Debar Pond is a long and narrow glacial lake with seemingly cool water all year. Sheltered by Debar and Baldface Mountains it has calm waters on many days. The rocky slopes of Baldface Mountain welcome paddlers as they coast past, tempting one to explore.
Hiking
This trail is used mostly as a canoe carry trail, but for a short hike this has a great payoff. The trail is very easy and flat with a couple of boardwalks to aid you over the wetter portions of the low-lying trail. Arriving on shore you will have stellar views of the blue waters and the cliffs of Baldface Mountain. Please be aware the boardwalks may be slippery.
Mileage Round Trip: 0.6 miles
Pond Elevation: 1,564 feet
Access is near the lodge building, using the road beyond the gate at the parking area.
Paddling
The portage is relatively flat. The trail has a tendency to be a bit wet. Paddlers will enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and the lodge.
Size in length: Roughly 0.9 miles
Type of launch: Short carry of less than 0.3 miles
Type of water: Flat with mostly calm conditions. No motor boats.
Fishing
Debar Pond is a great, quiet spot for fishing in summer and winter. Anglers will find brook trout, splake, landlocked salmon here.
Birding
Located near the junction of Routes 26 and 27 in the Town of Duane, Debar Pond offers a quiet birding paddle for anyone interested in making the 0.3 mile carry from the parking area. If you aren’t interested in canoeing, the boardwalk trail to the pond cuts through wet coniferous and cedar habitat, home to a variety of warblers and other songbirds. In addition, Black-backed Woodpecker can be found along parts of the access road to the trail itself thanks to the boreal nature of the surrounding woods.
Getting there
Follow Route 30 out of Malone and drive to the crossroads with County Route 26 (old Route 99), which will be on the left. Continue onto Route 26 for roughly 4.3 miles to Debar Park Road on the right — it's a dirt road. Follow Debar Park Road for 0.75 miles to a parking area on the left. The trail is on the opposite side of the road.
