Improvements Underway at Thompson Pond Preserve

The yellow trail at Thompson Pond Preserve is a serene 2.5-mile path that encircles the ancient glacial waters of Thompson Pond. For over a year, significant stretches of the trail — overgrown in places, completely submerged in others — have been officially closed to visitors.

A yellow placard near the trail’s southern bend reads, “CAUTION: Trail Closed (Bridge out!)” — a warning that often goes unheeded by hikers. “I ignored the trail closed sign. Don’t do that,” wrote outdoor enthusiast Alexandra Stiza in her January 2023, review of the Thompson Pond Preserve on the popular hiking app AllTrails. “It’s a washed out muddy mess that never ends. Was very glad to see my car again. I hope they fix it soon.”

Now somebody is. With improvements currently in progress, visitors will soon be able to enjoy the pond from every view and vantage point along the scenic yellow trail.

“For years this path was sunken and people really couldn’t get through safely,” said Brian Sikora, a former trailmaster for the Adirondack 46ers, who last fall spearheaded a volunteer-driven initiative to build a trail within the preserve’s borders from Thompson Pond to the Stissing Mountain fire tower.

Sikora is a part of a newly formed, and yet to be named, advocacy group. “We are former members of Friends of Stissing Landmarks [FOSL] who are really passionate about Thompson Pond in particular,” he said. “We think we can do a lot of good by concentrating our efforts right here on Thompson Pond.” 

On Tuesday Feb. 27, Sikora, power drill in hand, stood atop a newly constructed wooden walkway in the southern section of the yellow trail. It will serve as a temporary solution for a sunken stretch of trail, eventually to be replaced by a more permanent, bridge-like structure. 

The funds for Sikora’s temporary fix came from The Nature Conservancy, FOSL and private donations. More money will be needed for a long-term solution.

“Once they see this temporary fix, I think they’ll let me take down the ‘trail closed’ sign,” Sikora said.

However, the trail cannot officially reopen without the approval of the property’s owner, The Nature Conservancy.

Founded in 1951, the international environmental nonprofit organization reports having over a million members today, employing 400 scientists and aiding conservation efforts in 79 countries and territories. With such a global impact, less frequented sites like Thompson Pond Preserve can fall through the cracks. 

“The yellow trail is the loop around the lake and as such is an important trail,” said Paul Gallery, Stewardship Manager for The Nature Conservancy in New York. “It provides a unique experience and one that The Nature Conservancy is excited to reopen.” 

Sikora is excited by the work he is doing at Thompson Pond Preserve. “I’m at a point in my life where I want to give back. It’s very rewarding,” he said. With several projects in the pipeline his goal is clear: “Get the trail open and make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone.”