This trail between the Fish Creek and Rollins Pond campgrounds is a lovely way to explore these campground spaces in winter, but also makes for good hiking in the summer, especially if you are looking for something to do while at Rollins Pond or Fish Creek campgrounds.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 8.4 miles as a loop (from Square Pond trailhead)
• Elevation gain: 640 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and a road walk

Hiking the Otter Hollow trail loop

Enjoy lovely views as the trail goes past Black and Whey Ponds, then around Little Square Pond, traversing the south shore of Floodwood Pond, and on to the far end of Rollins Pond Campground. At this point the hike changes to the paved road through the whole of Rollins Pond, taking hikers back to Fish Creek. 

Otter Hollow in the winter

Starting this loop along the foot trail you will notice that it gets very infrequent use. The trail remains at a low grade and rather flat as you pass by several backcountry ponds and the Little Square Pond on your right. The trail makes a sweeping turn as it follows by Floodwood Pond and eventually to Rollins Pond. At the north end of Rollins Pond the trail comes back to the campsite road where you will have to ski the wide shoulder, and often through the empty campsites, to get back to your car.

The road through the campground may not be plowed requiring the skier to travel an extra 2 or so miles round trip, but only adds 50 feet of elevation gain.

*Be aware this is also a snowmobile staging area.*

Discover more trails in Tupper Lake

Does the Otter Hollow trail loop sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? No need to stress, with endless mountains, lakes, and waterfalls to visit in the Adirondacks, we are sure we can help you discover a trail that’s just right!

Cycling

Mountain biking is allowed on this trail, but be aware that half of the route is a paved campground road. This could make an excellent route for fat tire biking in the winter.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 30 and Route 3 in Tupper Lake follow Route 3/30 toward Saranac Lake. Where Route 3 and Route 30 split; follow Route 30 toward Fish Creek. Continue for 5.5 miles to the entrance to the Rollins Pond Campground on the left. Drive down the campsite road for around one mile to the Otter Hollow Trail on the right. If you can’t drive the campsite road, park in a safe location near the staging area and ski the road.

Otter Hollow Loop starts at site 104 of Rollins Pond Campground. Please be aware there might be someone camping at the site. There is a day use fee for access, but this allows use of all the facilities, including a swimming beach, bath house, and playground.