Surrounded by 2200′ high mountains to the north and east, Basin Pond is a large south-sloping drainage area adjacent to October Mountain State Forest in Lee . Hemlocks, oaks and hardwoods abound, but most unique is a boulder-strewn “natural amphitheatre” which the trail traverses. Elevation is minimal, but wear sturdy shoes – rocks can be slippery!

It’s a Jackson Pollock rock canvas arrayed around you, and you can’t help but be amused at the way the boulders are scattered so “artfully.” The trail takes a deliberate path through the biggest “array” and in one case passes right next to a huge and dramatic boulder that is perfectly designed for a photo op.

If you walk both sides of the loop you’ll have the delight of navigating five lovely stream crossings, one with a sturdy stone cap for crossing. Stop and listen to the play of water as the brooks tumble and cascade through rocks and chutes.

You might wonder, “What are all these rocks doing here?” Geologically, they are called a talus slope, which is an often concave landform associated with an accumulation of broken rock fragments at the base of crags, mountain cliffs, or valley shoulders. You’ll find no crags or cliffs here though–just a gently sloping topography that rises to higher land north of the BNRC property at Finerty Pond and the Appalachian Trail.

The trail drops down slightly to the “pond,” although you might rather call it a wetland, marshland or swamp. We have beavers to thank for the beautiful waters that stretch out below. The viewing platform rests on what is left of one side of the 1965 dam. It’s hard to imagine it giving way, but you can certainly get some perspective about how much water it held behind it and why there was so much damage below.