LSF Crow Hill North Hike

• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: ~650 feet
• Restrictions: No motorized vehicles

Trailhead:

• Rocky Pond Trailhead (north of Paradise Pond, off Route 31)
• Large parking lot with space for ~20 cars
• Google Maps link

Hike Overview

• Starts at Rocky Pond Trailhead.
• Visits the base of Crow Hill Ledges, a popular rock climbing spot.
• Climbs over South and North Crow Hills.
• Descends to the swimming area, then loops along Crow Hill Ponds back to the trailhead.
• Features scenic cliff-top views.
• Includes one steep rock scramble and a brief steep descent.Trail can be slippery in fall when covered with oak leaves.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start

• From Rocky Pond Parking Lot, take the Sawyer Run Trail (closest to Route 31 North) into a pine forest.
• After 0.25 miles, turn left toward Route 31. Cross to the climbers’ parking lot.

2. Cross Route 31 to the Midstate Trail

• Follow the gravel access road uphill to the base of the cliffs. Great photo spot; climbers often visible.
• Loop around the cliffs to the southwest, then turn sharply right onto the Midstate Trail.
• Steep rock scramble uphill.
• Levels out at the top with picnic-worthy views over the forest.

3. North Crow Hill:

• Continue north on the Midstate Trail, crossing South and then North Crow Hill.

• In the winter, icicles often form near the top of South Crow Hill.
• Use caution descending from South Crow Hill.
• Shortly after descending from South Crow Hill, hit the intersection with Old Indian Trail.
• Turn right on Old Indian Trail.

4. Old Indian Trail

•  descend back to Route 31.
• Cross the roan and go slightly right then cross over the guard rail onto Crocker Pond Trail.

5. Crocker Pond Trail

• Trail crosses a brook via a small bridge.
• Can be muddy in spring.
• Leads to the swimming area parking lot.to find Wolf Rock Trail.

6. Wolf Rock Trail

• From the lot, head south to pick up Wolf Rock Trail.
• Skirts Crow Hill Ponds.
• Returns to Rocky Pond Road.
• Turn right to finish at Rocky Pond Trailhead.

Shorter Option

• Start at Crow Hill Trail, across from the Princeton Lot parking area (Route 31, town line).
• Steep and rough near the cliffs, but saves ~1 mile.
• Note: Parking area closed in summer when swimming area is open.