Big Knob Pathway is basically a steady, but not overly exerting, climb to the viewing point, where there is a bench and a U.S. Geological Survey marker. Along the way are three sets of log stairways and a view of a small pond to the north. The trail ends at the top of Big Knob where you are greeted with a panorama of Knob Lake below and the marshland that surrounds it. It’s an excellent view, especially in spring and early fall when large flocks of Canada geese often use the lake as a staging area. You see them and hear them, and often the honking greets you before you even begin the hike.

Crow Lake Trail has three trailheads, including the first right across from Big Knob. It’s a 2.5-mile loop to walk the trail to Big Knob Road and then another half mile stroll to your vehicle. From the first trailhead, you begin with a steady climb to the top of a sand dune ridge and then follow the gently rolling contour of its crest. Within 0.3 mile you come to the posted junction with the second trailhead and then at Mile 0.7 a good view of Crow Lake.

After passing above the lake, the trail gently descends from the ridge and passes through open areas that feature an impressive growth of ferns. But if it’s August, examine the ground along the trail as this is blueberry country. At 1.3 miles, the trail passes the largest of several marsh areas.

You climb up and over a low dune ridge and then emerge at a rather interesting area. To the right are the small jack pine  of a former clear-cut, to the left a preserved stand of old white pines, some so large two people couldn’t connect their hands around them.

You reach an old logging road at at Mile 2.1 and follow it back to Big Knob Road. It’s a 0.5-mile walk up the road to the first trailhead.