Attention: Doube's Trestle Bridge on the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail is Closed - the bridge is impassable
Explore the trails that link our many charming communities together in Kawartha Lakes. There are more than 600 km of trails spread across Kawartha Lakes. The Ganaraska Trail, Kawartha Trans Canada Trail and Victoria Rail Trail Corridor have several access points in different areas of Kawartha Lakes.
Whether you're hiking, cycling, ATVing, horseback riding, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing - there's a Kawartha Lakes trail waiting for you.
Regional and provincial parks offer nature trails through conservation areas that are great for birding and wildlife viewing.
Cross-Kawartha Trails
The Ganaraska Trail is a recreational trail with a total length of 500 km. Since 1967 it has been developed and maintained solely by volunteers and private landowners. The trail stretches across every type of landscape possible. Its route crosses parts of the Somerville Tract and the Victoria Rail Trail.
The Kawartha section starts on the Victoria Rail Trail where it intersects with Crosswinds Road, south of Reaboro. It follows the rail trail to Lindsay, along the Scugog River for some distance, and then takes the Victoria County Recreation Corridor, which it follows to 2 km past Burnt River. At this point, the trail increasingly sees evidence of Canadian Shield country. The section ends in Moore Falls after 77 km or varied terrain.
The first 50 km are flat, and the next 20 km are rugged. The last 5 km are on country paths from Buller Road to Moore Falls. This section is suitable for novices.
The Kawartha Trans Canada Trail offers a natural recreational corridor for people of all ages and abilities.
This historic railway bed is now a magnificent recreational corridor with a crushed limestone surface. This 53.8 km section of the national trail traverses east to west across Kawartha Lakes. The trail surface is 3 metre wide, hard-packed limestone which provides flat level surface, ideal for a variety of trail uses.
You will encounter woodlands, farmlands, wetlands, and communities. For the most part, the trail is relatively flat, with modest changes in elevation throughout its entire length. Trail users will find facilities such as benches, bicycle racks, and picnic shelters along the way.
Core Trail Uses: Hiking/Walking/Running, Cycling, Horseback Riding, Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling
Prohibited Uses: With the exception of snowmobiles, all motorized vehicles including ATV's and dirt bikes are not permitted on the trail.
The Missing Link and Doube's Bridge: A Chronology
The Kawartha Trans Canada Trail is multi-use from Lindsay to Fowlers Corners. The trail has been surfaced (hard-packed limestone) is flat and level and passes by scenic rivers, wetlands and vary of landscapes. There are many access points including County Road 36, Omemee and road crossings between Lindsay and Peterborough.
The Kawartha Trans Canada Trail goes through Lindsay on hard-packed limestone. It is flat and level allowing for easy travel passing the villages of Little Britain, Oakwood and Manilla on the way to the Town of Uxbridge and beyond. There are access points at Sir Sandford Fleming College Frost Campus or Angeline Street South behind Sweetnam Drive in Lindsay. There are numerous access points where the trail crosses roads heading west.
The Victoria Rail Trail is an 85-kilometer rail trail in Kawartha Lakes with corridors linking Kinmount to Bethany, through Fenelon Falls and Lindsay. This public, multi-use trail is uniquely linked by affiliated trail connections for the explorer in all of us. The VRT is open year round for the avid outdoor enthusiast, honouring the rules and regulations for seasonal usage. Always take the scenic route.
The online interactive trail map will assist in your planning and exploration of the Victoria Rail Trail and its affiliated trail connections.
For an accessible format of the Victoria Rail Trail map contact tourism@kawarthalakes.ca or 1-866-397-6673.
The VRT North Corridor follows the former CN Rail Line north, from Fenelon Falls to Kinmount. ROVs are permitted north of Northline Rd. Two-wheeled off-road motorcycles are only permitted north of the Sommerville 7th Concession or Kawartha Lakes Road 44 honouring the rules and regulations for seasonal usage and permitted uses.
Recommended Access Points:
- Kinmount (parking and washrooms available): Austin Sawmill Heritage Park at Kawartha Lakes 121 and Station Road.
- Fell Station/Superior Road (parking available): West of Kawartha Lakes Road 121
- Fenelon Falls (North) (parking and washrooms available): Garnet Graham Park
Always take the scenic route. Interact with us by using our Victoria Rail Trail Interactive Map. Explore affiliated trail connections and the Sommerville Tract.
