Buckabear Pond Loop via Bearfort Waters - Clinton Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Wildlife

Great views while hiking along Clinton Reservoir. The trail passes a beaver dam that creates Buckabear Pond.

The trailhead is located on Paradise Road, a dirt road that is well maintained. Park at parking area "P9" where there is only space for a few cars. From this point, the trail travels north (yellow markers).

After a short distance, you'll reach Clinton Reservoir. There are several viewpoints on rock outcroppings into the water while the trail follows the shoreline. After about 0.5 miles from the trailhead, the Highlands Trail (light blue markers) merges and both follow the same path.

Continue north and once passing a beaver dam, you'll see Buckabear Pond. From this point, the trail begins to climb a ridge where you remain for some time with a few views looking down at the pond. As you begin to descend, you reach a trail junction where the Highlands Trail turns off to the right.

Turn right and descend a very steep and rocky section followed immediately by a steep climb. After cresting this last hill and a slight descent, watch for a large pile of rocks on the left side of the trail identifying where the Clinton West Trail turns right and the Highland Trail continues straight.

Turn right and follow the Clinton West Trail as it travels south along a ridge. After arriving at a high point, the trail descends steeply and then makes a hard right turn along Clinton Reservoir. The trail follows the shore line until it ends at a beaver dam.

To complete the loop, carefully cross the beaver dam. It looks sketchy but the dam is very secure. Once across the dam, you'll be back on the Bearfort Waters - Clinton Trail. Turn left and follow the yellow markers back to the parking area.