The Old Dam Nature Trail loop, located near Limekiln Lake campsite #87, is an easier 1.3 mile loop in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 1.3 mile loop
- Elevation gain: 75 feet
- Hike includes trail junctions and bridges
Hiking the Old Dam Nature Trail
The hike begins near campsite #87, passing through a gate and following a service road. After passing the old pump house you'll get to a sign for the "Old Dam Nature Trail." This is the last wooden sign. At around 0.25 miles, you’ll reach a junction with a register, where you will start the yellow-blazed loop counter-clockwise.
At 0.7 miles, you’ll cross a bridge over Limekiln Creek, then a second one at 0.75 miles. Another trail junction is reached. Take a left to stay on the Old Dam Nature Trail. This turn is unmarked, pay close attention. The Limekiln Creek-Third Lake Trail heads right, leads through a wetland area to a waterfall and eventually to South Shore Road, but it’s not part of this hike.
Continuing along the Old Dam Nature Trail, the path passes a boggy pond on your left. At 1.3 miles, you’ll arrive at the fish barrier dam and cross the bridge over the old dam. Shortly afterward, you’ll return to the trail register, completing the loop.
Old Dam Nature Trail in the winter
The town of Inlet Highway Department plows a four-car parking area at the beginning of the campsite road. Cross-country ski trails are groomed for both skate and traditional skiing. You can connect with the Old Dam Nature Trail and Third Lake Creek, but plan on an all day ski through as the trail is not groomed and snowpack can be deep. The total distance of this loop could be more than 10 miles.
Experience more trails in Hamilton County
Looking to find some more trails to hike in Hamilton County? With hundreds of miles of trails, we can help you find more amazing hikes in the big outdoors.
Cycling
Mountain bikers should expect to complete this loop fast, and have time to visit other places.
Birding
Beginning at the trailhead, which leads around the outlet of the lake, visitors might see warblers, woodpeckers, Winter Wrens, or Common and Hooded Mergansers.
How to get there
From downtown Inlet, travel 0.75 miles northeast on Route 28 and turn right Limekiln Lake Road. Follow that for 2 miles to the campsite entrance on the right. The trail is accessed in the DEC-run Limekiln Lake Campground. There is a day use fee, but this allows use of all the campground facilities.