The North Corridor follows the former CN rail line north, from Fenelon Falls to Kinmount. Stop for a picnic lunch at Island Park or view the falls at Trent-Severn Waterway Lock 34. The trail follows Cameron Lake and then the Burnt River leading into Somerville Tract which is heavily forested and perfect for hiking, bird watching and wildlife viewing. After leaving the Forest, head north past the Crego Creek Bridge and into Kinmount.
Recommended Access Points:
- Fenelon Falls at Garnet Graham Park
- Fell Station West of Arterial Road 121
- Burnt River North of the former Burnt River Library
- Watson's Siding West of Arterial Road 121, South of Monck Rd.
- Kinmount at Austin Sawmill Heritage Park, Pinery Road
The VRT Central Corridor begins in the north end of Lindsay at Thunderbridge Road and takes you north to Fenelon Falls. ATVs and Snowmobiles are permitted from Thunderbridge Road north honouring the rules and regulations for seasonal usage and permitted uses.
Recommended Access Points:
- Fenelon Falls (South) (limited parking): Old Railway Station
- Cameron (limited parking): Long Beach Road (Kawartha Lakes Road 34), East of Highway 35
- Kenrei (parking available): Kenrei Road at Victoria Rail Trail
- Lindsay (limited parking) (motorized north, ATVs and Snowmobiles): Thunderbridge Road
- Lindsay (limited parking) (non-motorized): Victoria Avenue North, between Pottinger Street and Susan Court.
Always take the scenic route. Interact with us by using our Victoria Rail Trail Interactive Map. Explore affiliated trail connections that connect you to the VRT North and South corridors.
The VRT Central Corridor begins in the north end of Lindsay at Thunderbridge Road and takes you north to Fenelon Falls. ATVs and Snowmobiles are permitted from Thunderbridge Road north honouring the rules and regulations for seasonal usage and permitted uses.
Recommended Access Points:
- Fenelon Falls (South) (limited parking): Old Railway Station
- Cameron (limited parking): Long Beach Road (Kawartha Lakes Road 34), East of Highway 35
- Kenrei (parking available): Kenrei Road at Victoria Rail Trail
- Lindsay (limited parking) (motorized north, ATVs and Snowmobiles): Thunderbridge Road
- Lindsay (limited parking) (non-motorized): Victoria Avenue North, between Pottinger Street and Susan Court.
Always take the scenic route. Interact with us by using our Victoria Rail Trail Interactive Map. Explore affiliated trail connections that connect you to the VRT North and South corridors.
The VRT Central Corridor begins in the north end of Lindsay at Thunderbridge Road and takes you north to Fenelon Falls. ATVs and Snowmobiles are permitted from Thunderbridge Road north honouring the rules and regulations for seasonal usage and permitted uses.
Recommended Access Points:
- Fenelon Falls (South) (limited parking): Old Railway Station
- Cameron (limited parking): Long Beach Road (Kawartha Lakes Road 34), East of Highway 35
- Kenrei (parking available): Kenrei Road at Victoria Rail Trail
- Lindsay (limited parking) (motorized north, ATVs and Snowmobiles): Thunderbridge Road
- Lindsay (limited parking) (non-motorized): Victoria Avenue North, between Pottinger Street and Susan Court.
Always take the scenic route. Interact with us by using our Victoria Rail Trail Interactive Map. Explore affiliated trail connections that connect you to the VRT North and South corridors.
The VRT Central Corridor begins in the north end of Lindsay at Thunderbridge Road and takes you north to Fenelon Falls. ATVs and Snowmobiles are permitted from Thunderbridge Road north honouring the rules and regulations for seasonal usage and permitted uses.
Recommended Access Points:
- Fenelon Falls (South) (limited parking): Old Railway Station
- Cameron (limited parking): Long Beach Road (Kawartha Lakes Road 34), East of Highway 35
- Kenrei (parking available): Kenrei Road at Victoria Rail Trail
- Lindsay (limited parking) (motorized north, ATVs and Snowmobiles): Thunderbridge Road
- Lindsay (limited parking) (non-motorized): Victoria Avenue North, between Pottinger Street and Susan Court.
Always take the scenic route. Interact with us by using our Victoria Rail Trail Interactive Map. Explore affiliated trail connections that connect you to the VRT North and South corridors.
The VRT Central Corridor begins in the north end of Lindsay at Thunderbridge Road and takes you north to Fenelon Falls. ATVs and Snowmobiles are permitted from Thunderbridge Road north honouring the rules and regulations for seasonal usage and permitted uses.
