Hematite Lake Trail circles an 80-acre lake in the Nature Watch area, passing forest, wetland edges and a quarter-mile boardwalk through a beaver marsh. At 2.2 miles, it is long enough to feel like a real outing without claiming the day.
Distance: 2.2-mile loop
Use: hiking
Surface: natural trail with a wetland boardwalk
Plan: roughly 1–1½ hours at an unhurried pace
This is the strongest first full trail for families and visitors who want changing habitat rather than a long backcountry route. The boardwalk is a highlight, but it does not make the entire loop accessible or dry after wet weather.
Use the official Nature Station trail map, carry water and leave wildlife where you find it. Pair the loop with the nearby Woodlands Nature Station instead of driving across LBL for an unrelated stop.
