Jones Pond in Gabriels/Paul Smiths in the Adirondacks
Jones Pond, located in the Gabriels and Paul Smiths area within the Adirondack Park, is a scenic, shallow waterway popular for its raw wilderness feel and easy access. While the eastern shore features a few private homes, the surrounding scenery is bordered heavily by Forest Preserve.
| Name | Description | Latitude | Longitude |
| Jones Pond Campsite #1 | Drive In Accessible | 44.4569525896741 | -74.188649483317 |
| Jones Pond Campsite #2 | Drive In Accessible | 44.4564287983522 | -74.1886417035592 |
| Jones Pond Campsite #3 | Drive In Accessible | 44.4553331034887 | -74.1872938934022 |
| Jones Pond Campsite #4 | Drive In Accessible | 44.4549908358991 | -74.1874165909272 |
| Jones Pond Campsite #5 | Drive In Accessible | 44.4540269570102 | -74.1869059407144 |
| Jones Pond Campsite #6 | Walk In Only | 44.4545495755897 | -74.1918145221005 |
| Jones Pond Campsite #7 | Walk In Only | 44.4521799623119 | -74.1943423506174 |
| Jones Pond Canoe Launch | Hand Carry Launch | 44.4563746662624 | -74.1890374144369 |
| Jones Pond Parking | 44.4569338000819 | -74.1889903446017 |
Jones Pond is an excellent, family-friendly fishery characterized by its shallow depths and dense aquatic vegetation. 🎣
- The Habitat: The water is filled with cattails, lily pads, reeds, and grass, providing ideal cover for fish.
- Target Species: It is best known for containing large numbers of Northern Pike. It also holds healthy populations of yellow perch, brown bullhead (catfish), pumpkinseed, and bluegill sunfish.
- Angling Tips: Because of the heavy weeds, using weedless hooks and lures is highly recommended to avoid constant snagging, especially on the ultra-shallow western side. The southeastern portion of the pond is historically the most popular zone for casting.
- Winter Fishing: Jones Pond is also a highly popular winter spot for ice fishing.
There are several primitive campsites located along the pond’s northeastern shore. 🏕️
- Campsite Setup: There are primitive sites spread along a rough, dirt, two-track jeep road extending from the boat launch. There are also an additional three walk-in/foot-access primitive sites on the northwestern shore.
- Site Profiles:
- Site #1 sits near the main entrance road and is the only space level and large enough to accommodate a small RV or trailer.
- Sites #2, #4, and #5 sit closer to the water and are accessible by standard cars, trucks, or SUVs, with Site #4 being exceptionally large for groups.
- Site #3 and #6 are walk-in only due to high-clearance, rough road conditions.
- Amenities: These are entirely primitive sites with stone fire rings and two rustic pit privies. There is no running water or electricity.
- Regulations: Camping is free and operates on a strict first-come, first-served basis. You can stay up to three nights without a permit; longer stays or groups of 10+ require a permit from a NYS Forest Ranger.
Jones Pond is an ideal haven for kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders looking for calm waters and abundant wildlife viewing. 🛶
- The Launch: A hand-launch site is located at the north end of the pond just off Jones Pond Road. It accommodates canoes, kayaks, and small watercraft with trolling motors or small outboard engines.
- Day Paddling: A paddle around the perimeter of the pond takes less than a half-day. As you float, you are highly likely to spot classic Adirondack wildlife, including loons, great blue herons, bald eagles, and beavers.
- The Jones Pond Outlet Route: For a longer trip, you can paddle to the marshy western end of the pond to enter the Jones Pond Outlet. This winding, narrow stream cuts through a deep, highly biodiverse wetland marsh and flows directly into Osgood Pond.
- Paddling Notes: Active beavers frequently build dams along the outlet stream. Depending on the water levels, kayakers should be prepared to pull over or portage around a few beaver dams or fallen logs.
