Hike these Trails Manitoulin has many hiking trails which take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day, requiring various degrees of fitness. For the casual walker, there are nature trails and boardwalks in and around many of the towns.
McLean’s Park
This verdant 100-acre park is located on New England Road, a sideroad off Hwy 6 mid-way between Manitowaning and South Baymouth. The park, about 3km along the New England Rd. features hiking trails based on ancient logging paths. Hardwood bush with some huge trees. The walk takes about 1.5 hours.
Sheshegwaning – Nimkees and Little Thunder Hiking Trails
North of Silver Water, off Highway 540, the Sheshegwaning First Nations has developed 20 km of trails, which can be enjoyed in several sections, some offering wonderful views of the North Channel. There are facilities for camping and picnicking. Trail maps are available at the Band office or at the Gas/Convenience store at the trailhead. Allow 3 to 6 hours.
Gordon’s Park
On Hwy 6, just north of Hwy 542, this private park offers a nature interpretive centre with three complimentary hiking trails through five different eco systems, (wetland, forest, meadow, pond, escarpment).
Misery Bay
Misery Bay Nature Reserve Park is a 1005 hectare provincial park on the south shore of Manitoulin Island, a ten minute drive west of Evansville. There are seven trails between 1 km and 5 km which feature mixed woodland, old beach ridges, and rare alvars. A visitor centre/ intrepretive centre provides information on the unique and rare aspects of this park. Allow 2 to 4 hours. For more information visit www.miserybay.org.
Bebamikawe Memorial Trail
Located at the end of Beach Road in Wikwemikong, this trail is 14 km of easy to intermediate trails, spectacular lookouts and educational signage. The Outdoor Fitness Park section of the trail is a double track, granular surfaced trail with five fitness stations equipped with outdoor fitness equipment so that trail users can take advantage of resistance training in a scenic natural environment. Call (705)859-3477 for more information.
Wagg’s Woods
Right off one of Mindemoya’s main streets, Hwy 542, Wagg’s Woods is located almost directly across the street from the municipal office and library building. Features maple, basswood, birch and ash. Moss climbs the cliffs, which are part of the Niagara escarpment. Watch for 15 different species of fern. Allow 1 hour.
The Lewis Twin Peaks Hiking Trail Cup and Saucer
Eighteen km. west of Little Current, at the junction of Highway 540 and the Bidwell Road, is the well-known Cup and Saucer trail. With its 2 km of dramatic 70 metre cliffs and breathtaking views, up to 12 km of hiking trails, and the 2 km adventure trail, it is one of the most popular trails in Ontario. Anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours.
Bridal Veil Falls
This trail is in Sheguiandah and is accessible from the west side of Hwy 6, just across from Paradise Motel. Approximately 2km in length and a relatively easy hike, the trail nevertheless provides two quite spectacular views of Bass Lake and the North Channel. The lookouts are on Quartzite outcrops. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
Other Trails
For a more complete inventory of the hiking opportunities on Manitoulin pick up the folder, Manitoulin Island Hiking Trails, put out by the Manitoulin Trail Blazers and the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and available at Island tourism information centres.
This trail is located on Highway 540 at the entrance to Kagawong. A picnic area at the top of the falls leads down to the base of the falls, and the trail follows both sides of the stream to the bay. While you are there, take a dip in the falls, and take the walking tour of the old town. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
Mississagi Lighthouse
Located at the lighthouse near Meldrum Bay are several short trails that follow the craggy shoreline over flat limestone ledges, around enormous boulders and through rock fissures. Wildflowers and birds abound, and the trails offer fine views of Lake Huron. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
Day Trips Guide
Manitoulin Magazine 2015.indd 15
Manitoulin’s Magazine • Page 15
Your holiday companion
2015-06-18 12:34 PM