Lakes Nelson & Twentyone Loops

From the Lake Twenty-one Day Use area parking lot, head northeast behind the trail shelter before crossing the entrance road and then climbing up a short ridge. Reach a spur trail heading uphill to the Gulch Lake campground or down to a fishing pier. The trail continues heading south along the edge of the lake. When the trail reaches an intersection by a bridge, turn left heading toward the Public Access Trailhead. From the trailhead, follow the signs to the North Country Trail passing by a couple of campsites. At the south end of the lake, the trail climbs up to the NCT. Turn right on the NCT, and then turn right at the next intersection as well. The trail continues on the west side of the lake before reaching an intersection. Take a left heading west, and then the trail winds around the southern and western end of Lake Twentyone before reaching the parking lot.

There was a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the vicinity of the Lake Twentyone Day Use area parking lot.