The Crane Lake Trail is a five mile double loop trail for hiking, equestrian and mountain bike use (horses permitted on the west side from the jct. of the Marble Creek Section of the Ozark Trail to the north end of the lake). The trail was constructed in 1975, and became a National Recreation Trail in 1980.
The northern loop of the trail circles Crane Lake, is approximately 3 miles long, and can be hiked in about 2 hours. The southern loop continues on south of the Crane Lake Dam, is 2 miles long, and can also be hiked in about 2 hours. The southern portion includes some steep rocky areas and passes through a series of glades, shut-ins, fields and oak hickory and pine forest. Large boulders and scenic overlooks of the rocky gorge, lake, and shut-ins, and close-up views of Crane Lake are year-round attractions; fall color can be spectacular; and the spring hiker can enjoy flowering dogwood, redbud, and other spring wildflowers. From Ironton, MO, take Hwy E south for 9 miles; right on Iron County Road 124 for 2.5 miles; left on Iron County Road 131 for 2 miles.