Dishman Hills Natural Area - Lost Ponds Trail

This is a great trail to observe seasonal changes within the Dishman Hills Natural Area. While the ponds may be lost by mid-summer, they are full of aquatic life in the spring. Lost Ponds Trail gets its name from the vernal ponds that exist along the route. Water depth varies by season or even from one year to the next, so visitors can never know exactly what to expect.

The pond on the north side of the trail can be an excellent place to visit for a frog chorus on spring evenings. The pond on the south side of the trail may be non-existent for several years, and suddenly one spring threaten to overtake the trail, only to recede again just as quickly. 

Lost Ponds is a trail segment connecting between Eagle Peak Loop and Nimbus Knob Loop. The easiest way to get to Lost Ponds from Camp Caro, the main parking lot for the Dishman Hills, is to hike the main trail past the outdoor amphitheater and then hike through Enchanted Ravine.

When Enchanted Ravine intersects the Eagle Peak Loop, hikers can choose to extend the hike by hiking the entire loop, or can shorten the hike by staying on the west side of the loop. A small cairn marks the intersection of the Eagle Peak Loop and Nimbus Knob Loop; turn west to continue to Lost Ponds. The easiest route back to Camp Caro is via the Pinecliff Loop Trail, or an easy extension is follow the East/West Pond Loop.