Poutwater Pond from Esty Road

HIKE NAME:  Poutwater Pond From Esty Road   DISTANCE: 2.5 Miles     DIFFICULTY: Easy

Restrictions: No motorized vehicles. Dogs and bikes are prohibited.

Trailhead: Princeton. End of Esty Road (south off route 62 toward the Sterling line) https://goo.gl/maps/vRwqgP169BaV4rBD9

Hike Description: Poutwater Pond Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a state Fish and WIldlife park including an isolated bog pond located  in Holden, just over the Princeton line. It can be accessed from the end of Esty Road and also from Holden Road in Sterling.

Poutwater Pond is known for its orchids, which bloom in late June. It is also a nice birding spot. 

Total elevation is 180 feet.

Links:  None

Hike Details: 

The easiest route to Poutwater Pond is to start at the end of Esty Road where two gravel roads head south toward Poutwater Pond. Take the road to the right, which leads along a nice pine needle strewn trail. Keep to the left at the first junction to head to Poutwater Pond.

Poutwater Pond is an isolated spot, rich with wildlife and vegetation, and a popular  spot for bird watchers. There is a trail leading down to the edge of the pond that skirts the edge for a few dozen feet. During wet weather, much of this area may be under water.

Continue south past the pond for a short walk to Holden Road and the south trailhead. Return via the same route.

Because of the network of dirt roads through this area, a GPS is recommended for this hike. Poutwater Pond may also be accessed from Holden Road in Sterling.

Other Options to Consider: 

There is a lovely trail heading west to Mason Road (Coal Kiln Road in Princeton) with a marked parking lot at the trailhead. However, the beavers have recently flooded this trail very close to the parking lot. Exploring this trail out and back is a nice added hike after visiting Poutwater Pond. This trail bears to the right just after leaving the pond on the main gravel road.

There is also a path from Thompson Gardens, however it is a bit difficult to find at the start (through the DCR gate, but then a little bushwack to find a gravel road) and it also passes through a large normally unmowed field up toward the main trails. Still an adventure is possible!

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Poutwater Pond, taken from the viewing area and looking north

Princeton Hikers heading to the cars