Do you want to learn about the Green Pond Trail at Bonaparte’s Cave State Park? In this post, you will learn where this trail is located, how long it is, where to park, and more.
The Green Pond Trail takes you a quiet, beautiful deep-water pond that is named Green Pond. Some local lore suggests that Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother, Joseph, hid in the caves on the northwest edge of this pond.
It is not such a far-fetched story, since the land where the pond sits, along with the nearby town of Diana, was once owned by Joseph Bonaparte. His connection to the area, along with local legends, is how the Bonaparte’s Cave State Forest got its name.
If you decide to take the hike to the pond, you will not be surprised to learn that someone may have hid there. It is a beautiful and secluded place to spend one’s time.
You might even hear a moose calling, as we did the first time we visited.
Where is Green Pond Trail located?
The Green Pond Trail at the Bonaparte’s Cave State Forest can be accessed from the designated parking area located on N. Shore Rd in Diana, New York. You can click the link below to open Google Maps with the coordinates to the parking area already programmed:
Green Pond Hiking Trail at Bonaparte’s Cave State Forest
The parking lot does not have a sign. However, if you are coming from Harrisville, you will see the small parking area, which might fit six or so cars, located on the right side of the road.
Below, you can see photographs of the parking area as well as the beginning of the trail. The gate is usually closed, and to access the trail you just need to walk around the gate.
You will know that you are on the right trail if you see a small sign on a tree at the very beginning of the trail. It is up high on the right side of the trail when you are facing the trail from the parking lot area.
The Green Pond in Bonaparte’s Cave State Forest is not the same as the Green Pond located in Santa Clara, New York. These two ponds are in completely different places and are not connected in any way.
How long is Green Pond Trail in Lewis County NY?
The Green Pond Trail is .4 miles from the parking lot to the accessible fishing platform. This trail is an easy walk, and the trail itself is well-maintained.
You can see from the photo below, taken in fall, that the trail is wide. There is some grass growing in the middle of the trail, but there seems to be enough foot traffic to keep the growth to a minimum.
As you already know, the Green Pond Trail is located on state forest lands, which means that there is public access for walking in other parts of the forest. There are a few other trails in the Bonaparte’s Cave State Forest, such as the Mud Pond Trail.
What can you do at Green Pond in Diana, New York?
There is so much to do at the Green Pond Trail. Obviously, hiking is great fun, and even though the trail is pretty short, it is still a very nice and enjoyable hike.
Aside from hiking, birdwatchers will also enjoy spotting many of the at least 229 species of birds that can be found in Lewis County, New York. During the fall, the pond is a great place to watch for migrating birds.
This state forest is located within the Adirondacks region on Northern New York, and is included in what we like to call “North Country“. The Adirondacks are home to a variety of mammals, such as the American Black Bear, moose, wild turkey, White-tailed Deer, fisher, river otter, and more.
I have seen every single one of these mammals while hiking through different parts of North Country, with the moose being the exception. If you prefer to look for wildflowers, bugs, or amphibians, you will be sure to spot interesting species.
One of the most common reasons that people visit Green Pond is to fish. Green Pond is well-known for its Brook Trout, and we were able to catch a few during our visits in the last few weeks of trout season in New York.
There is a great deal of grass growing inside the pond right near the fishing platform, but you will still be able to catch sunfish like bluegill and pumpkin-seed in this area. If you have the gear to cast further out, you can catch other species such as trout.
Conclusion
I hope that you enjoyed this post, and that you make plans to enjoy the Green Pond Trail. The short hike to the pond is absolutely worth it, and you will be sure to enjoy the quiet and beautiful forest that surrounds you during your visit.
Thanks for reading today!