The 127,135-acre Black River Wild Forest is located within the southwestern foothills of the Adirondack Forest Preserve and offers a variety of recreational opportunities, from snowmobiling near the adjacent communities of Old Forge and Otter Lake, to hiking on foot trails in remote areas.

The following trail system originates from Nicks Lake Campground;

Nicks Lake Trail (Yellow and Blue Markers) is 3.8 miles in total and starts from the Nicks Lake Campground parking lot or the Bisby Road parking area to the Nelson Lake and Nicks Lake Outlet trails. Legs of this trail also tie in with the Shoreline Trail, Nicks Lake Road Trail, and the Lock and Dam Trail.

Shoreline Trail (AKA Nicks Circuit Trail) is a 4.7-mile loop. Portions of the Nicks Lake Trail and the Nicks Lake Outlet Trail are used to make the loop.

Nicks Lake Road (Yellow Markers) extends 0.75 mile from the Iron Bridge Parking Area to the junction with the Lock and Dam and Nicks Lake Trails

Lock and Dam Trail (Red Markers) extends 0.2 mile from the end of Nicks Lake Road to the Middle Branch of the Moose River.

Nelson Lake Trail (Blue Markers) extends 8.8 miles from the Nicks Lake Trail to the far end of the Nicks Lake Outlet trail. This trail splits into two legs, one that parallels the Moose River and the other a more interior portion. These two eventually link up with each other and can be hiked as a loop.

Nicks Lake Outlet Trail (Blue Markers) extends 10.4 miles from the southern end of the Nelson Lake Trail to the Remsen Falls Lean-to and back to Nicks Lake Trail in the vicinity of Nicks Lake.

Bisby Road/Nicks Lake Trailhead Parking Area: South of the hamlet of Old Forge on Bisby Road (Nicks Lake Trailhead). There is parking available for 2-3 vehicles (43.693191°N, 74.977980°W).

Featured hikes are recommended by DEC.

Map of Nicks and Nelson Lake Area courtesy Adirondack Atlas.