Bear Swamp Pond Trail

This out-and-back hike leads to a scenic overlook of the wetlands within Bear Swamp State Forest. There are multiple ways to get here, the one described below is just a suggestion.

NOTE: The Bear Swamp Yellow Loop starts from the same point as this route and both hikes are combined into one interactive map. The intersection where the pond route splits from the Yellow Loop is marked on the map below. On the way back, you can choose either to return the same way or complete the rest of the Yellow Loop.

Map of the Bear Swamp S.F. Trails

You can navigate on this route using the downloadable AllTrails map.

 The trailhead for this hike is located at the Bear Swamp Road parking area, just off Iowa Road in the town of Sempronius. The GPS coordinates are 42.73629, -76.28525.

From the trailhead (1575’), locate the state forest kiosk and follow the Yellow #1 trail north as it parallels the road. The trails in this state forest are marked with DEC disks that designate a color and number for each trail. Just past the kiosk, the Yellow #2 trail enters from the left. Turn left here, following the appropriate markers as the trail crosses the road.

The Yellow #2 descends slightly past the road, then begins a mellow ascent through the woods. At 0.8 miles from the trailhead, the trail crosses Bear Swamp Road once again. On the opposite side of the road, the trail continues but is now designated as Yellow #3. Follow this trail.

The Yellow #3 trail continues on mostly level terrain, winding through a coniferous forest. At 1.5 miles, the trail ends at a T-intersection (1745’). Turning left is the Blue #3 trail which eventually leads to Bear Swamp Pond while turning right is the Yellow #4 trail which connects to the rest of the yellow-marked trails. Turn left here.

From the T-intersection, the Blue #3 descends steadily before crossing Bear Swamp Road once again at 1.9 miles. After the road crossing, the trail is designated as Blue #4. This trail parallels another dirt road known as. Hartnett Road. 0.1 miles from the Bear Swamp Road crossing, a smaller trail, Blue #5, enters from the left. Turn left here and follow the appropriate markers.

The trail continues a mostly level walk for 0.25 miles before arriving at the pond overlook. There is a nice view of the wetland from here. The trail continues past the overlook, looping back to Blue #4 at 2.3 miles. Turn right on the Blue #4 trail.

Shortly after leaving Blue #5, the Blue #4 trail reaches the first intersection with Blue #5. From here, return the way you came or use the Bear Swamp Yellow Loop guide to extend the route. Total distance for this hike: 4.4 miles with 450 feet of elevation gain.