Town of Gravenhurst

GravenhurstThe Town of Gravenhurst maintains 9 distinct and unique trails throughout the municipality. These trails provide areas for free, fun and healthy activity for residents and visitors alike, whether for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, bicycling or just taking the dog for a walk.

Each trail provides access to a different beautiful area of our town. If you are interested in a lakeside jaunt along the shore of Lake Muskoka, an easy connection between Muskoka Wharf and the historic downtown area, scenic views from granite outcroppings overlooking wetlands, original colonization roads from bygone days or more difficult day hikes along naturally preserved, rugged terrain to explore exposed Canadian Shield, beaver ponds and wildlife habitat, there is a trail to provide the opportunity.

Visit www.gravenhurst.ca for maps, detailed descriptions and directions to each trail.

For further information on their trail system, to report any concerns or to volunteer, please contact Kyla Bruce, Town of Gravenhurst Parks and Trails Technician, at 705-687-9424 or send an email.

Trails

Kahshe Barrens Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Town of Gravenhurst 4 km 5127 moderate 2C
Access to Trail / Parking

The trailhead is located at the rear of the parking lot of the Muskoka Tourism Travel Information Centre, on Hwy 11 northbound, in Severn Bridge, just south of Gravenhurst.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

One of the most naturally preserved and rugged trails in the Gravenhurst system. Consisting of two loops - Casey and Kadz, both loops offer majestic oaks and evergreen. The Kadz Loop consists of more vertical challenges and give a great view of the beaver pond located at lookout ridge. The Casey Loop is similar terrain but features a picturesque stream.

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Trans Canada Trail – Cooper’s Falls Section

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Town of Gravenhurst 7.5 km 9375 difficult 3C
Access to Trail / Parking

Southern Entrance: Hwy 11 to Cooper's Falls Rd. Travel through Cooper's Falls to trailhead on left side of the raod. Seasonal parking only.

Northern Entrance: Hwy 11 to Doe Lake Rd. Travel to Housey's Rapids Rd., turn right. Follow Housey's Rapids Rd. to Fire Rd. 4. Trailhead and parking area on the right side.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

This challenging portion of the Gravenhurst Trans Canada Trail makes up almost one third of the entire Trans Canada Trail route through Gravenhurst. Designed for nature lover, the Cooper's Falls Trail traverses through the rugged rock ridges and vast wetlands that make up the Kahshe Lake Barrens Conservation Reserve. Although sections of the trail route are bordered by hundreds of acres of Crown Land, it is still very important to remain on the trail route for safety, to protect the environment, and to avoid private property.

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Hahne Farm Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Town of Gravenhurst 2 km 2447 moderate 2C
Access to Trail / Parking

Take Hwy 11 to Bethune Dr. S. The trailhead is located on the east side of Bethune Dr. at the 3-Tier Rock Garden and Inukshuk. Parking is available directly across the road in Kinsmen Park or under the water tower behind the Municipal Office and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 5 Pineridge Gate.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

Experience the heady perfume of sun-baked pine needles, fern, birch groves, wild mushrooms and sumach. This trail is a "near urban" route that traverses a mix of hard and softwood forest highlighted by a stunning ridge view overlooking a provincially significant wetland.

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Gull Lake Rotary Park Walk

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Town of Gravenhurst 3.5 km 4675 easy 1A
Access to Trail / Parking

The route starts at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre, 101 Centenial Dr., just off Winewood Ave E.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

Begin at the Centennial Centre and go to Gull Lake Rotary Park along First St. and Brock St., through the park and then through a quiet residential area along the shores of Gull Lake. This is a terrific trail for the whole family to enjoy a bike ride, stroller, walk or run. Scenic views of granite outcroppings and beautiful sunrises. Participate in some recreational activities in Gull Lake Rotary Park. Enjoy the playground or go for a swim. Take in Music on the Barge on Sunday evenings during the summer, a tradition for over 60 years. The barge was built in 1959 for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth. Across the road is the Gravenhurst CN Railway Station, built in 1919 and a designated property under the Ontario Heritage Act.

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Peninsula Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Town of Gravenhurst 2.8 km 3600 easy to moderate 2B
Access to Trail / Parking

The trail is located on the Muskoka Wharf property. The boardwalk/trail can be accessed from parking lots at Cherokee Lane, Muskoka Rd. 169, James St. and Steamship Bay Rd. The Peninsula Trail portion can be accessed via trailheads at the marina and from the boardwalk between the museum and the hotel.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

Along the shore of Lake Muskoka this stroller friendly trail travels the boardwalk and goes between the sports fields. The Peninsula Trail portion is on natural surfaces including rocky terrain and stairs. Easy walking with breathtaking views, several gazebos, benches and tables. Refresh yourselves at the Splash Pad. Pass by the wheelhouses of the Islander and RMS Cherokee steamships. Docked at the Wharf are the Wenonah II, the Wanda III and also the R.M.S. Segwun is the oldest operating steamship in North America.

