This car to car traverse between the Sharp Bridge Campground and Ensign Pond Road trailheads of the East Mill Flow trail has gentle changes in elevation, many footbridges, and wonderful views of Schroon Brook alongside most of the trail. Midway it crosses East Mill Brook, has views of Round Pond, and is all within the Hammond Pond Wild Forest.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 4.9 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Hike includes bridges and trail junctions
- Based on a point to point hike of the East Mill Flow trail
Hiking the East Mill Flow trail
From the parking area, locate Schroon Brook to the right and head down to it. Follow it upstream to the main trail. The hike now leads you to a climb up the saddle between Clap and Greenbough Mountains, the majority of your elevation gain, then descend towards East Mill Flow. You then hike above East Mill Flow to an intersection at 3.3 miles. Keep right and cross an outlet for Round Pond at around 3.7 miles. After just over a mile from this point, after skirting by the shores of the small Trout Pond, you make it back to your stashed car on Ensign Pond Road.
East Mill Flow in the winter
This route can be accessed in the winter, but is seldom done during the season, so be prepared for all winter conditions (including breaking trail). If you have experience cross-country skiing in the backcountry, with good coverage this could be a classic trip. Otherwise, bring snowshoes and microspikes, and all other winter essentials.
Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub
Does East Mill Flow sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!
How to get there
From North Hudson, follow Route 9 for 7 miles to Sharp Bridge Campground on the right. There is parking near the entrance. Hikers using the East Mill Flow Trailhead are required to pay a day use fee when the Sharp Bridge Campground is open. Leave a car at the eastern trailhead on Ensign Pond Road.