This is a simple, pleasant, short 1.3 mile hike that you can either start from the gated access road (little parking) or at the parking area where the FLT/NCT crosses Texas Hollow Road.  Starting from the larger parking area does add 0.5 miles to your hike, however it also adds a scenic walk along Texas Hollow Creek.

This info is from starting at the gated access road.  Walk past the yellow gate and descend gently down the access road.  Prior to reaching the open area at Texas Hollow Pond, the Finger Lakes Trail / North Country Trail comes in from your left.  You'll see the white blazes.  Follow the well worn path into the open area for wonderful views of Texas Hollow Pond and probably hear a few geese enjoying the pond.

The open area near the pond looks to be a great spot to drop a blanket, relax, have a picnic and enjoy the scenery.  The area also look to be popular with deer and other animals from the scat we saw.  The FLT/NCT crosses a wet area on a small bridge and enters the woods.  As soon as you enter the woods you reach the first junction of the blue blazed Texas Hollow Loop Trail at 0.2 miles.

Turn left and follow the blue blazed Texas Hollow Loop Trail.  The Texas Hollow Loop circles around another pond in the state forest.  At 0.45 miles start the steepest part of this hike as you'll ascend just over 100 feet in 0.15 miles.  You may hear more geese on your right as you circle the pond.

At 0.9 miles you reach the end of the blue blazed Texas Hollow Loop Trail at the FLT/NCT junction.  Turn right onto the white blazed FLT/NCT and follow the white blazes back to the main pond.  From there take the access road back up to the yellow gate and your car.  For those who started at the other parking area, simply follow the FLT/NCT back to your vehicle.  Below is a map, pictures and video of this hike. 

Directions:  From Ithaca take NY 79 west to Texas Hollow Road.

Hiking along the North Country Trail