Hiking

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.

Trail Description

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.

Distances

3.2 miles

Family with Young Kids

• 3.5 to 4 hours

Experienced Hiker

• 2.5 to 3 hours

Inexperienced Hiker

• 3.5 to 4 hours

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.

Snowshoeing

It's an easy trail with a fine finish at the lake, but do not attempt unless the trail has been broken out or you have a map and compass.