Wild Winter Walks: Big Lyford Pond, Little Lyford Pond Camps, Greenville

AMC Outdoors, December 2004

Distance: 12 miles roundtrip from Little Lyford Pond Camps to Big Lyford Pond and back
Terrain: Ski through narrow, tunnel-like trail near two ponds
Trail difficulty: Easiest to more difficult
Surface quality: Ungroomed, but skier tracked
Time: 4 hours

Native brook trout live in the two ponds at Little Lyford Pond Camps. Along the trails you may spot the tracks of moose, deer, or fisher cats. At night, off in the distance, you may hear the howl of the coyote.

Going to Big Lyford Pond and a junction a half-mile beyond is a rewarding trip that takes you through marshlike areas with views of the scars on Baker Mountain, and along the banks of the West Branch of the Pleasant River.

Loop trails encircle both of the Little Lyford Ponds. Leave the lodge on the trail to the ponds that leads across the open area by the lodge before it turns into the shelter of the forest. In about 100 yards, a trail for the first pond leaves to the left. The views of Indian and Baker Mountains are beautiful here and well worth a look. Just beyond the first trail, another path leads to the second pond, a bit more secluded than the first.

After passing the ponds, the trail begins the first of three crossings into boggy areas. Be prepared, the trails dip near the water and unsuspecting skiers might have to put on the brakes quickly.

Near the two-mile mark, the trail shoots through a clearing with views of the slides on the side of Baker Mountain. This is a good spot to look for moose tracks. On the riverside, a short spur trail leads to the river banks. Follow it, then turn around and enjoy the view.

The trail narrows at this point and meanders through young new pines. Near the three-mile mark, cross Baker Mountain Brook and continue through the woods. Just before the four-mile mark, look for an obvious left into a clearing. Follow it into an amphitheater with striking views of the mountains.

After taking in the show, return to the trail which takes an obvious right by a sign saying “Ski Trail.” The ski trail reaches Big Lyford Pond over a bridge.

Actually, to see the pond involves some bushwhacking. It’s best to either stop here or continue onward and upward for about a half-mile to a junction with a snowmobile trail, also a decent lunch spot and a place to take in the panoramas. Return the same way, rolling down the hill, crossing the bridge, and ending up back at the lodge. On the way back, if you haven’t done so already, visit the two Little Lyford Ponds.

Wild Winter Walks, main | Lily Bay State Park | Gulf Hagas, Little Lyford Pond Camps | Big Lyford Pond

—These trips are excerpted from Winter Trails: Maine, by Marty Basch (Globe Pequot, $14.95). To order a copy, visit the AMC store or call 603-466-2727.

—Editor’s Note: The distance into the Little Lyford area varies each season. For information on this, as well as new trails that have opened in the area, visit the LLPC information page.