At just over 800 feet, Bond Mountain in Newfield is home to Bond Mountain Spring - acclaimed by Three Rivers Land Trust as "one of the last remaining roadside springs in York County" - the foundation for the original 1820 Thomas Bond homestead and the small plot where he and three of his wifes and some of their children are believed to be buried.The trail begins near the spring at a turnout and parking area just north of Shady Nook Road on Route 11 in West Newfield - See Map - and winds approximately a half mile through high grass and wildflowers on what appears to be an old logging road that is steep in eroded in some places. The trail leads through a pine grove, past the foundation of the Bond homestead and terminates at the Bond family burial plot.
Ascent time: approx. 20 minutes
Notebook:
The last of the three small mountains hiked today, this tree-covered hill has no view from the top. Although a view to the east is reported via an "unmarked footpath" that is supposed to diverge to the left just south of the summit, that path could not be found.
[Quick-reference guide: Fee - NO | Dogs - YES | Kid-friendly - NO | Facilities - NO
5 comments:
The Overlook is a off a small trail that goes off to the left when climbing up. It is actually quite a bit below the summit and just below the remains of the old Houses. Currently there is a small rock sculpture signifying the start of the trail, but it is very hard to find. The overlook is the reason to due this hike. It gives great views of the West Newfield, Rock Haven Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Quite a "climb over" granite formation just off to the left when the trail starts right I believe before the copper mines.. Thats what to do.. The summit is not what the overlook is.. But you can pay your respects and it's a good place to rest before starting down..
Hmmmm, I must not have gone far enough. I did not see the burial plots at the summit. The trail/logging road seemed to terminate where I stopped however. I did hike for about 20 minutes though. Perhaps next time I will look more closely for the Bond family plots. I did see the old home foundation on the way up though.
I live only about 4 minutes from the trailhead at the spring and I will be using the Bond Mountain hike to get into better condition for Mount Lafayette in November.
Thanks for the site and the detailed info. I did this hike with my Dad when I was up visiting. It is an interesting walk in the woods, nice little climb. We saw the old cellar holes and the faded signs but didn't make the summit. The highest elevation on the obvious trail is actually a saddle and the summit of Bond will be to your left (south). The trail to the summit peters out a little and becomes hard to follow. If you want views the hike up Abbbott Mountain is more rewarding. But without the history.
Hikers be forewarned!!!! I live right by and hike this mountain regularly. Bond Mt. unfortunately is no longer being maintained so there aren't any clearly marked trails. The first hill has become rather steep due to extreme washout. There is also a lot of brush covering the previous trails due to logging that was never cleaned up. If you're an adventorous hiker who doesn't need directions then this would be a good hike. The lookout trail is still usable if you see the rock formation that's at the beginning of it.
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