Explore Big Canoe’s scenic Waterford neighborhood on the Toad’s Pond and Blackwell Creek Trails, and catch beautiful, nearly-continuous shoreline views from the trails. Combined, these two trails span just over one mile, but pack in a ton of scenic beauty.
Hit the trails for a leisurely hike or energetic trail run, following a dirt trail through dense mountain laurel and pine forest on the banks of two glassy, stream-fed ponds. You’ll climb a large earthen dam between the ponds and catch beautiful views from a gracefully arched bridge. Remember to watch for wildlife, especially in early morning or late evening: the ponds are home to a number of winged, scaled and furry creatures. Sunsets from the dam, looking toward the arched bridge, can be simply magical.
Hike the Toad’s Pond Trail to explore the grass-lined shores of a reflective pond, catching views of several small islands. The trail dives through dense mountain laurel, crossing through marshy areas via rustic wooden foot bridges. Midway through the hike, the trail passes a large earthen dam; veer left to complete the Toad’s Pond Trail at .5 mile, or veer right to climb the dam (nicknamed “Heart Attack Hill”) for access to the Blackwell Springs Trail and arched footbridge.
Maps & parking info
Combine the Toad’s Pond Trail with the Blackwell Springs Trail for a wonderfully scenic, 1.1 mile figure eight loop. The Blackwell Springs Trail begins at the base of the earthen dam on the Toad’s Pond Trail, and immediately makes a rigorous accent up Heart Attack Hill. The short climb is well worth the effort; the first views of the pond and arched bridge are breathtaking. The trail rolls through shady forest, catching view after view of the pond from the grassy, marshy shoreline. You’ll reach the arched bridge at the pond’s northern shore at .3 mile, a great spot to look for wildlife and catch glassy lake reflections.
Maps & parking info
A small parking area for the Waterford Trails is located on Waterford Way, by the Toad’s Pond dam.