Lakes Nelson & Twentyone Loops

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Run a beautiful, family-friendly loop trail around two scenic lakes. There is a campground and boat launch in the immediate area so it makes a great recreational destination.

Camping is available at the Gulch Lakes Campground. For more info, visit dnr.state.mn.us/state_fores…

Those on foot should wear blaze orange in the fall while running during hunting season.

From the Lake Twenty-one Day Use area parking lot, head northeast behind the trail shelter before crossing the entrance road and then climbing up a short ridge. Reach a spur trail heading uphill to the Gulch Lake campground or down to a fishing pier. The trail continues heading south along the edge of the lake.

When the trail reaches an intersection by a bridge, turn left heading toward the Public Access Trailhead. From the trailhead, follow the signs to the North Country Trail passing by a couple of campsites. At the south end of the lake, the trail climbs up to the NCT. Turn right on the NCT, and then turn right at the next intersection as well.

The trail continues on the west side of the lake before reaching an intersection. Take a left heading west, and then the trail winds around the southern and western end of Lake Twentyone before reaching the parking lot.

The trail passes through northern hardwood-pine forest. There are some wildflowers in the spring and summer. You may encounter wolf tracks or scat on the trail.

There was a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the vicinity of the Lake Twentyone Day Use area parking lot.