Coldwater Lake

Coldwater Lake is a short hike in the Wellsville Wilderness to a very small lake that is really more of a shallow pond often used as a watering hole for wildlife. This is a good family hike and perfect for an evening. It also requires some off-roading along the Maple Bench Road to reach the trailhead. The trailhead is located at the end of the Maple Bench Road with a sign marking the spot. As you start off you get a few views up onto the Wellsville Ridge before the trail more or less enters trees the rest of the way. The trail will quickly cross into the Wellsville Wilderness (mountain bikes are not allowed here). You will be mostly in shady trees and many wildflowers bloom in the area. The trail lightly climbs through a couple drainages before reaching the lake. This lake is probably not more than 4 or 5 feet and is really a murky pond. The views are still nice. It is very full of plants with nice views of the ridge above. The lake itself isn't a great destination but the hike is short and pleasant and perfect for an evening. If you continue just past the lake you will run into some huge ferns that are cool to see. The Coldwater Trail climbs almost 3,000 feet from here up to the Wellsville Ridge where there are many hiking opportunities. This hike is gorgeous but challenging and extremely overgrown. You can turn back at the lake, or extend your adventure into the Coldwater Canyon.