Paddle Jones Pond to Church Pond

Paddle Jones Pond to Church Pond – Clearly Bob

     Here's a half day canoe/kayak trip that includes a variety of water bodies – very small ponds, very large (why is this not a lake?) pond, small stream, and tiny historic man made canals.  There is a beach to stop at for a swim.  You can check out an historic camp.  On top of all of these irresistible features, it is about a 10 minute drive from the Lodge to the take out.  There are no portages however,  this is an “A” to “B” trip so you will need two cars or a bicycle to set up a shuttle.   A map (the Adirondack Paddler's Map mentioned in a previous blog is the best) is a good idea but you can probably find your way with my rough guide below. 

     The put in is on Jones Pond.  But first leave a car or bicycle at the take out on Church Pond.  Get there by driving north on route 30 to the Paul Smiths College entrance where you turn right onto route 86.  You'll see the church and the parking area next to the pond on the left very soon.   Continue on 86 and take the 2nd left onto Jones Pond Road (local route 31) and follow it about 2 ½ miles and look for the Jones Pond access sign on your right.  The paddling route follows the shoreline of Jones Pond, which parallels the road,  to the outlet at the western end.   You aren't on Jones for very long unless you want to cruise around and explore it.   The outlet is about 2 miles long and dumps you into the very large Osgood Pond.  Here there is a sandy area where you can stretch and go for a swim.  The direct route across Osgood is basically straight down the pond's length heading west but an interesting little side trip into the beginning of the outlet (Osgood River) will let you check out White Pine Camp which was the summer white house of President Calvin Coolidge.  There is an oh so cute little glass enclosed retreat on its own small island reached by an arched bridge that you've got to see.   If you're up for a much longer paddle you can continue down the river about 3 miles before you reach the end of navigable water and need to return.  Back on the main lake, oops,  I mean pond, go about ½ way down its length from the inlet, go around a long point on the left (going between the point and an island) and paddle south into a large bay.  At the deepest point of the bay, to the right of an obvious sandy boat launch spot (public), is the entrance to the first of two very narrow man made canals.  Assume an air of Sunday-going-to-church reverence as you imagine long ago summer residents, attired more appropriately than you are right now,  rowing their guide boats to the house of worship that marks the end of your trip.  Just follow the small ponds and one more canal until you find your car.  Or God.