Recommended Access Points:
- Fenelon Falls (South) (limited parking): Old Railway Station
- Cameron (limited parking): Long Beach Road (Kawartha Lakes Road 34), East of Highway 35
- Kenrei (parking available): Kenrei Road at Victoria Rail Trail
- Lindsay (limited parking) (motorized north, ATVs and Snowmobiles): Thunderbridge Road
- Lindsay (limited parking) (non-motorized): Victoria Avenue North, between Pottinger Street and Susan Court.
Always take the scenic route. Interact with us by using our Victoria Rail Trail Interactive Map. Explore affiliated trail connections that connect you to the VRT North and South corridors.
The Central Corridor begins in the north end of Lindsay at Thunder Bridge Road and takes you north to Fenelon Falls. Ken Reid Conservation Area is the first stop and contains a variety of trails, marsh boardwalk, Osprey nests, picnic shelters, group camping and a beach area. Follow Sturgeon Lake into Cameron and then north into Fenelon Falls.
Recommended Access Points:
- Lindsay (Non-motorized), William Street North - Victoria Junction between Eglington Avenue and Orchard Park Road
- Lindsay (Motorized) at Thunder Bridge Road, Ken Reid Conservation Area
- Cameron on Long Beach Rd. (Arterial Road 34) East of Highway 35
- Fenelon Falls (South) at the Old Railway Station
The VRT South Corridor is part of the old CP Rail Line and extends 30 kilometres from Lindsay to Bethany. ATVs and Snowmobiles are permitted from Logie Street South honouring the rules and regulations for seasonal usage and permitted uses.
Recommended Access Points:
- Lindsay (parking and washrooms available): Kent Street East at Old Mill Park
- Lindsay (limited parking) (motorized south, ATVs and Snowmobiles): Logie Street
- Pigeon River (limited parking): Mount Horeb Road, Kawartha Lakes Road 31
- Bethany (limited parking): Intersection of Ski Hill Road and Jackson Street
Always take the scenic route. Interact with us by using our Victoria Rail Trail Interactive Map.
Trail rules are intended to promote multi-use recreational activities and will be enforced pursuant to City by-laws governing the use of the VRTC. All users must ensure they are aware of the rules and restrictions that apply to VRTC use within the City of Kawartha Lakes. All applicable by-laws are available on the City website or by contacting the Municipal Office at 705-324-9411. Any violations should be reported to the City of Kawartha Lakes during normal office hours at 705-324-9411 or the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.
- Speed limits of 20 km/hr must be observed by all vehicles (ATVs, ROVs, Snowmobiles, Two-wheeled off-road motorcycles and Bicycles) in urban areas (Bethany, Fenelon Falls, Burnt River and Kinmount); elsewhere the speed limit is 50 km/hr.
- All use of the VRTC is limited to between 7:00am and 9:30pm.
- ATVs are not permitted on the VRTC between Logie Street and Thunderbridge Road in Lindsay at any time.
- ATVs, ROVs and two-wheeled off-road motorcycles are not permitted on the trail during winter months;
- ROVs are only permitted north of Northline Rd., to the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County boundary.
- Two-wheeled off-road motorcycles are only permitted north of the Somerville 7th Concession or Kawartha Lakes Road 44, north to the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County boundary.
- Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the VRTC during the month of April;
- Only licensed and insured ATVs, ROVs, two-wheeled off-road motorcycles and snowmobiles with KATVA, OFSC or OFTR trail permits are allowed;
- Dogs must be kept on a leash, please pick up after your dog.
- Equestrians have the right of way over all other users. Always follow multiple use trail guidelines.
- Privacy and rights of neighbouring landowners must be respected.
- Pedestrians have right of way over all other users;
- Privacy and rights of abutting landowners must be respected;
- Do not litter or remove natural vegetation.
Trail rules ensure all users have a good experience. They will be enforced pursuant to the City By-Laws governing use of the corridor. You can report violations by calling 705-324-9411 or by calling the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122
Core Trail Use Legend:
Bobcaygeon Wilderness Park provides over eight acres of safe, accessible trails for walking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through a beautiful mature forest. The park also provides a unique educational opportunity to visitors.
A large pollinator patch showcases hundreds of native plants and highlights the importance of pollinators, especially bees to our ecosystems.
Interpretive signs provide another educational component, explaining the significance of many of the natural features found within the park and along the trails.
The Bobcaygeon Wilderness Park is located in the northeast corner of Bobcaygeon, just off County Road 36.
The Dunsford Nature Trail is a recently built trail on a converted railway line. It extends 2.5 km from Dunsford to Verulam Concession Road 2. The trail passes through an area of lowland swamp and forest at the headwaters of a branch of Emily Creek.
