Buck Pond Path

Kailee and I spent the last (NYS DEC) camping weekend of the season at Buck Pond in Onchiota. The campsite is a fantastic place with gorgeous views in every direction, and the experience was enhanced by it being peak leaf-peeping season. I'll speak more about the campground at a later time and would like to focus the hiking portion of or weekend in this piece.

The trail at Buck Pond Campsite is really easy to find and it can be enjoyed by anyone! Whether you're on foot, bike, or wheelchair, you can handle this trail -and- every inch of it offers lovely views of Lake Kushaqua.

-Buck Pond Trail - Lake Kushaqua on the left.

The Buck Pond trail runs along the old D&H railroad line and is the smoothest, easiest trail that I think I've ever been on. If you follow the trail to the end, you'll hit the the road and it's time for you to turn back towards the campground... Or, you can push on and see Mud Pond and the start of the Saranac River.

We had some funny moments on this trail. I'm a fast walker and because the trail is so easy, I would end up about 30-40 yards ahead of Kailee. So, I would stop and yell "On your mark, get set... Go!" And, Kailee would run towards me with a big smile on her face.


-Lake Kushaqua as seen from the Buck Pond Trail (Old D&H Line).


The trail itself is about a mile long each way and there are minimal risks... But, it offers beautiful scenery every step of the way, and it's accessible to anyone!
This is extremely easy trail is aimed to be easy on the eyes and feet... And, in those regards, it delivers!