Pond
Mountain in Kent, CT is a
unique spot nestled in some hills
between the Skiff Mt. area and
Macedonia State Park. Though
not as well known as nearby
Macedonia State Park and certainly
not as large, Pond Mountain offers
a great place to relax and soak up
the serenity you're sure to find.
If you're looking for that "get
away from it all" place, Pond
Mountain definitely falls under
that category. Here you will find
a large pond nestled in deep
forest growth; a place Thoreau
would have absolutely loved.
It's a bit out of the way
and does not see a lot of trail
traffic.
The trail system is straight
forward. Park in the grass lot and
follow the trail into the woods.
Shortly thereafter, you'll
reach the pond which the trail
loops around. (Where the
trail initially meets the pond
loop there is a side trail a few
yards back from where you came.
"Mountain Trail" goes up to
the top of the mountain with some
really great views west taking in
the peaks of the hills/mountains
of Macedonia
State Park and beyond.)
Hiking into the woods and
coming upon the waters of Pound
Mountain is a pleasant experience.
Each four seasons has its own
distinct look and feel. In summer
you'll probably want to pack some
DEET bug spray just in case
(especially true at dusk or dawn
when bugs are most active). Your
first instinct would be to find a
nice spot along the shore, sit
back, and watch this peaceful
world unfold. Ducks, birds,
turtles, frogs, fish, and an
assortment of interesting insects
are only apparent to the keen eye.
If you're into capturing the
beauty of nature on film or
canvas, bring your telephoto lens
or painting materials because Pond
Mountain might set the scene for
some of the best work you'll ever
produce. The water is
crystal clear and the way the pond
sits within its environment
provides perfect lighting
conditions. It's also a great spot
for certain migratory birds or
water fowl that you don't normally
see.
If things have been going a
little rough for you lately and
you just want a quiet place to
think, away from people, come
here. Or just grab your
favorite book or some lunch and
relax for an hour. The
hiking is basic and aside from a
short hill you have to ascend and
descend the trail is flat and easy
on the feet (unless you attempt
Mountain Trail which is a short,
moderately steep hike for the
average day hiker...definitely
worth hike if you're not tired).
The trail head at the
parking lot has a small sign
explaining the various uses of
Pond Mountain and asks that you
respect the tranquility and
cleanliness of the setting.
Sign the visitors log book
and jot down your thoughts. You
can also read the log before
heading in to see if anyone has
posted something interesting to
check out that you wouldn't think
to look for.
Directions: From
Route 7 in Kent center, take a
left onto Route 341 (it would be a
right turn onto 341 if you're
traveling north to south on Rt.
7). You'll be heading west
now on Rt. 341 and going passed
buildings and athletic fields of
the Kent School. About 1.5
miles from Kent center is the
entrance to Macedonia State Park
(right side of the road).
Take this right turn onto
Macedonia Brook Road. This road
winds around to the left and
begins to straighten out.
It's here you'll see a sign
for Macedonia State Park. Just
before the sign is another right
hand ...Fuller Mountain Road. Take
Fuller Mountain Rd. for about a
1/2 mile. As the road levels
off you'll notice a couple of
residential homes on your left.
Drive slowly as the entrance to
Pond Mountain is easily missed if
you're going to fast. The entrance
will be on the right side off
Fuller Mountain Rd.
Printable
version of the Pond Mountain
page
If you have any trail updates to
share or have feedback/questions
please click
here to send email or call
203.788.7665
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