along County Route 18

Cooper Kiln Pond Trail