Cooper Kiln Pond Trail is a 5.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Wilmington, New York that features a river. The trail is rated as moderate and primarily used for hiking and trail running. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Nice, easy , gradual walk to the lean-to. Bring the jet-boil , but leave the coffee mugs and coffee at home in the pantry. Some special soul was kind enough to leave behind the essentials. Always a pleasure to read through the log books of all those who have ventured . Only saw one other on the trail looking to hunt, but found nothing. So he said. Plenty of Ruffed Grouse to go round.
A nice trail for wildlife viewing and mushroom hunting. We had the trail to ourselves but the lean-to was occupied by people who had hiked in from the other end and were camping there for the weekend. A great little pond at the end for a picnic. Not difficult- just a gradual uphill most of the way.
The trail was quite wet (even before the rain). Super slippery and need to watch your step, as a lot of the trail is loose rocks and roots galore. The description says 5.1 out and back but from Bonnieview Rd it was 6.2 out and back. It was a fairly moderate incline; however with camping gear it made it fairly tough. When we got to the lean to the pond was flooded right up to it. Beautiful forest with lots of little waterfalls along the way to cool down. Really cool fungus and beautiful moss beds everywhere.
Cooper Kiln was pretty nice in late July 2020. It’s not a trail with spectacular views or too many interesting things to look at along the way. There was a whole lot of different kinds of fungus lining the trail, which was neat. I was on the trail all day and ran into 4 people. I was obviously the first creature going up from Bonnieview as I was clearing a lot of spider strings and webs from the path. Parts were muddy and I had to cross creek beds. Both weren’t a problem with my boots. The pond was gorgeous. Water was high due to beavers (from what another hiker said) bringing the water right up to the lean-to.
beautiful trail. following the stream to the pond
A great moderate hike with a dog on a leash. Perfect weather, a little buggy, loved the lean to at the top for snacks, cooling our feet in the beautiful pond, and the path was relatively clear. I don't recommend this hike during or after rain - almost guaranteed to turn an ankle due to all the river rock on the path.
Very nice snowshoe 5.2 mile in and back to Cooper Kill Pond. We’re questioning the name of the trail and pond. The signs read Cooper Kill but we believe it May actually be Cooper Kiln. DEC might be able to clarify that. At least 3 feet of packed snow along the hiking/snowmobile trail. Nice little lean to at the pond to stop for lunch. A little hilly but not too much so. Not a soul but our trio the whole trip.
Hiked this trail on Mother’s Day by myself and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings immensley. Not a soul for miles. At the leanto I heard lots of peepers and sat on the rock watching the many salamanders swim around for about an hour. There were about 5 or 6 blowdowns on the way and on my way back I lost my grey w/blue hood Whiteface Mountain sweatshirt. Guess I didn’t tie it tight enough. (If anyone reading this found it please email me:)) Went back with a friend this Wednesday hoping to find it. But no luck This time we went all the way straight through to the Bonnieview trailhead. With all of the leaves on the trail it was hard to not twist both ankles. But we made it in 5 & 1/2 hours.
Vraiment une belle trail pour les courtes sorties. Parcous assez facile ce qui est bien quand tu veux y aller relaxe . Une nuit passé au lean to m'a permis d'écouter des cris d'animaux que j'avais jamais entendu. Le parcours à par contre besoin d'une petite restauration mais sans plus. Jai apprécié
So the trail name is really Cooper Kill Pond, not Kiln. This trail is awesome, the second mile is a bit of elevation, but not terrible. And the leanto and pond are amazing. There was literally not another single person on the entire trail with me today. I did not stay overnight, just hike in and back out, beautiful once you get to the pond, the silence was absolute, it was a complete sound void-amazing. The trail itself was meh as far as scenery/interest.