This rugged Adirondack trail to Spruce Lake, in the West Canada Lake Wilderness Area, shares a portion of the classic Northville-Placid Trail. Cross over several streams and creeks as you gain a small climb to the south end of Spruce Lake.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 5.7 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 800 feet
• Based on hiking to the southern point of the lake and back

Hiking to Spruce Lake

From the trailhead you will start along a continuation of an old road, which has quickly become a foot trail to access the lake rather than a long hike along the Northville Placid Trail (NPT). This first section of trail is 1 mile in length and accesses the NPT about 2.25 miles south of Spruce Lake. You will gain a couple hundred feet in the climb along this section but it is very easy. Once on the NPT take a right and start a somewhat wet hike. There are a couple brook crossings along the way but they are relatively easy and narrow. You will arrive at the south end of Spruce Lake.

Bring a map and compass. While it is clear to follow, this is a non-maintained trail.

Spruce Lake in the winter

This hike is not recommended in the winter as the access roads are closed for winter snowmobile traffic.

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.

Fishing

There's brook trout and black bullhead. Trail access on the east shore is from the Northville-Placid Trail. No motors allowed.

Camping

There are designated primitive tent sites along the trail, and three lean-tos on the eastern shore of Spruce Lake.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 28 and Route 30 in Indian Lake follow Route 30 toward Speculator. Continue for just over 16-miles to Jessup River Road (dirt) on the right. Follow here to Perkins Clearing (T-Intersection). Take a right onto Military Road to Sled Harbor. There is an intersection here, go straight to the Spruce Lake Trailhead, you will be at the trailhead in just over 7 miles.