Trout Pond Park rules and regulations Hamlet to Hamlet Footpath, Sag Harbor, NY 11963

"Be careful of this place. There is a sign at the entrance to warn you about poison ivy. Last time we had six of us went to the woods for only 10 minutes but we did not even touch any plants. That night five of us had blisters all over our bodies. The itch was not eased but after 4 months. Hydrocortisones do not work except steroid. Don't' go there ! You looking for troubles."

"No parking between May and September if you're not a Southampton resident."

"For well over a century, just three miles west of Sag Harbor, people have returned again and again to an idyllic spot along Noyack Road. Trout Pond, previously referred to as Mill Pond among a host of other famous resident surnames, remains a beautiful place to take a walk or even a swim in the summertime. But please, exercise caution as there is a deep drop just ten to twenty feet off the dock, and a few people have gotten into grave trouble and paid dearly, failing to swim back. I passed several folks out to enjoy a lovely autumn day here, as there is much to enjoy. In 1882, New York Sun writer, Henry Chadwick, was living and owning a mill here on the Noyac River, which waters passed through to the Noyack Bay. His daughter, Susan, married Thomas, son of the prominent Eldridge Family, a neighbor with ten children. His son-in-law eventually ran the mill, yet many baseball fans remember Henry more for his induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame. It was most unusual as although Henry was never either a baseball player or coach, the National League referred him as The Father of Baseball for his contributions, including his invention of the box score. In 1944, a fire wiped out the mills and several beautiful homes here, including the Eldridge homestead. A historical marker stands in place along Rugg's Path. Even though much of the new growth forest now covers any remains, I did find the remnants of what appears to be the cesspool wall. Overgrowth deterred me from venturing too much further. Along the path, you see markers set by the Southampton Trails Preservation Society, and they have contributed significantly to enhance the visitor experience. Forty-four years ago, my husband and I carved in a tree, a heart with our initials. Regretfully, we could not identify that tree anymore. Either it has fallen, or bark has grown over it. But like many who visit and fondly recall swinging into the pond like Tarzan on a rope or climbing the tall trees and jumping into crystal clear water, or sitting around telling ghost stories well into the starry night, Trout Pond let's us all enjoy nature at its most beautiful and the simplicity that gives life to one's imagination."