Wachipauka Pond Hike (with overlook)

On Sunday October 5, five of us (Tom, Keoki, Rob, Joe, and myself) met at the Rt 25C side of the Wachipauka Pond Trailhead at 10 am. The trailhead was at around 1500 feet. It was a partly cloudy day around 40 degrees when we started, so it was good to get moving. Most of the trail was pretty moderate, but there were plenty of muddy sections due to recent rains. The first part of the trail was uphill to the Mt. Mist summit, which itself was in the trees and viewless, but there was a sign that said Mt. Mist 2230 feet, so we knew we were there. We then started slowly descending to the pond, but looking for the overlook spur on the way down, which ended up being further than I remember and we were wondering whether we had missed it. But sure enough, we came to the sign saying &quotScenic View, Beware of Tourists&quot. By then it had gotten sunnier and there were beautiful views at the overlook, so we rested for a while there and took pictures. We decided to eat lunch at the pond, so we then continued down to the pond. We missed a turnoff down to the pond (basically where the Webster Slide trail comes in), so we ended up going a little further on the Wachipauka Pond Trail before turning around and going back to the right turnoff for the pond. The pond itself is at around 1500 feet. The best area to sit, have lunch, and view the pond was occupied by campers, so we found another clearing and enjoyed our lunch. By now it was sunny and in the 60s, beautiful weather. We then continued back, stopping again at the overlook and taking pictures both there and at the Mt. Mist summit. The trail overall wasn't very crowded, although we passed 2 through hikers (the Wachipauka Pond trail is part of the Appalachian trail) and a fit 70 year old couple that we stopped and talked to (they had done the Appalachian trail twice already and were planning to do it again for their 80th birthdays!). All in all it was a great day.