Hotwater Pond.
Hotwater Pond is a 10-acre water tucked into the southern Adirondacks near Indian Lake — a region more forgiving than the High Peaks, where ponds like this tend to sit off unblazed woods roads or old logging routes rather than official DEC trails. The name suggests either a warm shallow basin (common in lowland ponds that heat up by midsummer) or some forgotten local story that never made it into the record books. No fish data on file, which either means it's been unstocked for decades or it winters out — shallow ponds in this drainage tend to go anoxic under ice. Worth a look if you're poking around the Cedar River Flow corridor or the old routes between Indian Lake village and the Moose River Plains, but expect to bushwhack the last stretch.
Hotwater Pond has public access. Summits nearby include Baldface Mountain and Lost Pond Mountain.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
12 parking areas
Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data and NYSDEC records; surface and capacity from NYSDEC and OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.
- 01Trail ParkingTrailhead1.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Northwoods Club Rd Parking Lot1.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Lost Pond/Stony Pond Trail Parking3.1 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Campsite Parking4.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Roosevelt Truck Trail Parking5.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Moxham Mountain5.9 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Polaris Bridge Parking Area5.9 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Outer Gooley Parking Area6.2 miunpavedDirections →
+4 more on the map above
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The peaks.
The waters.
Read before you launch.
Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- McSweeney's Irish Pub10.3 mi
An Irish-style pub on Route 30 in Indian Lake serving comfort-food classics (shepherd's pie, fish and chips) seven days a week, year-round. The dependable dinner spot in town.
- becks TAVERN11.5 mi
A tavern on Peaceful Valley Road in North Creek serving German-inspired dishes alongside burgers, wings, and bar standards. The Yurts out back are the conversation piece.
- Cafe Adirondack Restaurant & Wine Room14.8 mi
Please call 518-494-5800 for reservations, or to check for takeout and walk in availability.
- Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar15.3 mi
Sticks and Stones Wood fired Bistro and Bar, Menu, Events, Catering, Location, Adirondack style private parties.
Sip.
4- 9 Mile Coffee Co15.7 mi
9 Mile Coffee Co. is a coffee shop in downtown Schroon Lake, NY, serving a variety of coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches, and soups. They also sell their custom coffee blends and gift cards online.
- Cupola Crepes15.7 mi
Family-run creperie at 1095 Main Street in Schroon Lake. Sweet and savory crepes (gluten-free batter available), scones, coffee, and soft serve. Wednesday through Sunday.
- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop17.7 mi
Seasonal coffee shop inside the 1895 schoolhouse that houses Blue Mountain Designs. Espresso, locally roasted coffee, loose-leaf tea, baked goods, avocado toast, sandwiches, and soups. May through October.
- Waypoint Cafe19.6 mi
Long Lake cafe at 1265 Main St. La Colombe coffee, homemade quiche, avocado toast, artisan sandwiches, salads, poke bowls, soups, and charcuterie. Closed Mondays; weeknight happy hour 4–6 p.m.
— 15.7 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
4- The Hungry Crow Market & Café11.0 mi
A downtown North Creek market and cafe serving soft serve alongside scratch-made desserts, next to Hudson River Trading Co. — the cone stop in the Gore and Upper Hudson area.
- Stone Bridge Ice Cream14.9 mi
Stone Bridge Ice Cream is a seasonal stand located 2.5 miles from the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, offering over 40 flavors of soft serve, custom ice cream cakes, and signature sundaes. It features outdoor seating and a kids' swing set.
- Crossroads Ice Cream18.7 mi
The ice cream counter at The Crossroads, a country and outdoors store off I-87 Exit 25 in Chestertown between Schroon and Brant Lake — hard and soft ice cream on the road north.
- Main Street Ice Cream Parlor19.0 mi
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Drink.
4- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store10.2 mi
Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store offers a full bar with an extensive bottle selection and local drafts, alongside a menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees. The restaurant is currently closed for mud season and wi…
- Black Bear Restaurant & Bar14.9 mi
Black Bear Restaurant & Bar is an American eatery in Pottersville, NY, offering comfort food, sandwiches, and breakfast. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, quick service, and popular dishes like meatloaf and gravy fries.
- The Brown Swan and Tavern15.6 mi
The Brown Swan and Tavern in Schroon Lake, NY, offers Adirondacks-inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a family-friendly setting.
- Flanagan's Pub & Grill15.7 mi
Long-standing, log cabin–style haunt offering traditional pub grub, draft beer & cocktails.
Stay.
4- North River Hobby Farm Cabin and Glamping Rentals6.9 mi
Located in the southern Adirondacks, this vacation rental property offers cozy cabins and glamping tents set over 40 acres of wildflowers and woods. Each cabin features charming old-style detailing with bay windows, beadboard walls, and…
- The Pilot's House9.0 mi
The Pilot's House sits above the Outfitter's storefront, with a wonderful view of Vanderwhacker Mt. and the Hudson River, and Santanoni Mt as a backdrop.
- Twin Coves on Indian Lake10.2 mi
Twin Coves offers nine fully equipped cottages on the shore of Indian Lake, surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. Guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, water skiing, and various games, with nearby amenities like marinas, golf, and restaura…
- Thornbush Acres RV Park10.6 mi
A private RV park on Big Brook Road in Indian Lake with 46 large pull-through sites, full hookups, 30/50 amp service, free Wi-Fi, bathhouse, dump station, and a campstore. Mid-May through mid-October.
See.
4- Newcomb Ski Slope9.6 mi
2 slope municipal ski slope free to the public.
- Revolution Rail Co. - Thurman Station10.5 mi
A pedal-powered rail biking operation at Thurman Station on the Adirondack Railroad bed near North Creek, with family-friendly seasonal tours rolling alongside the Hudson River corridor through forest and open river-bank country.
- North Creek Depot Museum10.5 mi
Saved from demolition, this 1872 landmark station is now a museum, heritage center, and cultural hub in historic North Creek, featuring a fabulous diorama and exhibits on the Adirondack Railroad, Theodore Roosevelt, and local history.
- Camp Santanoni12.0 mi
Built by the wealthy Pruyn family, Camp Santanoni is a publicly-owned National Historic Landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the early Adirondack Great Camp era and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
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- Where is Hotwater Pond located?Hotwater Pond is a pond in the Indian Lake region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Hotwater Pond?Hotwater Pond has a surface area of approximately 10 acres, a smaller backcountry water.
- Is Hotwater Pond open to the public?Yes, Hotwater Pond has public access. See the listing page for current trailhead, parking, and boat-launch details, and check active DEC advisories before visiting.
- Can you camp at Hotwater Pond?Within roughly seven miles of Hotwater Pond: 45 designated campsites, 1 lean-to or shelter. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.