Sunny Hill to Nute’s Pond Trail
Bringing one of the island’s hidden park gems to light
Nute’s Pond has been something of a hidden gem on Bainbridge Island — scenic, serene, but somewhat tucked away. Access to the 31-acre park was limited, and nearby neighborhoods like Sunny Hill, Fort Ward, Country Club and Toe Jam Hill lacked a walkable route to this beautiful natural space.
The Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation helped bring new access to this park with the Sunny Hill to Nute’s Pond Trail, the second project completed under the Trails Connect Bainbridge Island campaign. Funded by private gifts, the new 0.3-mile wooded trail links the existing Sunny Hill Trail (between Country Club Road and Bolero Drive) to Nute’s Pond, opening up new opportunities for walking and connection.
The Foundation secured easements across three properties and partnered with the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, whose trails team built the path and extensive boardwalks over sensitive wetland areas. The result is a thoughtfully designed trail that respects the land while inviting people in.
The trail passes a historic fence line marking the eastern boundary of Fort Ward, a reminder of the area’s military history. At Nute’s Pond, visitors can enjoy wooded loop trails and enjoy views of the tranquil 11-acre freshwater pond and wetland, full of color and home to many birds and waterfowl.
The Foundation works with landowners to secure more easements to create and extend trails like Sunny Hill to Nute’s Pond islandwide, connecting parks, neighborhoods and community.
