How to get there

Follow Route 30 south out of Malone toward Paul Smiths. Continue to Mountain Pond Road on the left. Drive down Mountain Pond Road for 0.25 mile to a gated woods road. The parking area is on the left.

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By the numbers

Mileage Round Trip: 7.2 miles

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Hiking

The Sheep Meadow Trail is used more often as a cross-country ski trail, but it is a very attractive walk in the area and not demanding. You will eventually progress to two very attractive backcountry lean-tos surrounded by small foothills of the Adirondacks. From the trailhead, it’s very flat before a slight descent down to a crossing of the Osgood River. At the next intersection, which is unmarked, stay straight; right leads to grass Pond, then take an immediate left onto a foot trail that leaves the forest road.

Several rolling hills lead back to an old forest road. Follow the woods road to the left and continue a nice leisurely walk to the end of the trail.

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Cycling

With a difficulty level of beginner/intermediate, this 3.6-mile trail (one way) offers easy cruising on a forest road, with only a few small hills to add some spice.

Follow a truck trail north for .6 miles to the bridge over the Osgood River, then take the left on a horse trail. This will be a single track for 0.7 miles and will reconnect to the truck trail. A left turn rewards with a scenic wooden bridge that crosses Hays Brook at the 1.5-mile point. Trail ends at a picnic spot with 2 lean tos and a horse shelter.

If the rider stays on the truck trail throughout, the singletrack does not have to be taken, but this adds 0.25 miles to the ride.

Find the trailhead by turning north at the junction of NYS Rt. 30 & NYS Rt. 86 at Paul Smiths and keep track for 3.7 miles. There will be a DEC Sign for Hays Brook Assembly Area with a dirt road turnoff. Use the parking area 0.4 miles off the highway, near a state gate on the left.

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Camping

These lean-tos don’t get much use, so if you want to be alone for the weekend, this is a good opportunity. 

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Sheep Meadow Trail in the winter

The Sheep Meadow Trail is a popular cross-country ski trail.