The path to Brown's Tract might be primarily used as a canoe carry, but the portage trail makes for an enjoyable walk for those looking to stretch their legs or do some birding.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: Less than 15 feet
- Hike includes trail junctions
- Based on an out-and-back to the wooden boardwalk
Hiking to Brown's Tract
This is an easy hike over level ground. A path from the parking lot leads you to the main trail. To the right, a path leads to Brown's Tract. Left goes for a little over a half mile to Eighth Lake. It's a short 0.6 mile hike down the easy and wide path to Brown's Tract, where a long, raised bridge boardwalk (maintained by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail) takes paddlers to the water of Browns Tract Flow, which leads out to Raquette Lake. This is along the route for the 90 Miler.
Brown's Tract Flow in the winter
This trail could certainly be cross-country skied or snowshoed in the winter, but access via the regular parking might be difficult since it is not regularly plowed. Please be prepared for all winter conditions, and take extreme precautions around frozen bodies of water.
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 find the perfect hike for you in the big outdoors.
Birding
There are many interesting birds to watch here, like Black-capped Chickadees, Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Swainson's Thrush.
How to get there
The parking area is a small gravel pull off along Route 28 about 2.4 miles southwest of Raquette Lake. It is typically not plowed in winter.
