Lake Erin

Lake Erin includes a picnic area and an interpretive trail around the lake. Various points of interest are marked along the one-kilometer (.6 miles) trail. Plan 40 minutes to enjoy this easy interpretive hike. If a longer hike is preferred, Lake Erin is adjacent to the North Country Trail.  This is a great trail for a family hike and for small children.

POINTS OF INTEREST
Years ago, this pond was created by beavers. Although the beavers no longer use this pond, you can still find signs such as the lodge, dam, downed trees, and trails. As you hike the Lake Erin trail, how many of these features can you find?

Look across the pond and you may see large wooden nesting boxes on the trees. These waterfowl nest boxes offer nest sites for up to 10 ducklings each season. Though wood ducks depend on the water, they feed mainly on land, eating seeds, nuts, berries and insects. Mergansers and flying squirrels also use the boxes. Wetlands are not wastelands!  Just by looking around, you should be able to see the wide variety of plants, birds, and even water bugs that depend on the aquatic resource. Panfish swim in the bay and muskrats munch on cattail roots. Wetlands are a symphony of sound! Listen for the red-winged blackbird calling out from the tops of nearby cattails. Great blue herons may startle you with a loud croak as they flush from the water's edge.  A lonesome loon wail may echo around the lake as frogs begin their nightly chorus!  How many sounds have you heard on your hike? As you reach the last point on this trail, take time to sit back and enjoy Lake Erin. Wetlands are a priceless natural resource that benefit us all.