Catlin Bay is a 2.8 mile hike round trip along the Northville-Placid Trail at a scenic location along the northeast shore of Long Lake. Catlin Bay is also easily reached by canoe or kayak for an outstanding multi-day canoe camping adventure.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 380 feet
Hiking to Catlin Bay
You will be following the Northville-Placid Trail for this hike and returning via the same route. From the trailhead you will begin a rather sizable descent which will bring you a wetland area with boardwalks placed for easier travel. Once past the wet area the trail stays relatively flat with a few small rolling hills. You'll reach an intersection, with the right leading to a lean-to on the main section of the NPT, and the left will lead you to a herd path towards another lean-to and Catlin Bay. This lean-to is situated on an island that can be walked to when water is low. This is an excellent spot to sit and relax and maybe even go for a short dip. In the summer, this bay tends to be a very busy camping destination.
Catlin Bay in the winter
Lack of regular ski use will be your biggest challenges on this trip, but otherwise, it's a fine outing for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Being prepared is necessary for any winter hike.
Experience more trails in Hamilton County
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Birding
The walk through boreal wetlands takes you over raised walkways and is home to Black-backed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Flycatchers and Boreal Chickadees. There is a "northern" feeling when walking through this area dominated by spruce, fir, tamarack, and alders. The marsh/bog with a meandering brook is a particularly species-rich habitat.
The second half of the trail moves through mixed forest where you may see Ruby-crowned Kinglets, nesting Northern Goshawks, and up to 14 varieties of woodland warblers, including Yellow-rumped, Magnolia, and Blackburnian.
This trail takes you through a mixed forest habitat, crossing a stream where you'll see Winter Wrens, Brown Creepers, and many of the wood warblers found on the southern route. As you approach the lake at Catlin Bay, look for many species of waterfowl, Common Loons, and Bald Eagles.
How to get there
From the intersection of Route 28 and Route 30 in the Town of Long Lake follow Route 28N toward Newcomb. Continue on 28N for about 3-miles to Tarbell Hill Road on the left. Follow Tarbell Hill Road for about 1 mile to the parking for the Northville-Placid Trail on the right. The trail is 100 feet further, just over the hill on the right.
