Lincoln Lake Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · Views

Start in the main parking lot and head back out to the highway, turn right on the highway and cross the bridge. Watch for an iron bridge on the right, this is the Lake Loop's starting point. Cross the bridge and head up the hill. You'll travel above the parking lot and into the woods. The trail is well marked, just follow the arrows.

About a quarter of a mile in you'll start seeing beautiful rock formations and will be hiking beside them until you come out of the woods onto the dam. Turn right on the dam and hike across. From here you'll have great views of the lake and you may be able to spot an eagle or two. At the end of the dam you'll notice a trail sign that says Spillway Loop straight ahead, Lake Loop, and Piney Loop to the right.

At this point you can turn right and hike around the lake. Continue to follow the Lake Trail signs. This part of the trail system is quite rugged and rocky. However, you'll pass through large bluff lines and go by many caves where Native Americans once dwelt. Be sure to stop and take a look around and take in the beauty. Plan for extended time on this section due to sight seeing.

Continue on this trail to Moore Creek which can be a wet crossing. After crossing Moore Creek you'll go through a lowland bottom area. Just before the trail begins to climb again you'll go across another narrow iron bridge and begin the fairly steep ascent through the bluffs. Follow the arrows up hill and they will take you to the eagle view overlook another place to stop and take in the beauty.

You'll notice a trail split here. For a little more excitement take the upper Eagle View Trail. Watch your head as it passes tight under a bluff line and then comes back out onto the lake loop where you'll take a right. From here you'll have about a half a mile of narrow, rocky descent. The trail dumps out at the lake view overlook where you can hike out to the edge and see the entire lake. Now just follow the trail back to the parking lot which is about half a mile.

Overall, the quality of the "full" loop is varied. Some sections are well benched; others are not; frequent soft organic or rocks on either side to suck you in.