New Trails at Lake Bonita, Moreau Lake State Park

In many parts of the U.S., Moreau Lake State Park would be a premier destination for hikers (those of us who live near the Adirondacks are totally spoiled). The park contains an extensive network of trails that pass over a varied and surprisingly rugged terrain. There are options for everything from short walks to ten mile mountain grinders. And those options just got better; much better. Two new trails have been built that integrate the 800 acres transferred to the park following the closing of the Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility and these new routes are particularly appealing.

Overview map of the new trails. from the parking area on Wilton Mountain Road it's 1.5 miles to Lake Anne. From there another mile of walking takes you to the main park trail system at junction 3. 

The new routes include a well designed trail that circles Lake Bonita --a lovely and distinctive small lake that was previously inaccessible to the public-- and a connection from the new trailhead on Wilton Mountain Road to the parks' existing trail system at Lake Anne. You can find the details of what is planned in the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (OPRHP) addendum the Moreau Lake State Park Master Plan. I'll probably have more to say about the newly added areas in the future but, for now, a few photos will have to suffice.

Lake Bonita from one of the spur trails that provide access to the waters edge. The shoreline of Lake Bonita is mostly undisturbed and OPRHP states that the lake is free of aquatic invasives; a rarity these days. The master plan details the agency's intent to protect these attributes of the lake. Boats of any kind are prohibited and no live baits are allowed for fishing.

Lake Anne: This lovely small "bog lake" boast floating bog mats that are uncommon this far south. No fishing is allowed in Lake Anne and, given that the lake is shallow and has a measured pH of 4.3, it's doubtful that any fish could survive in its' waters. 

Extensive swamps surround Lake Anne. If you like swamps as both I and biting insects do, these are wondrous places. 

The connection from Lake Anne to the parks existing trail system opens the potential for long loop hikes along Palmertown ridge. The southern Adirondacks from one of the many viewpoints along the West Ridge Trail.

Looping back over the East Ridge trail you'll pass through some of the most rugged and wildest sections of the park.

Back at Lake Anne. There is a pretty decent lean-to near Lake Anne. The spot is attractive and the parks' plans call for allowing backcountry camping at this site. You would probably not want to do that in June however. Just trust me on that point. 

Lake Bonita

Lake Bonita

Lake Bonita from the dam.