This nearly 2-mile round-trip out-and-back hike takes you along the shores of beautiful Bear Pond and through a portion of the historic Hudson Farm, the "birthplace of the Adirondack Trail" and for over 70-years it was a shining example of the work of the Settlement House Movement. The route follows the co-aligned Highlands Trail (HT) / Lake Hopatcong Trail (LHT) along the northern shore of Bear Pond. The best spot to park is the small parking lot at the end the Huron Tr. (street), located off of Mohawk Tr. (street) along the eastern shore of Bear Pond.  Please drive slowly on the narrow streets as you make your way to the Huron Tr parking area.

Conservation easements with the NJ DEP and its partners allow public hiking access into this private property, but you must remain on the marked trails in respect of the property owner and for your safety.  Use the Highlands Trail access-trail exiting the rear of the parking area and turn left (west) at the junction with the HT/LHT (you will see Bear Pond on your left).

Don't miss the stone fireplace remnants of the Camp Aladdin as you pass through the northern end of Bear Pond. This circa 1927 camp was a summer camp for disadvantaged children from the Chelsea neighborhood of NYC, which was one element of the activities run by Hudson Guild (former property owners).