The hike to Sister Lakes, located in the Pigeon Lake Wilderness Area, is only accessible by paddling from Big Moose Lake.
Key takeaways
- Distance (hike): Around 5.8 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 650 feet
- Distance (paddle): 5.5 miles round trip
- Hike includes trail junctions
Hiking to Sister Lakes
The spot to start this hike is about 2.75 miles from the boat launch. You head northeast on Big Moose Lake, cross through an inlet, then paddle to the other side of a widenening in the waterway. Continue through a windy portion of the stream, then dock your boat.
This trail is a bit longer, but accesses some wonderful and seldom visited backcountry ponds. At 0.2 miles from Big Moose Lake you will come to a side trail on your left that leads to Andy's Creek lean-to. This short trail has a bridge over it. The trail that leads to Sister Lakes is very flat and remains in a low lying area, which can be very wet at times, but generally not an issue. Only a slight climb part way along the trail will give you a significant elevation change. There are two lean-tos on the Sister Lakes.
Sister Lakes in the winter
This should only be done in the winter by experienced winter campers. It is dangerous to traverse the frozen Big Moose Lake, especially on the inlets and outlets. If you decide to go, take incredible care on the ice, and be sure to stay on public land if you try finding shortcuts on land. Be prepared for all winter conditions, bring the right gear, and let someone know where you are going and for how long.
Experience more trails in Hamilton County
Does the hike to Sister Lakes sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With hundreds of miles of trails, we can help you find the right hike in the big outdoors.
How to get there
From the intersection of Route 28 and Big Moose Road in Inlet follow Big Moose Road. Continue to Higby Road on the right and follow here to the car-top boating access.