Scott Lake Trail leads south (from FR 2183) through a towering stand of white pines and hemlocks about 300 years old and follows the wetland around Scott Lake. A short trail to Shelp Lake winds north through large, old hemlocks to a bog surrounding the lake, providing close-up views of bog plants. This is an excellent area to glimpse some of northern Wisconsin's distinctive birds--gray jays, black-backed woodpeckers, and boreal chickadees. Shelp Lake is a Research Natural Area and part of the Headwaters Wilderness. Along with Scott Lake, this is part of a cooperatively designated State Scientific Natural Area.

Directions: From Three Lakes, take State Highway 32 east and south 5 miles to Scott Lake Road (FR 2183). Turn left and go east 4 miles to the trailhead. Park along north side of the road.

Trail Lengths: Scott Lake - 1/3 mile loop, Shelp Lake - 1/8 mile one way.

Difficulty: Scott Lake - easy, uneven. Shelp Lake - level.