Welcome to Stoney Pond State Forest in the town of Nelson. The 1,469 acres offers visitors an opportunity to view a range of different flora and fauna. The 13 mile-long Nordic Ski Trail is an important part of multiple use management of the forest.
Physical Features:
Elevation: 1600 feet
Area: 28 acres
Shoreline Length: 1.1 miles
Length: 0.38 miles
Maximum Depth: 12 feet
Town: Nelson
Hiking:
The State Forest is a blend hard and soft woods, with trails that wind through both natural forests and plantations and around Stoney Pond. The State Forest is a blend hard and soft woods.
Cross-County Skiing:
During winter months, FROSTY maintains the trails for cross country skiing and showshoeing.
Most trails are designed for skiers with a beginner or intermediate skill level. Caution must be used for safe, enjoyable skiing. Snow covered trails may contain hidden obstacles or hazards. Skiers are responsible to ski safely and under control at all times.
Equestrians:
Can use the cross-country ski trail for trail riding from May 1 to October 31. Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses and out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate.
Camping:
Is allowed at 14 designated campsites and requires a use permit between May 1 and September 30. These sites are varied. One site can only be reached by backpacking around the pond. Most of the sites are nestled among a white pine plantation at the south end of Stoney Pond. Each site contains a fireplace. A latrine services the camping area. There is no water well.
Fishing:
Because of its small size and high elevation, this is one of the first lakes in the area to ice-up and is a good early ice fishing location. However, the pond is located on a seasonal road that is not plowed, so on years of deep snow it can be hard to access. The pond is best suited for fishing from a kayak or canoe. There is some shore access at the launch site and along the dam. Panfish are very abundant but run on the small side, with few fish reaching 8 inches.
Access:
Off Jones Road in the Town of Nelson. Hand launch. Parking for 6 cars. No Gas Powered Motors Allowed.
Aquatic Plant Life:
Most of the shoreline of the pond has significant rooted aquatic vegetation growth.
Fish Species:
Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill, and golden shiner.