Remote with lots of opportunity to explore, fish, bird, and hike? That's the trail to Eagle Nest and Bug lakes, which starts from the Eighth Lake State Campground.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 2 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 240 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and bridges

Hiking Eagle Nest and Bug Lakes

From the trailhead, hike along an old woods road and cross a bridge over a muddy pond area. The trail gently climbs past this and comes to an intersection with the lollipop loop you will be hiking. Take a right to access the trail past Eagle Nest Lake and Bug Lake. The trail will bring you through a camping area on a hill between the lakes and then to another intersection, where you will have to stay left to meet back up with the forest road to complete this loop hike.

In the winter

These two lakes are a good option for snowshoeing in the winter. Always be prepared for winter conditions in the Adirondacks.

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.

Birding

On the lake you can see Mallards, Common and Hooded Mergansers, Common Loons, and even Ravens.

Fishing

Fishing from the shore is better from the far point on Bug Lake near an open primitive campsite. Look for salmon and native lake trout. Bug Lake contains lake trout, rainbow smelt, brook trout, and salmon. Use or possession of baitfish is prohibited. The endangered fish species, round whitefish, was reintroduced to this pond several years ago. Round whitefish must be returned if caught. Eagle Nest Lake contains brook trout as well.

Both lakes can be accessed via the Uncas Trail.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 28 and Uncas Road in Inlet, follow Route 28 toward Raquette Lake. Continue for 8 miles to the Eighth Lake State Campground on the left. A day use fee will be required. Drive through the campground to the trailhead on the back side of the campground.