Signs approaching the Copperas Pond trailhead along state Route 86 are seen on Sunday, Nov. 10. The trailhead is an approximately seven mile-drive from downtown Lake Placid.

LAKE PLACID — The Sentinel Range Wilderness has never quite received its fair share of attention, in my humble opinion.

Perhaps, for the peaks, that is for the best. The ponds beneath them, however, are hidden gems and are fairly easy to get to. I say fairly, as the trail is steep in spots with no shortage of rocks and roots. But, its short mileage makes it well within reach for anyone who’s completed a High Peak or even a smaller local hike, like Mount Jo.

You’ll want to be in decent physical shape and have a pair of hiking boots. As winter sets in and trails begin to ice over, microspikes should be considered as well.

Tucked just under 4,000 feet — therefore, failing to qualify as High Peaks — and bereft of any gob-smacking scenic vistas from their mostly wooded summits, the Sentinel Range peaks receive precious little foot traffic compared to their neighbors, such as Whiteface to the north, the McKenzie Range to the west, Jay and Hurricane to the east, and, of course, the 44 of the 46 High Peaks — save for the aforementioned Whiteface and Esther — to the south.

There is, as I teased above, a reason for this.

Resting at a vista overlooking Copperas Pond on Sunday, Nov. 10. Hiking boots are recommended.

With the exception of Pitchoff Mountain — a popular hike with a marked trail at the very southern end of the Wilderness area, accessible off of state Route 73 — there are no official trails to the higher summits in the Sentinel Range: Kilburn, Sentinel, Stewart and Slide mountains. Unlike the “trailless” High Peaks — all of which have largely defined paths thanks to high hiker volume — attempting these summits would be a true bushwhack, with little to no route to follow. It’s been done, but I don’t recommend it.

Just because the wilderness area does not have easy access to summits does not mean it should be written off. Several official — and well-marked — trails take visitors to stunningly beautiful ponds. There are several near each other: Copperas, Winch and Owen.

There are two trailheads for these ponds off of state Route 86 in the Wilmington Notch, between the communities of Lake Placid and Wilmington. As you are driving away from Lake Placid, the first trailhead is marked for Owen Pond. The second is marked for Copperas. You can reach any of these ponds from either trailhead, but the road signs correlate to the most direct route to each.

The trail

Short on time, I took the direct route to Copperas. Parking is on the left as you are driving from Lake Placid, and the trailhead is on the right. There is a blind hill near the parking lot. Hikers should exercise extreme caution while crossing the highway.

The view from the Copperas Pond lean-to is seen on Sunday, Nov. 10. The Sentinel Range rises up in the background.

Once across, there is a trail register. As I have said in past columns, signing in is important to not only give rangers information if you need a rescue, but also to let the state know how many people are using the trail, and how to allocate funds for trail maintenance.

The trail climbs quickly at first, gaining about 300 feet over the first 3/10 of a mile. The path is rocky and rooty, its grade and texture akin to High Peak trails. This is just a much shorter distance.

About halfway, by distance, the trail comes to a junction with the route to nearby Winch Pond, which is clearly marked. Bear left for that, and stay right for Copperas Pond. From the junction, the trail levels and begins a slight descent to Copperas Pond. About half a mile from state Route 86, the trail arrives at Copperas Pond, with signs for Owen Pond to the left and the Copperas Pond lean-to the right.

At first glance, you might be left scratching your head. The views of the water are spotty at best. Have faith, don’t despair and continue toward the lean-to. It only gets better.

Cutting along the pond’s shore, the trail comes to several scenic openings. Kilburn Mountain can be seen in the background. Hikers catching a view should mind their footing, as there are several ledges that drop directly down to the pond.

The lean-to is at 7/10 of a mile from the trailhead and would make for a great overnight stay — provided that one is adequately prepared — without much of a hike in from the trailhead. Despite being, as the crow flies, 1/10 of a mile from state Route 86, the fact that the pond is almost 300 feet higher in elevation blocks any automobile noise. It’s as if you’re in your own world up there — especially if hiking on an overcast Sunday afternoon in November.

After taking in the views, I made my way back to the trailhead. Going at a gingerly pace and taking plenty of pictures, I was out and on my way in less than an hour.

Copperas, as well as the nearby ponds, make an excellent excursion for anyone in decent hiking shape who is looking to get off the beaten path while staying on a marked trail.

Hikers should always, but especially during hunting season, remember to wear bright and visible clothing. Hunting season in the Olympic Region is through Dec. 8.