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There
are few better ways of enjoying Muskoka’s magnificent
scenery – not to mention the cavalcade of colours that
come with fall – than taking a hike along any one of the
region’s countless hiking trails.
Whether
you’re a novice or veteran hiker, there are
well-maintained trails to suit all abilities, each providing
a unique and exciting experience. However, before attempting
any of Muskoka’s hiking trails, be sure to do your
homework – while some are clearly marked in guide books as
being suitable for family hikes, they may represent a
challenge to the very young or the elderly. (If all that’s
desired is a pleasant country stroll, almost any rural road
in Muskoka will suffice – whether you’re deep in the
bush or by the roadside, the fall colours are spectacular
just about everywhere.)
And
wear clothing that’s appropriate for the season and the
trail you’ve selected, paying particular attention to your
choice of footwear. For example, many trails cross wetlands,
which can lead to an unpleasant “soaker” if you’re not
careful – and believe me, there’s nothing worse than
having to finish a hike wearing soggy, sloshing shoes! A
good sturdy pair of hiking boots need not break the bank
and, unlike running shoes, can be reasonably waterproof.
September
and October hikes are also great as bugs are few and far
between. However, if you’re unsure whether bugs are going
to be a problem, take some repellant just in case.
If
hiking after a snowfall, be aware that many trails in the
region are shared with snowmobiles – it’s best to stay
clear of such trails altogether, if possible.
Finally,
remember that many trails cross private land or areas that
remain largely unspoiled by development – so stick to the
trails, and take your litter home with you.
The
best information on hiking in Muskoka is provided by the
Muskoka Recreational Trails Council.
A
sampling of Muskoka’s hiking trails
Believe
it or not, Muskoka is actually connected to both the
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans… via the Trans
Canada trail. Stretching some 16,000 kms across Canada
(the network extends north, south, east and west), the
“longest trail on earth” runs right through the heart of
Muskoka. Easy access to the trail is available from
Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville, and it’s open
year-round.
The
Devils Gap Trail near
Gravenhurst is a 6 km return trip with an optional 8 km
extension past lakes and beaver ponds. Location: 1.7 kms
along Sniders Bay Road off Muskoka Rd 169. Also near
Gravenhurst is the Torrance
Barrens (Dark sky Reserve) trail network, offering from
2.5 to 8 kms of trail on 1,990 hectares of conservation
reserve characterized by Precambrian bedrock, wetlands and
peat filled hollows. Access is from Muskoka Rd 169, turning
west on Southwood Road for & kms.
The 2 km Wilson
Falls Trail in Bracebridge can be accessed from the
Wilson Falls footbridge at the end of River Road behind
McCauley Public school on Cedar Lane or Rogers Road. Another
easy Bracebridge hike is the 2 km Strawberry
Point Lookout Trail -- take Beaumont Drive to Stephens
Bay Road, turn left and travel 1 km to Strawberry Road (look
for the parking lot and signs).
In
Huntsville, Grandview
Inn offers some 15 kms of well maintained nature trails
15
km trail located at Grandview inn off highway 60.
You’ll
find numerous trails in Algonquin
Provincial Park. Algonquin in fact has 16 “day hike”
trails ranging from 0.8 km to 11 km, as well as 3
backpacking trail systems ranging from 6 to 88 kms for those
wanting to camp for one or more nights in the bush. Call
1-705-633-5572 or visit the Park’s website, www.algonquinpark.on.ca
for more details.
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