Trail Overview

Dead end route to a mountain pond. This route gradually climbs the mountain and ends at multiple locked gates. The route has some exposed base stone and muddy sections but generally maintained gravel forest service route. The route follows a creek with several dispersed camping areas along the creek. The end has a parking area and then a short .25 mile hike to a mountain pond. Cell service is spotty in the area. Near the exit of the national forest you'll find a historic rock iron ore furnace.

Photos of Emerald Pond

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Difficulty

Typically maintained gravel but elevation gain creates washouts

Technical Rating

Darin Jackson

Nov 30, 2025

Open

this is a nice trail. If you just wanna go in the mountains, but if you're looking to Off-road, this is one of the most boring trails I've ever been on in my life.

Anna Dodson

Oct 04, 2025

Open

Easy ride, saw a Honda Civic camping up by the pond. Gentle rocky sections, small washouts. Our f250 is stock and had no problem.

Nick S

Jul 24, 2025

Open

Joshua Bailey

Jun 08, 2025

Open

Continued on this trail after Cub Run from the south. I wouldn't take a minivan that I liked all the way to the end, but easy enough for anything meant for off road.

Justin Bailey

Jun 08, 2025

Open

Well it was our first time off-roading, and it was awesome. Saw some other vehicles on the trail, they pulled to the side & let us pass, super friendly. Buncha potholes & rocks no problem for the truck, first time out. Saw more people at the pond also super friendly. Got slammed by rain on the way back and decided to go down the trail that leads to the telephone wires, man that thing was steep we went about halfway up then HEAVY downpour so we turned around. Really cool and slippery but being brand new to this, I got some great experience from it. I do recommend 4x4 especially if it’s raining lol trail was fine while dry but it got awesome during the thunderstorm. Go!!!!!

Q Dunston

May 30, 2025

Open

I am a rookie to driving on trails, this one was nice and easy. A few bumps here and there, didn’t need 4wd at all. Good spot to stop and camp out or take some great pictures.

Hal Take

May 22, 2025

Open

Fun easy trail. Beautiful with lots of nature to take in.

Greg H

Oct 12, 2024

Open

The leaves are starting to change so it’s a great time to go.

Z. Trent

Oct 06, 2024

Open

Very easy drive, you don’t even need a 4x4.

Harry Horning

Sep 02, 2024

Open

Single lane most of the way, a few small rocks. Remained in 2WD.

James May

Aug 25, 2024

Open

Jean Monzon

Jul 28, 2024

Open

Quite scenic, super easy trail, not 4wd needed, the pond looks kinda dirty so I wouldn’t swim on it tho

Andrew Perez

Jun 23, 2024

Open

Ryan Blankenship

May 22, 2024

Open

Easy scenic drive. No 4wd needed.

Mark Mayhew

Apr 28, 2024

Open

Beautiful trail scenery. GMRS repeater at the top of Big Mountain. No cell service but great GMRS community. I highly recommend the NET every Saturday evening at 7:00. Trail conditions were great and the Emerald pond is worth the short hike. Good camping along the trail and Cub Run too, offering many creek-side primitive camp sites. Much enjoyed this trip and will be back.