1 minute read
Exploring the outdoors
Continued from page 18 is ideal for families and pets on leashes are welcome.
Advertisement
Since the trail is a loop, the route can be followed in either direction from the memorial gardens at the entrance. You should allow around 30 to 45 minutes to complete both the larger route and the smaller side trail that passes through more coniferous forests.
The proliferation of wildlife in the area makes it a great trail to introduce the young hikers to heron, geese and beavers. In the wetlands, it’s not uncommon to find fish and mussel species, some that are endangered.
The trail is part of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority’s area, with the Hay Swamp extending 13 kilometres long and two kilometres wide and straddles two townships, Bluewater and South Huron. The swamp plays an important role in the Ausable River drainage system, including flood management and water quality.
Given the presence of deer in the vicinity, hunting passes are provided for an annual fee.
To find the Woodland, look for a large wooden sign with wagon wheels indicating Klopp Commemorative Woods. From here, the road leads into the parking lot where the trail begins just steps away. County Rd. 84 between Parr Line and Babylon Line, north side of the road.
Bannockburn Tract
The County of Huron continues to encourage use of their forest tracts for recreational hikers and, while some lie off the beaten path, they are definitely worth the trip.
The Bannockburn Tract (formerly known as the “Varna Pit”) is an 85acre property that holds a wide variety of habitats. The wetlands, ponds, vernal pools, streams, woodlands and meadows and their bounty of flora and fauna make the site an ecological treasure. The three kilometres of trails begin by circling the former gravel pit and then climb up the hillside and through a deciduous forest. Besides hiking, try your skills at geocaching or throw a fishing line in the pond. In the winter, Bannockburn Tract is a great place to snowshoe or crosscountry ski.
Beware that the trail does have some slippery sections, especially after a rain or wet snow and the pond is deep.
Bannockburn Line, 1.2 km south of Mill Road (Between Brucefield and Varna)
