The Deer Pond Loop is a crosscountry ski trail, and hiking trail by summer, that loops around several small hills and mountains on the way to the shores of Deer Pond.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 30/Route 3 and Mill Street (by Stewart's) in Tupper Lake, follow Route 3/30 toward Saranac Lake. Continue for about 5 miles to the trailhead on the left. Look for the yellow and brown sign. Parking will be plowed in the winter.

By the numbers

• Distance: 7.3 miles for the entire loop
• Elevation gain: 500 feet

Hiking and snowshoeing

Start your hike along an old woods road through an attractive Adirondack forest. At the split, you can go either way. We describe the loop heading to the right. The trail remains very flat for most of the route back to Deer Pond. Aside from some occasional rolling hills, you can enjoy an easy hike for quite a while. As you near the pond a short climb will bring you to a shoulder of a small knoll before coming to a trail intersection with Lead Pond. For the best view of Deer Pond, follow the Lead Pond Trail for a bit to a rocky overlook. Finishing off the loop is also an option. The loop will only add on a few extra miles opposed to just returning the way you came. The remaining part of the loop has a bit more elevation change. The end of the trail is along an old section of road which is again wide and flat. 

Cross-country skiing

This is a fantastic ski for intermediate skiers looking to venture out of ski centers and into the forest! The loop is a great way to spend the day, but Deer Pond is the finest destination point and the entire loop is not the only way to go. If skiers head to the left to start the loop, there is a some uphill climbing that may be a challenge. On the reverse, the hill may be challenging to descend. Be cautious, as the trail here is not as wide. Make sure enough snow has accumulated, the trail is rocky in spots.

Read an account here of a crosscountry ski of the Deer Pond Loop.