Lake Robertson Trail Loop

The Lake Trail is an easy loop around Lake Robertson. It is a trail that any family can enjoy. This wooded path crosses the dam, passes through wooded forest, and offers numerous places to sit and enjoy the sounds of the outdoors. Sometimes it is possible to see beavers swimming in the lake in the evening.

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Description

The trail crosses a narrow wooden bridge on the left side of the landing area. After crossing the bridge, the trail makes a wide left bend and passes through an area of small yellow pine and cedar. There are also many Wineberry and Black raspberry canes. On the right, many short trails lead down to the lake. The trail makes a left bend and a right bend before crossing two small bridges. After crossing the second bridge, the Possum Pass Trail exits to the left.

About 100 yards past the Possum Pass junction, the trail follows a wide, grassy road. It is flat and easy to follow. Near the halfway point, there is a kiosk on the left. After the kiosk, the trail bends right and passes through a wet, marshy area. This old marsh is a remnant of old beaver activity. The trail crosses a small creek before making a quick climb to an intersection with a road. Turn right. A left leads to the Turkey Roost Trail.

The trail exits the road to the left and crosses a small bridge. On the other side of the bridge, it becomes a path again, climbing away from the lake and into the woods. The grade is easy. The forest is mostly mixed hardwood trees. Some of the trees exhibit scars of beaver activity. The hardwoods give way to small pine and cedar, and the trail begins a series of short ups and downs before dropping a short distance.

Quite suddenly, the trail breaks out of the trees and begins a short, steep climb along a chain-link fence. At the top of this climb, there is a nice view of the lake. The Turkey Roost Trail exits to the left. Next, the trail drops steeply to the spillway. After crossing the spillway, it then crosses the earthen dam.

About 0.1 miles past the dam, the trail splits:

  • Left: Leads to the playground and picnic shelter via a slow & easy climb.
  • Right: Drops back down to the lake shore, crossing one bridge before reaching a large wooden deck overlooking the lake.

After the deck, the trail ascends quickly toward the road, turns right, and drops back to the lake and boat ramp.

Several other trails at Lake Robertson can be combined for longer or more challenging loops, including:

  • Grouse Haven Trail – 1.4 miles
  • Fox Path – 0.25 miles
  • Squirrel Run – 0.5 miles
  • Hawk Creek Trail – 1.1 miles
  • Deer Lick Trail – 1.0 miles


Driving Directions

From the Visitor Center, turn left onto East Jefferson Street. Proceed 0.3 miles to a stoplight on Nelson Street. Continue another 0.3 miles and turn right onto the US 11 bypass. Travel 0.9 miles to a stoplight and continue straight. This is Link Road, which turns into Collierstown Road (CR 251). Once on Link Road/Collierstown Road, it is necessary to make a right turn to stay on Collierstown Road. At the old Effinger School, turn left to stay on Collierstown Road. Just past the Collierstown Presbyterian Church, turn left onto Turnpike Road (CR 770). 

Travel 1.4 miles to the entrance to Lake Robertson Recreation Area. Continue 0.5 miles to the boat ramp.

Drive Time: 27 mins 

Tips

Near the entrance to Lake Robertson, there’s a small information center that sells basic camping and fishing gear, along with free map pamphlets for the area. Keep in mind, they only accept cash or checks, and internet service is unreliable, so plan accordingly.

Insider’s Tips


After your hike, extend your adventure by bringing a picnic, fishing pole, or swimsuit to enjoy the park’s amenities. Take advantage of the grills available at the picnic areas for a lakeside cookout. If you’re up for it, consider an overnight stay at one of the camping sites or cabins.

This hike is also just a short drive from North Mountain, so double the fun with another trail nearby!

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