"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." — Semisonic
“I’ve made mistakes I regret, but I am not a mistake.” - Chris Shields
"Shame is a focus on self; guilt is a focus on behavior. Shame is 'I am bad.' Guilt is 'I did something bad.’ — Brené Brown
Hike at a Glance
Distance: 3.5 miles (Counter-clockwise loop)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trail Surface: Hard-packed dirt, leaves, tree roots, and pine needles
Highlights: Panoramic lake vistas, dramatic boulder overlooks, and a wooden guardian husky
Temperature: A brisk 38 degrees
A Scenic Welcome off Highway 61
Turning into the park off Highway 61, the lake wastes no time showing off. As the entrance road crosses over an arm of the water, you get a quick, beautiful glimpse of the views waiting on the right. It is just a small preview of the stunning shoreline scenery that defines the first half of this trek. After parking near the main office, it was time to lace up and get moving into the crisp morning air.
Low Water and New Perspectives
The trail starts to the left of the sandy bank area, where boat rentals and bank fishing are usually popular. Current dry conditions have left the water level noticeably low, turning the local pier into a bit of a beach feature as it extends completely over dry land. Navigating the natural, leaf-covered dirt path requires keeping an eye out for exposed roots, but the trail itself is exceptionally well-marked and easy to follow.
From Lapping Waves to Giant Boulders
Moving counter-clockwise, the first two miles wrap tightly along the lake's edge, zigzagging to mimic the shoreline's shape. Around the quarter-mile mark, large boulders and stones begin emerging through a rich forest mix of hardwoods, maple, beech, cedar, and even patches of bamboo and ferns. There are endless pockets right at the water’s edge where you can step out, snap a few photos, or just stand still and take in the quiet reflection of the trees on the glass-like surface.
A Dramatic Shift Above the Canopy
The trail brings a sudden shift in geography as it turns inward and climbs toward the loop's highest elevation. Suddenly, you find yourself perched high above a deep, dry creek bed, looking out from a massive boulder overlook that feels worlds away from the flat shoreline. The hardwoods give way to dense stands of pine trees, where the path softens under a thick carpet of pine needles. Crossing a series of well-crafted wooden footbridges—some beautifully paved with stone accents—makes the inland loop a deeply peaceful stretch.
The Guardian of the Park
For those looking for a shorter morning stroll, a series of interior connector trails allow you to easily trim the loop into a quick one, two, or three-mile option. Sticking to the outer loop brings you all the way back around toward the main park grounds. Just before making it out, there is one last great photo op: a large, beautifully carved wooden husky standing watch, its eyes gazing up over the park like a silent protector.
Breakfast on the Move
Of course, no early morning trek through the woods is complete without clearing the way for the hikers behind you. Yes, I managed to walk face-first into another tasty, invisible spiderweb. Aside from that accidental breakfast supplement, a 38-degree start by the water is tough to beat. It was a perfect, clear-headed beginning to the day.
Hike Summary
Shoreline Stroll: The first half follows the lake tightly, offering plenty of spots for photography or meditation.
Changing Terrain: Features a smooth transition from mixed hardwood shoreline paths to elevated boulder overlooks and pine needle carpets.
Customizable Loops: Well-marked connector paths provide options for shorter loops if you are pressed for time.
Trail Critters: Abundant forest life, great views, and the standard morning faceful of spiderwebs
Pears, Plows, and Planks