S4. Hike #10 Elk Lake Trail

 

Elk Lake Trail

Starting Location: Beach Day use Area (hard to find) or Little Fawn CG

Point of Interest : Elk Lake, forest scenery

Length of hike: Just under 5 miles out and back

Level: Moderate

Bathrooms: yes, at campground, day use areas

Parking: gravel lots at Beach Day Use, Little Fawn CG

EV Chargers: No



We went to the Beach Day use area just south of Elk Lake Resort to start this trail. It is a bit hard to find, with no signage at all. There is a lone picnic table on the south side, on a small rise with the forest behind it. This is where the trail begins. It wanders through the forest, but mostly keeps the lake in sight. You will also pass through the Point CG, with a swimming area, easy to find the trail again.





In less than a mile, there was a small creek, a few inches deep that we had to cross. We used these small logs to help keep from getting our feet wet. This is just at the edge of Little Fawn CG. There is a bathroom here (although the latch was broken.) The beach area is nice for swimming, as a small bay keeps the wind and waves out. The boat ramp is pretty large here too.

Although the trail isn't visible through the beach area, it is easy to pick up on the other side, even without signs.
The trail wanders up and down, sometimes close to the water, sometimes higher. A few trees were across the trail, but they looked old, and were relatively easy to go over or under. There is also Sunset View Day Use Area when you come down the hill back to the lake. Another nice swimming area, with picnicking and restrooms.

We hiked about halfway along the trail, intending to turn around and head back, and found this stretch of cabins along the lake. I assume they are part of the Resort, but it wasn't clear. There are private docks, and each house has an outside fire place with tall benches facing the lake. 

The trail was beautiful, and worth doing, just be prepared for crossing the creek early on, or start at Little Fawn CG, where it's easier to find.

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