|
All Killarney's hiking trails cover uneven and rocky terrain. Sturdy
footwear is recommended.
Chikanishing Trail 3
km (1.5 hours) moderate
Winding to the park's southern boundary, this trail crosses a series
of small ridges and ends at a wave-washed point on Georgian Bay.
Vegetation is typical of the rocky, windswept terrain of Georgian
Bay, though taller pine and oak have flourished in wind-sheltered
spots where soil has accumulated. Old iron rings used for mooring
lines during logging days can still be seen along the trail. Interpretive
plaques tell the colourful history of this part of Georgian Bay.
Cranberry Bog Trail 4
km (2.5 hours) moderate
This trail passes some of the park's loveliest scenery. Bogs, marshes
and swamps are home to sundew, leatherleaf, pitcher plant and cranberry.
Beaver feed piles can be seen along the way. Many birds frequent
this trail's habitats and Blanding's turtles make an occasional
appearance in Cranberry Bog. Look for evidence of glaciation --
smooth rock surfaces, striations and chatter marks.
Granite Ridge Trail 2
km (1 hour) easy
This trail provides views of the unique La Cloche Mountains for
which Killarney is renowned. It winds through old fields and forests
and climbs to a ridge with two lookouts over the park. To the south,
your eye moves along the shore from Collin's Inlet and Philip Edward
Island to the expanse of Georgian Bay. To the north, see the spectacular
La Cloche Mountains.
La Cloche Silhouette Trail 100
km loop (7-10 days) strenuous
Although this trail takes up to 10 days to do in its entirety, hikers
can take shorter hikes starting from two trailheads in George Lake
Campground. (Day hikers should leave sufficient time to retrace
their steps along the trail back to the campground.)
The west section of this trail is moderate, heading to Acid and
Lumsden lakes over rolling forested hills. It crosses small streams
and rivers, occasionally following the rocky shores of small lakes.
Keep on the lookout for wildlife, or clues of their presence.
The east section of this trail heads uphill to the Crack, a ridge
with a vista of rugged and scenic landscapes. Considered strenuous,
this section passes through forests and wetlands and over rocky
ridges. It takes 12 hours of steady hiking and you have to climb
over large boulders to reach the top of the ridge. Do not try to
reach the Crack unless you are in good shape and can get an early
start.
|