Chickakoo Lake Outer Loop
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Chickakoo Lake Outer Loop
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The Chickakoo Lake Trail is located outside of Edmonton at the namesake recreation area. The 4.2mi trail loops around the lake, passing by other water features and marshlands. There are many small intersecting trails here as well as plenty of picnic areas. The outer loop trail is the longest in the area, making it the best way to explore the area.
Getting there
To get to the Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area from Edmonton, merge onto the AB-16 westbound from the city centre. Stay on the Yellowhead Highway (AB-16) for 16.2mi before taking exit 355 towards Calahoo. Stay on AB-779N for 6.2mi before turning left onto Township Road 534. After 2.5mi, turn right onto Range Road 13, and continue on following signs for Chickakoo Lake, turning right onto Township Road 535 to the recreation area. You will find the trailhead at the main parking lot.
About
| When to do | May-September |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Circuit |
Chickakoo Lake Outer Loop
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Chickakoo Lake Trail Description
Hiking the Chickakoo Lake Trail is the best option in the recreation area if you would like to spend a decent amount of time exploring. Many of the other trails in the area are closer to 0.6mi–1.9mi and don’t cover as much ground as this loop. Come prepared with lunch and snacks to take advantage of the area. There are many docks and picnic areas for you to enjoy the recreation area for a full day of activities.
The Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area is a mix of wooded areas and small lakes which makes it perfect for bird watching. Many other wildlife such as deer, moose, and beavers frequent the area, so bring binoculars if you have them! Many of the trails are multi use and see cyclists and horses along them.
Starting at the main parking area, follow signs for trail 1 leading northwest out of the parking area. The trail heads to the eastern edge of Chickakoo Lake. As you make your way around the lake, join Trail 3 (Woodland Loop), passing by a junction to the Scouts Canada camp on the lake.
Stay on Trail 3 until you come to a junction at Kettle Lake where you will join Trail 4 (Cranberry Corner). This trail will ensure you stay on the eastern side of the park to complete the perimeter loop. Pass by some small junctions and stay on Trail 4. You will see a junction that leads to the Junior Forest Wardens camp on the left as well. Begin to contour around the southern end of Kettle Lake as the trail starts heading westbound to the end point.
To get back to the parking area, join Trail 2 (Nature’s Way) for a while before joining Trail 1 (Indian Ridge) just before the parking area. There are many intersecting trails in this area which makes it very easy to create your own route around the recreation area.
Insider Hints
Plan your route in advance using the signs and trail maps before heading out.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the many recreation picnic sites
Bring binoculars and a camera, this is a great place for spotting wildlife!
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