Hidden Lake Trail

Area Status: Open

Looking for adventure? Put on your hiking boots and try the Hidden Lakes Trail. It is a long distance trail providing the chance for an overnight camping by a small remote lake. The trail begins midway on the Franklin Nature Trail (in Franklin Lake Campground) and loops to the south around Butternut Lake, passing Luna-White Deer Campground and then back west and north to Franklin Lake Campground.

Sites along the way include several small lakes with scenic vistas and a remarkable stand of old hemlock trees. Dispersed camp along the way near one of the small lakes at the headwaters of the Pine River (a state designated wild and scenic river) or at either of the developed campgrounds.

Pick up a trail map at the Eagle River office or at the trailhead before starting this trail. Several sections of the trail follow other trails and old roads so it's a good idea to have a map in hand. Look for white diamond-shaped reassurance markers on trees which designate the Hidden Lakes Trail.

At a Glance

Fees:	If you access the trail from the Franklin Lake Recreation Area, Luna-White Deer Recreation Area there is a $5 day use pass for this recreation site. The Forest also has an annual pass available for $30. To learn more visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cnnf/passes-permits/recreation. This does not apply to registered campers.
Restrictions:	Restrictions for all National Forest System lands can be found by visiting Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261 by clicking here. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest specific restrictions can be found in the Occupancy and Use Restrictions for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
Closest Towns:	Eagle River
Information Center:	Eagle River - Florence Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

You may access this trail from the Franklin Nature Trail. Park in the nature trail parking lot and follow the Franklin Nature Trail about 1/2 mile to the Hidden Lakes trailhead. You may also access the Hidden Lakes Trail from FR 2008, off FR 2179, on the south side of Butternut Lake. If you take the entire 13 mile loop the trail ends at Franklin Lake boat ramp. To return to the parking lot, walk east down the main campground road to the Nature Trail parking lot.

General Notes:

Map of Hidden Lakes Trail