With many good parking spots around the Red River bridge, the hike to Bear Pond along the Red River offers miles of access to all types of terrain.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 4.5 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 580 feet
• Hike includes trails junctions

Hiking to Bear Pond

The trailhead starts an informal loop that slips away from the left of the bridge through a replanted evergreen forest in an old sand pit.

Turn right off the road from Sagamore and there will be a gate that can be gotten around on the left. Follow this rocky road for a while, cross the bridge, and look for a trail sign on the left side of the road pointing to the right. When it spills back out on the main road, follow that to the right to return to the trailhead.

The trail on the right is flagged at the beginning with yellow and red tape. Keep a lookout for this junction, as it is easily missed. The road is rocky as you approach and the right turn off is sharp. The trail can be hard to follow at times.

Bear Pond in the winter

Parking is not authorized here in the winter.

Experience more trails in Hamilton County

Looking to find some more trails to hike in Hamilton County? With hundreds of miles of trails, we can help you find more amazing hikes in the big outdoors.

Cycling

This trail can be done on a mountain bike.

Birding

On land, look for Ruffed Grouse, Boreal Chickadee, Black-capped Chickadees, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hairy and Black-backed Woodpeckers, Barred Owl, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Black-throated Blue, Nashville, Palm, and Northern Waterthrush.

Fishing

Bear Pond contains brook trout. Use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.

How to get there

The Moose River Plains Camping Corridor is a 5 mile drive from the Limekiln entrance in Inlet. The gravel and dirt access road has a 15 mile-per-hour speed limit. The trailhead starts 50 yards over the Red River bridge, on the left.