This loop goes through the Lake Eaton Campground. A day-use fee is required when the campground is open in the summer. In winter, access is free, but doubles as a snowmobile trail. Skiers and snowshoers should stay alert.

Hiking

From the parking area of the campground, cross the road to access the trail, which is very wide and runs along the shore of Lake Eaton.

The trail starts out flat as it sweeps around the eastern side of a small unnamed knoll on the left. An intersection soon comes in that accesses Walker Road; make a hard left up a slight hill. Soon a subtle descent will bring you to a tall red pine forest and then Route 30. Cross over Route 30 to continue on an old woods road. Follow the old woods road to the trail that comes in on the left; straight leads to private property.

This trail climbs ever so slightly and comes to another intersection. Head left — right goes toward Owls Head Mountain and around Lake Eaton. The trail remains quite wide and starts a long, easy descent to the campsite road. Follow along the campsite roads to return to the beginning.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 28N and Route 30 in Long Lake follow Route 30 toward Tupper Lake. Continue for 2.5 miles to the Lake Eaton State Campground on the left, park here, the trail starts across the road.

By the numbers

• Distance: 4.25 miles round-trip
• Elevation gain: 300 feet

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

From the parking area; cross the road to access the trail. The trail is very wide and flat as it sweeps around the eastern side of a small bump in the landscape. Ignore an intersection that leads right to Kickerville/Walker Road and make a hard left up a slight hill. A subtle descent will bring you near Route 30 as you pass beneath tall red pines. Eventually you will pop out onto Route 30; cross here to an old woods road. Follow the old woods road on a flat for a short distance to the trail that comes in on the left.

This trail climbs ever so slightly and comes to another intersection, head left, right goes toward Owls Head Mountain. The trail remains quite wide and starts a long easy descent to the campsite road. Follow along the campsite roads, which are usually not plowed (if they are its easy to ski the sides). The roads will bring you through the Lake Eaton State Campground and then back up to your car.