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Gravenhurst Historic Murals Walk

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Town of Gravenhurst 2.1 km 2625 easy 1A
Access to Trail / Parking

Take Hwy 11 N. to exit 169. Follow Muskoka Rd. through the Gateway Arch into the downtown core. Turn left on James St.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

This walking tour is rich with culture and the history that moulded Gravenhurst into the community it is today. See murals of the lumber trade, rail and steamship travel and the unique ice industry. Walk by the Albion Hotel (1888) and the Post Office (1926). The historic downtown featured the Opera House (1901) and the Carnegies Arts Centre, the former library originally built in 1923.

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Gateway to Muskoka Walk

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Town of Gravenhurst 4.8 km 6345 easy 1A
Access to Trail / Parking

The starting point of this urban route is the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre, 101 Centennial Dr. just off of Church St. Walk from the Centennial Centre along Muskoka Road, under the Gateway Arch to Kinsmen Park and back along First St.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

Gravenhurst is considered the "Gateway to Muskoka" - the first town people encounter as they enter Muskoka from the south. This urban route will keep your heart healthy as you take a walk through the heart of Gravenhurst. Browse the unique shops along Muskoka Rd. visit the century odl Gravenhurst Opera House, the Bethune Memorial Statue, and the historical Gateway Arch as you continue the walk to Kinsmen Park. The park has many features, including the Centennial Bear Fountain, a pond, picnic shelters, several garden and a playground for young children and families.

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Brydon's Bay Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Town of Gravenhurst 2.3 km easy
Access to Trail / Parking

Turn left off Muskoka Road N. onto Brydon’s Bay Road. Travel 2 kms and turn left onto Old Portage Road. The trailhead and parking area is located near the end of Old Portage Road (right-hand side).

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

This family-friendly trail wanders through majestic red and white pine. Close enough to Lake Muskoka to hear the gulls, but secluded enough to observe the many woodland creatures.

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Chamberlain Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Town of Gravenhurst 3 km easy
Access to Trail / Parking

Trailheads are located at the junction of Muskoka Road North and Chamberlain Road, approximately 1.7 km north of the Gravenhurst Post Office at the Town Centre. Another trailhead is located on Blanchard St. across from Lisa Lane.

**The north end of the trail between Muskoka Road North and Brydon's Bay Road has been rerouted due to the construction of new water and sewer mains. Hikers are advised to follow signage to connect to Brydon's Bay Rd until the trail is rerouted.**

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

Be prepared to dodge wet areas! This trail features several marshy sections that have a Gothic appearance as well as large rock ridges that are great to explore. Although this is a return trail, an extended residential walk can be found by turning right on Brydon's Bay Road. The contrasts of this trail are astounding as it travels from peaceful forests and craggy rock cuts to well-manicured lawns and flowerbeds. The return trek to the trailhead features a walk through an open meadow and a hard-track hardwood forest,

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Devil's Gap Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Town of Gravenhurst 6 km moderate
Access to Trail / Parking

The trailhead is found 6.8 km west of Gravenhurst on Highway 169. Turn left onto Snider's Bay Road for 1.3 km to Muriel Crescent. The trailhead is located on the right.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

Local folklore has it that a farmer who was traveling the old colonization road with a wagon & a team of oxen became stuck. After many attempts to free the wagon the farmer gave up and went for help. When he returned, the wagon & oxen had disappeared without a trace. The gap in the rock has since been known as the Devil's Gap. Great photo opportunities include: beaver dams, expanses of Canadian Shield, vast marshland and open meadows.

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Leo Heritage Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Town of Gravenhurst 1.2 km easy
Access to Trail / Parking

Located along the former rail line, this trail runs from the end of John Street South to James Street West at Muskoka Wharf.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

This trail provides an alternate route between the downtown area and Muskoka Wharf. The trail follows the former rail line through forested areas on flat terrain. At Muskoka Wharf, this trail connects to other trails running between the baseball diamond, splash pad area and the playing fields.

Old Stone Road Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Town of Gravenhurst 6 km moderate
Access to Trail / Parking

Take Highway 169 from Gravenhurst to North Muldrew Lake Road. Follow North Muldrew Lake Road 5.6 km to Pine Tree Lane. Stay left on North Muldrew Lake Road and follow a gravel road 0.9 km to the trailhead on the right.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

This historical route was once an alternate route between Bala & Gravenhurst. Imagine the wagon traffic of bygone times while strolling among the pine and spruce that grow along one of Muskoka's original roads. Paths of stone mark the trail & huge boulders mark time past.

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