Access to this trail is available in the village of Dunsford, which is located northeast of Lindsay and southwest of Bobcaygeon on Sturgeon Road (Kawartha Lakes Road 7).
This walkway is located along the Trent-Severn Waterway at Bobcaygeon Lock 32, a National Historic Site of Canada.
The walkway is dedicated to former politician John Eakins. Access to the trail is available in the Town of Bobcaygeon at Lock 32.
Explore the wetlands and forests at Gamiing Nature Centre. The 55 hectare property includes over 7 km of trails and 15 hectares of wetland along scenic Pigeon Lake. Future plans include a 600 metre boardwalk into the marsh.
Address: 1884 Pigeon Lake Road, Lindsay, ON
For more information call 705-799-7083.
Kawartha Settlers' Village features a beautiful nature trail that extends around the perimeter of their 9 acre property, so as you stroll along you will catch glimpses of log homes and historic buildings – and perhaps a sketcher or two – adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
The trail is completely natural with mature trees, historic flowers and vines. The grass is kept short and the trail provides a peaceful walk. Plan a walk and visit the Village while you are there.
Address: 85 Dunn St, Bobcaygeon, ON
For more information call 705-738-6163
Balsam Lake Provincial Park has two hiking trails.
Lookout Trail - a 2.6 km walk through eskers and kames formed over 10,000 years ago from the Wisconsin Glacier. Enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Plantation Trail - a 4.2 km moderate forest trek with both natural and pioneer highlights.
Somerville Tract is comprised of 3,420 hectares of mixed forest property. There are three trail loops covering a variety of terrain including pine plantations, wetlands, hardwoods and rock outcrops.
Somerville Tract offers many kilometers of double track. The rolling cottage roads and forest tracks are ideal for mountain bikes.
Location: 5.6 km west of Kinmount on Arterial Road 45.
For further information: 705-324-9411 extension 1176
Over 40 km of trail traverse the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Park including an additional three loop trails. Check the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association website for more information.
Formerly known as Dalton Digby Wildlands, this park is one of the most diverse and least disturbed natural areas found in Central Ontario. Containing more than 50 landform vegetation patterns, this site has limited or no recent history of logging. Its low-rolling topography includes organic soils, flat sandy deposits, and bare bedrock uplands with shallow soil patches.
Day use hiking and canoeing are permitted activities. Overnight camping is only allowed on existing campsites on the Ganaraska Hiking Trail. Victoria Falls, Hunter's Lake and Little Gull Lake are popular day use areas. No camping is actively enforced in these areas.
There are no maintained public facilities or services within the park.
Access Points:
- 1115 Devils Lake Road - Township of Minden Hills
- 1526 Black River Road - City of Kawartha Lakes
Telephone: 705-454-3324 extension 5224
Ken Reid Conservation Area is a 110-hectare (272 acre) property of open meadow and forest that provides protection to the Mclaren's Creek wetland. It is designed to be easily accessible and enjoyable for the whole family. It contains 12 interconnected trail loops totalling almost 12 km.
Amenities include:
- hiking, cycling & cross-country ski trails
- picnic shelters & group camping area
- wetlands & viewing platform
- swimming beach
Ken Reid Conservation Area is located 3 km north of Lindsay on Sturgeon Lake, off Hwy 35 on Kenrei Park Rd.
For more information: 705-328-2271
There are three loop trails off of the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail behind Fleming College that travel through the woods, along the Scugog River and across a field. Beautiful bridges, boardwalks and look out areas have been developed and maintained by College students.
Enter Campus on Albert Street South. Trails are accessible behind Heavy Equipment Building and Student Union Building.
The Rivera Park Trail is located on the east side of the Scugog River in Lindsay. The trail is 2 km and takes approximately 30 minutes to walk.
The trail is open year-round and is great for a variety of outdoor activities.
For more information: 705-324-9411 extension 1301.
The Scugog River Trail follows the Scugog River on the east side of Lindsay. This abandoned rail line was paved by the Rotary Club of Lindsay and is accessible for walkers, wheelchairs, strollers and roller skates.
This trail is non-motorized.
You can access the trail from Logie Street and King Street.
This 4 km trail is well lit and located in downtown Lindsay.
For more information: 705-324-9411 extension 1301
The Lindsay Legacy Trail is 1.6 km section of paved trail from Victoria Junction (the corner of William Street North and Orchard Park Road, Lindsay) to Thunder Bridge Road, along the Victoria Rail Trail Corridor.
This trail is great for any form of active transportation. Stop by the railway station replica for information on geocaching, train history and local wildlife.
