John C. Kuehnle Memorial Pond Trail
The John C. Kuehnle Memorial Pond Trail at Erwin Wildlife Management Area in Erwin, New York is an easy 0.9-mile out-and-back trail that features beautiful views of the pond.This short trail runs from the seasonal parking area just north of the pond and runs down to the John C. Kuehnle Memorial Pond and along its banks. The trail follows the eastern side of the pond and reaches a trail junction near the dam. This track follows the dam and ends once it hits the woods at the far side of the dam.
Hikers will also find beaver huts setup in the pond and beaver trails that lead in from the pond and into the woods where they gather their food. Next to the huts, floating in the water, are the beaver's harvests - mostly a pile of twigs and branches with bark, which make up most of their diet.
Views
While there are no vistas along this trail, the views listed here are of the tranquil pond.
Important Note
This short trail is accessible year-round; however, the parking area is only accessible between the dates of October 1st to December 15th for hunting season along with the "Free Fishing Weekend", which is always the last weekend in June. This is due to the main gates at the park being closed to motorized-vehicles during the rest of the year. This means that parking is much further away from this actual trailhead and parking area listed. If you plan to visit this trail any other time during the year, you'll want to park here.
Parking
As stated above, parking is available at the coordinates provided between the dates of October 1st and December 15th and the last weekend in June, when the gates are open to the driveable trails. During all other times of the year, the closest parking lot is located at: 42.171493, -77.182911 which will add approximately 1.25-miles one-way to the hike or 2.5-miles to your total trek if you hike this trail out-and-back.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker.
Camping
Campers are allowed near, but not directly on this trail, if they have a written permit issued by a wildlife manager, according to the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation's Wildlife Management Area Rules & Regulations. Fires are allowed whether or not you are camping, but you must be present the fire at all times and fully put it out before you leave.
History
The Erwin Wildlife Management Area (EWMA) is a 2490 acre upland tract located in the town of Erwin, New York. The EWMA was purchased in 1928 by New York State. Since that time, forest management practices and other projects creating wildlife openings and marsh ponds have enhanced wildlife habitat. Area vegitation is primarily second growth hardwoods and softwoods along with other mixed species. For hunters, there's a variety of game available including: deer, black bear, wild turkey, grey squirrels, raccoons, and ruffed grouse. Small marsh pond units provide limited hunting for waterfowl. Fishermen can find bass, bullheads, and panfish in the two human-made ponds. The trails available are accessible for hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiiing, and bird study, along with hunting during permitted seasons.
