Clear Pond Camping - Snowshoeing overnight

*This was reachedyoed from January *

One night two day overnight trip to Clear Pond, this is the Clear Pond to the West of Putnam Pond near Ticonderoga. It’s a 2 mile hike out to Clear Pond going to the South of Putnam Pond or 2.5-2.75 miles going around Putnam to the North. This is a very versatile location as there are TONS of things to do here, Putnam Pond just to the East of our campsite has fantastic ice fishing, Rock Pond is just to the North about half a mile, and has some interesting mining ruins including a smelter and old mine shaft, lot to explore with time and the inclination.

Difficulty: Hard, just hiking out to the campsite and doing some ice fishing is about 4 miles round trip, any other side trips we do will also add to total trip length.

Food; I will supply Cheddar brats for the first night cooked over the fire, all other meals are up to you. Be sure to bring something that won’t freeze unless you have a way to thaw and cook it. Don’t bring a water filter as it’s unlikely you’ll have access to water and filters will most likely freeze this time of year. Be sure to bring enough water for the whole trip. Nalgene bottles with water warmed on a stove are both a good way to keep your sleeping bag warmed and your water liquid.

Safety: This is a cold weather trip, dress appropriately. Snow shoes will be necessary, I have extra if you need to borrow a pair. Wear layers, it’s important to stay warm, but equally important not to sweat, sweat can freeze as easily as water from a stream or pond and sap heat from your core, stay away from cotton, cotton kills (I generally have 4 layers packed, base, insulation, outwear, and a waterproof shell). For overnight a warm properly rated sleeping bag and sleeping pad are necessary as well as warm, dry cloths to sleep in (I always bring cloths specifically for sleeping especially in winter). It will get dark early, bring a flashlight or headlamp, with extra batteries. Fridged temps (below 15-20 degrees) storms or high winds will cancel the trip.