Posted on October 31, 2020 and last updated on November 01, 2020

Rock and Midway Pond trails, Sandy River Plantation

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: Not sure
  • Trail Mileage: 1.3 miles to first overlook
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy to moderate
  • Sights: remote ponds, views

The trails to these remote ponds can be a bit wet, especially at the start. The main path is part of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail, and is marked and easy to follow. It intersects, eventually, with a multi-use trail that goes in one direction to meet up with the Appalachian Trail up Saddleback Mountain and beyond. The other direction takes you to the Cascade Stream Gorge trail.

I didn’t see any blazes on the trails to the pond and overlook, but they are well-worn and easy to follow. The trails weave through mossy forests, with side trails to the lovely ponds. There are two overlooks; one over Midway Pond (very nice!), and the other of Rangeley Lake (I think?), which was completely obscured in fog the day we visited.

From the trailhead, my GPS says it’s about 1.3 miles to the first main overlook, and about 1.9 miles to the intersection with the multi-use main thoroughfare of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail. (The trail sign says 1.7 miles, though.)

Directions: You can pick up the trail at the end of Rock Pond Road—part of the Saddleback Mountain Ski Resort—where there is a small open area to the side of the road that looks suitable for parking. However, the sign encourages hikers to park in the area for day visitors near the lodge, which would increase the length of your walk by quite a bit.

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!