Owen, Copperas, and Winch Ponds

  • Route 86, Wilmington

Amenities

Pond/Lake

Facilities

Lean-tos, Waterfront Sites, Wooded Sites

Fish Species

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Small Mouth Bass, Lake Trout

Hike Features

Ponds / Lakes
A woman walks on a log in a pond
A person fishing in the fall
This loop hike is lovely in any season.

These three ponds are located in the Sentinel Range Wilderness Area and offer excellent loop opportunities. There are two trails that lead into the area and either can be used to create a loop to the three ponds. This trio of ponds offers all kinds of outdoor recreation along a good trail for all skill levels. In summer it has camping, swimming, and paddling. Hikers should learn about Leave No Trace principles before hiking any trail in the Adirondacks.

Key takeaways

  • Distance: 2.6 miles
  • Elevation gain: 500 feet
  • Hike includes trail junctions

Hiking Owen, Copperas, and Winch Ponds

From the southern trailhead for Owen Pond start over a moderate course on the rerouted initial 0.2 miles. The new portion has been in use for a while, but there are still some very soft areas. You will quickly come to the original trail alongside a brook in an area that can typically be wet and slippery. As you pass by an erratic on your right, you will begin to slowly move away from the brook and climb slightly before dropping again to the brook, and eventually Owen Pond.

Past Owen Pond you will find the trail to be slightly more moderate than most of the other sections of this trail. You quickly get to Copperas Pond, with views of Whiteface Mountain over the far side. Passing through a camping area and over a long boardwalk you will come to an intersection. Right heads to Winch Pond and left goes along Copperas Pond and meets up with the northern trail approach to the region. For this loop follow left along Copperas Pond.

The tread here is narrow in spots and quickly comes to a trail sign pointing right. Go right, as left will take you to the lean-to on the shore of Copperas. Read more about this lean-to here. The trail now sweeps and goes over a few small hog-backs before it reaches another intersection. Follow here to the right to reach Winch Pond; left will bring you steeply down to Route 86, the northern trailhead.

Fishing

Listed as one of the top brown trout waters in Essex County, Owen Pond was reclaimed in 1952 and remains an excellent fishery. The state annually stocks yearling browns here. Only 19 acres and just over 30 feet at its deepest, this body of water is home to browns, rainbows, and lake trout as well as some smallmouth, bullheads, and pumpkinseeds.

Paddling

This carry is a bit long, but not overly difficult to Owen Pond. The start is a tad narrow and windy, but short. Once on the old section of trail you will have a much wider tread under you, making it much easier to proceed efficiently while carrying a small canoe or kayak. The best launch is along the northern shore past the outlet. Footing can be a bit tricky along the pond. The ponds are very well sheltered and flat with mostly calm conditions; no motor boats allowed in this Wilderness Area.

Camping

Copperas Pond has one lean-to and two primitive tent sites. All are first come, first serve.

Swimming

Copperas Pond is also a great swimming hole during the hot days of summer.

Owen, Copperas, and Winch in the winter

In winter, it is a scenic spot for snowshoeing, but cross-country skiing can be tougher on this trail. Expect a drop in temperature as elevation is gained, and be prepared for cold winds by the ponds. Always bring extra layers, especially for higher elevations, and don't hesitate to turn around if the weather starts to turn. Being prepared is necessary for any winter hike.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 86 and Route 73 in Lake Placid, follow Route 86 toward Wilmington. Continue for 5.5 miles to the southern trailhead on the right and an additional 1.1 miles to the northern trailhead also on the right.

Packages and Promotions

Clear All Filters

Browse by:

Category

Date

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

Your pooch will be as comfortable as their owners with our pet friendly package!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Placid Bay Hotel

Enjoy an in-room spa experience for two with your stay. What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Package Details Surprise your significant other with a romantic evening waiting for you on the day of your arrival!

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Couples Getaway

Escape with your loved one to a truly romantic experience - sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries overlooking spectacular views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks is just the beginning...

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Babymoon

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

The Adirondack Elopement

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

Valid Jan. 11

- May. 1

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Outdoor Adventure Package

Maximize your time in the outdoors: book your room and a boat rental through HK Boat Rentals.

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Supper & Stay

Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Play and Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Includes stay at Crowne Plaza Hotel with Golf at our Lake Placid Club Courses

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

Valid Oct. 11

- Oct. 24

Valid Oct. 10

- Oct. 24

Half Off your third night at Camp Riverwalker

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Book 2 nights in our cozy suite and save 50 % on the third night

Valid Sep. 23

- Sep. 27

Valid Sep. 23

- Sep. 27

High Falls Gorge Construction Discount

We're offering reduced admission prices for a limited time as we finish renovating our steel walkway.

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Stay and Save!

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay 3 nights and get 20% off.

Valid Oct. 21

- Nov. 9

Valid Sep. 26

- Oct. 26

Family Friendly Condo at Whiteface Club & Resort

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

You can save $100 per night!

Valid Nov. 12

- Dec. 2

Valid Nov. 12

- Dec. 2

Turkey Special in November

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Turkey Special In November - 3nts/4day weekend ($500/night: $1500) or 2 nts/3 day weekend ($600/night: $1200)

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Linger longer in the Adirondacks and be rewarded!

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Ever dreamed of spending time on the slopes with an Olympic athlete? Well, now you can!

Valid May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy a night on us! 4th night free when you stay 3.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Golf & Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Starting at: $119.00 * Weekend & Summer packages available at higher rates

Valid Aug. 28

- Oct. 31

Valid Aug. 1

- Oct. 26

Fall Golf Package

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Golf + breakfast this fall at the Golden Arrow

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway!  Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

10% off our Best Available Rate for all active as well as retired military personnel, and first responders on leisure stays.

Valid Jun. 17

- Oct. 31

Valid May. 15

- Oct. 31

In-Season Golf Package

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay and golf at the Van Kleek-designed Award-winning championship course at Whiteface Club & Resort. Package Includes: - 2 nights' stay at Cambria Hotel Lake Placid. - 2 rounds of unlimited golf with a cart for 18 holes.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain than to enjoy an in-room spa experience for two?

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Adirondack Guides

Get the most out of your stay - Guide Services Available!

Valid Sep. 2

- Sep. 18

Valid Sep. 13

- Sep. 17

BOGO FREE!

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Buy One Get One FREE on stays September 2- September 18, 2024 Call 888-372-5686 to book today!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Experience the unspoiled Adirondacks while spoiling yourself and a loved one

Valid Oct. 28

- Nov. 9

Valid Oct. 28

- Nov. 9

the Stay Soon Special!

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Visit soon and Save!

Load More