Write-up by Barb Thomas
Leader: Barb Thomas
Co-Leader: Louie Casatelli

We drove from Middleville to Bennett Lake parking area on Creek Rd.
We arranged the shuttle and drove up Rt. 30 to Pumpkin Hollow Rd. to start the hike.
Our plan was to hike to Murphy, Middle, and Bennett Lakes and back to the cars on Creek Rd.
The old snowmobile trail and hiking trail passes through a beautiful forest of pine trees dividing the state and private land. As we strolled along this old road we crossed log and board walks over the wet areas. We had a beautiful view of an old beaver marsh area. We saw a beautiful HUGE pine tree near the stream bank. (Apparently, it survived the logging days.) We stopped at the north end of Murphy Lake and continued on the east side of the lake. It is necessary to cross on the Beaver dam to reach the lower point of Murphy. We approached an area that had a great view of the lake and found an ideal place to stop for lunch. As we enjoyed our lunch, two loons entertained us as they went under the water and reappeared.
We continued to the lean-to and young people were camping. (Ideal camping area.)
We followed the trail going down toward Middle Lake, another lovely lake to see in this wilderness area.
We continued on this old road surrounded by forest, down toward the turn to Bennett Lake.We walked down to Bennett and enjoyed this lovely lake with an informal campsite.
We returned to the old road and continued down to our cars on Creek Rd.
After we completed our shuttle, we drove back to Pine Lake for a refreshment stop and conversation.

“Hiking is more than getting from one point to another. Learn about your environment and your surroundings.” Unknown source