Emily Park is located on Regional Road 10, just north of Omemee. The entrance to the trail is near the south beach parking area. Walk along the elevated boardwalk over a cattail marsh to a sphagnum moss island and a lookout tower to see the osprey nests. You can also swim at two sandy beaches along Pigeon River, fish or paddle.
Marsh Boardwalk Trail
The Marsh Boardwalk Trail begins on a bark-chipped surface and immediately you enter an area of tall and mature cedar trees creating a dense tree canopy. Soon you arrive at the boardwalk and begin walking through cattails and ferns. The boardwalk stops at a unique island referred to as Sphagnum Island, which was created over thousands of years. The trail continues to circle around the island and leads to a lookout platform that allows you to scan the marsh, Pigeon River and forest. If you look carefully, you will see a nest where for generations a pair of ospreys has raised their young.
Emily Tract is located on Arterial Road 14, just west of Cowan's Bay and Emily Provincial Park.
Emily Tract comprises 99.2 hectares (205 acres) of mixed forest property, with two trail loops winding through the property allowing you to explore unique glacial land features including moraines and eskers.
Emily Tract contains two trail loops: Loop 1 is gently rolling and heavily forested and Loop 2 crosses a wooden bridge, is hillier and is also heavily forested.
For more information: 705-324-9411 extension 1176
Windy Ridge Conservation Area is a 35-hectare (87-acre) property that offers an ideal spot to enjoy a short walk in the open air and a stunning view.
It is located at 998 Mount Horeb Road off of highway 35. A lookout is minutes away from the parking lot, where you can see a panoramic view of natural areas of significance and beauty, including the Oak Ridges Moraine, the Hogsback Esker, and a provincially significant wetland that includes Pigeon River and Fleetwood Creek.
The Conservation Area has a single 1.3km loop trail and is bordered by the Victoria Rail Trail along the western boundary. Parking is not maintained from October 31 to May 1.
Fleetwood Creek Natural Area is a 900 acre (380 hectare) tract of land managed by Kawartha Conservation for the Ontario Heritage Foundation. Located within the Oak Ridges Moraine, the area is characterized by steep valleys, sand, soil, and many cold water streams. These streams form the headwaters of Fleetwood Creek, a major watercourse within the Kawartha Region watershed. The property is home to 250 species of flora and fauna and 44 species of birds. Three trails lead you through uplands, deciduous forests, meadows, and wetlands. Fleetwood Creek Natural area is located at 902 Ballyduff Road, Pontypool. Please call 705-328-2271 for more information.
Forest Trail
The Forest Trail is divided into two branches; the West Branch is a 3 km loop which consists of a twisting path on a gradual slope leading through open meadows and forests. The East Trail, a 3 km loop leads through a dense forest then climbs up the valley slope. The Trail ends with a walk through an open meadow and then back through the forest to the parking area.
Valley Trail
The Valley Trail is a 2.2 km trail that allows the visitor to view the characteristic valley lands of the area from two perspectives. An observation platform offers a spectacular view of the surrounding land at any time of the year. The more adventuresome can also descend into the valley.
Telephone: 705-328-2271
Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area is a diverse 125-hectare (308 acre) property situated partially within the Oak Ridges Moraine. It is important for the many cold water seeps and springs that form the headwaters of Pigeon River, and as habitat for a diversity of wildlife. The southeast corner of the property offers a panoramic view of a vast tableland and the valley of the Pigeon River.
The conservation area has three interconnecting trail loops that total almost 5 km. The trails go through dense forest, wetlands and meadows.
The marsh boardwalk is a highlight of the park. Water milfoil, turtlehead, asters, cattails, and arrowhead all thrive along the length of the walkway. Frogs, salamanders, turtles, and other water loving creatures also enjoy the marsh.
It is located at 445 Gray Road, Pontypool off of highway 35. The road is unassumed and the driveway and parking lot are not maintained from October 31 to May 1.
Try to stay on the trail, even if it's rough and muddy.
Stay to the centre of the trail. Walking or cycling on the edge of the trail can widen the trail, causing damage and erosion.
Travel single file to avoid widening the trail.
Avoid sensitive vegetation and watch where you put your feet.
Be especially cautious around horses and bikers, stay to the right of the trail and let them pass.
If you are in a group and are not following a marked trail (i.e., walking through an open field) try to spread out rather than following in each other's footsteps to reduce environmental impact.
Allow for future use of the outdoors, by leaving it better than you found it. Carry out what you carry in, don't burn or bury trash.
Respect the environment and other trail users. Be considerate and honour other's desire for solitude and a peaceful outdoor experience.
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