Looking for adventure? Put on your hiking boots and try the Hidden Lakes Trail. It is a long distance trail providing the chance for an overnight campout by a small remote lake. The trail begins midway on the Franklin Nature Trail (in Franklin Lake Campground) and loops to the south around Butternut Lake, passing Luna-White Deer Campground and then back west and north to Franklin Lake Campground. Sites along the way include several small lakes with scenic vistas and a remarkable stand of old hemlock trees. Camp along the way near one of the small lakes or at either of the developed campgrounds. The north branch of the Pine River, north of Luna Lake, is a State Wild River. It is usually about 6-8 inches deep, and there is no bridge crossing.

Pick up a trail map at the Eagle River Ranger Station or at the trailhead before starting this trail. Several sections of the trail follow other trails and old roads so it's a good idea to have a map in hand. Look for white diamond-shaped reassurance markers on trees which designate the Hidden Lakes Trail.

Directions: You may access this trail from the Franklin Nature Trail. Park in the nature trail parking lot and follow the Franklin Nature Trail about 1/2 mile to the Hidden Lakes trailhead. You may also access the Hidden Lakes Trail from FR 2008, off FR 2179, on the south side of Butternut Lake. If you take the entire 13 mile loop the trail ends at Franklin Lake boat ramp. To return to the parking lot, walk east down the main campground road to the Nature Trail parking lot.

Trail Length: Approximately 13 miles.

Difficulty: Moderate, mostly level, but some rolling terrain, one creek crossing.