This is a great place for the whole family with easy, rolling terrain. The trail is an old road that ends at Beaver Lake in 2.25 miles. This is the site of the old Wilcox Hotel and sawmill. Both are long gone, but this is still an easy walk on a wide road with open glens around the lake.
Getting there
Beaver Lake Trailhead is located at the end of a short spur road off the Otter Brook Road. A 12-mile drive into the Moose River Recreation Area from the Limekiln entrance in Inlet. Continue on the main road to the big "T" and turn right. Follow that for 1.3 miles to the Beaver Lake trailhead on the right, just over the Moose River Bridge. The actual trailhead is roughly 0.2 mile down the small side road. Depending on its condition it might be best to park along the main road. The access road has a gravel and dirt surface.
* The Moose River Plains is a snowmobile corridor and not open to cars or trucks during the winter.
By the numbers
- Distance: 2.25 miles one way to the lake
- Elevation gain: 175 feet
* The Moose River Plains is a snowmobile corridor and not open to cars or trucks during the winter.
Hiking
Just across the bridge over the Moose River is the access road and parking area for the trailhead. The trail is accessed from the Moose River Recreation Area at a right turn past the Moose River bridge. This is a large river valley setting. During a short 2.5-mile hike through old growth timber, you will see a white pine over 6 feet across on the stump. Black-backed Woodpeckers nest along this trail. Many woodland warblers live nearby, and at Beaver Lake, Common Loons, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron fish.
This trail is used fairly often, but the popularity of this lake hike is not as high as one might think. In a short amount of time, you'll come close to the South Branch of the Moose River, which is a very scenic spot. The trail is mostly flat with only minor rolling hills to contend with. In what seems like a flash, you will be at the shore of Beaver Lake.
Swimming
It is a lovely option since motors are prohibited on Beaver Lake.
Birding
This remote location is wonderful for all kinds of boreal and water birds.
Camping
Beaver Lake Tent Site (Site 90) is reached off Otter Brook Road, near the Beaver Lake access road.
This is an accessible designated roadside campsite.