Secret Blackstone Ennis Loop

Dogs Leashed

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

This route circles Blackstone Lake, passes Secret Lake, and then Ennis Lake before doubling back between Secret and Ennis. There are several scenic overlooks along the trail past Ennis with fantastic views. One of these makes a great lunch spot. The trails are all well-marked and relatively obvious to follow. There are opportunities for swimming at each of the lakes. There may be muddy areas and flooded sections between the trailhead and Blackstone.

Remember to bring plenty of bug spray and a head net. Wear good, sturdy footwear.

This loop comprises three different numbered USFS trails: 50160A around Secret Lake, 50160B past Blackstone Lake, and 50160C as a spur down to Ennis Lake. But the USFS trail guide describes this loop as a single entity, which is how it is described here.

From the trailhead off Moose Lake Road, go 0.3 miles to a junction and turn left here to follow along the north side of Blackstone Lake. After crossing the lake's outlet, proceed to another trail junction, 1 mile from the trailhead. Turn right here and follow the trail between Blackstone and Secret Lakes for 0.4 miles to another junction. Continue straight ahead and circle south and east toward Ennis Lake. After 0,6 miles, you come to a junction with a spur trail going south toward Ennis Lake. This trail will take you to a rocky overlook of Ennis Lake (a great spot for lunch) and, with more effort, down to the lake itself.

Backtrack to the junction, turn right, and continue east along the north shore of Ennis Lake and then turn north toward Secret Lake. At 1 mile from the turnoff to the overlook, you'll return to the junction with the trail past Blackstone Lake that you came in on. Keep going straight and continue for 0.4 miles to a junction. Turn right here and follow the trail for 0.6 miles back to the trailhead.

There are cedar groves in the low lands and white and red pine on the ridges. Hepaticas (a small evergreen herb found growing in rich woodlands in Minnesota), wood lilies, and more than 50 other wildflowers and shrubs can be found along the trail. Black-throated blue warblers and black-backed woodpeckers can occasionally be seen. Beavers may be seen hauling aspen branches across the lakes to their lodges. If you're quiet, you may also see painted turtles sunbathing.