Nicada Lake Hike

This hike takes visitors to the shores of scenic Nicada Lake in Tettegouche State Park. Nicada Lake is 14 acres in size. This is an out-and-back hike that is a total of 3.4 miles in length. The parking area for this hike is on the west side of the park, not near the visitor center. From the visitor center, head northeast on Highway 61 for about a half of a mile and take a left on State Highway 1. Follow State Highway 1 for about 4 miles and take a left on Lax Lake Road (County Road 31). The parking area will be on the left after a drive of about 3 miles on Lax Lake Road.

The first 0.7 miles of this hike follows a gravel service road. There is an elevation gain of about 270 feet on this portion of the hike. The trail to Nicada Lake is the first trail to the left that you encounter. Look for a bench and a trail map at this junction. Here the trail passes through wooded rolling terrain. After a half of a mile, you will come to a junction and a post labeled G, take a left and in a very short while you will see junction F. At junction F head straight; the trail from here to Lake Nicada is not maintained but is easy to follow. It is about a third of a mile from junction F to Nicada Lake.

After taking in the views at Nicada Lake, return the way you came. A great side trip on the way back is to take a short spur trail to the left at junction F. This spur trail takes you to the top of Mount Baldy which offers spectacular views of Mic Mac Lake; Nicada Lake can also be seen from near the top of Mount Baldy.

A map of all the hiking trails at Tettegouche State Park can be found here.