First Day Hike 2020 Planned at Black Oak Lake in Shimek Forest

Join DNR Technician Patrick Thomas at Black Oak Lake on January 1 for a moderate 1-mile hike. We will walk around the lake to view wildlife; an additional 2-mile hike option will be available. Dress for the weather.
Cancellation Information: Call 319-931-7805 if inclement weather or questions.

Black Oak Lake is located about 1 mile north of Farmington. Take J56 (also called Pearl St.) north out of town for about 1 mile.  See the green line on the map below.  The yellow lines are hiking trails.

 Look for the small Black Oak Lake sign on the East side just past the DNR Headquarters

Drive about 0.6 miles on the good gravel road through pines and hardwood to the parking area by the lake.

There is a lovely small picnic area with tables and a unisex toilet facility.

 Just below the parking area is the ADA accessible ramp down to the lake and dock.

 Taking the trail to the left of the lake and up a small rise, one comes to the first of several bridges you will cross.  You'll need to come hike with us to see the rest of the trail and the birds and wildlife that reside in the area.

Here's the other end of the trail at the far end of the damn that forms the lake..

There is lots to see and weather permitting, we will see it all on January 1st.  Come join us at 10:00AM

Note: All photos were made on 12/12/2019.