Township of Lake of Bays

Lake of BaysLocated in the north east corner of the District Municipality of Muskoka, Lake of Bays offers a natural landscape of forests, rocks, wetlands and lakes. Because of its natural beauty, it is an important cottaging, recreation and tourism destination in Ontario. Its three small communities of Baysville, Dwight and Dorset each have their own distinct character and amenities as well as trails and recreational opportunities.

Lake of Bays trails vary from historical walking tours in each of our villages to picturesque trails at various lakefront locations as well as a nature hike along the Oxtongue River. Come and enjoy the variety and ambiance that Lake of Bays trails offer!

Trails

Oxtongue Rapids Hiking Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Dwight 3.7 km 3909 difficult 3C
Access to Trail / Parking

From the intersection of Hwy 35 and Hwy 60 in Dwight follow Hwy 60 east 2 km to Oxtongue Rapids Park Rd. Turn right and follow this paved road 1 km. At this point the road becomes a narrow gravel road. Proceed 2 km to the monument in Oxtongue Rapids Park.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

Caution, this trail follows the shore of fast moving water with rocky slopes to the river's edge. Parents must keep small children close at all times! This is one of the beauty spots of Muskoka. From the monument travel west along the trail to the left of the road you arrived on. At times the trail will follow the road itself as it comes quite close to the river. This rugged terrain highlights natural grown forest, a steep incline and descent. It is a good nature walk featuring untouched perimeters, wildlife and birds. Return the same way or follow the road back to the monument. Picnic facilities are available.

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Ronville Hiking Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Dwight 1.2 km 1345 moderate 3C
Access to Trail / Parking

When travelling south to Hwy 35 toward Dorset, turn right on Ronville Road and follow to the end. Park at trail entrance sign and follow gravel path along a cliffside trail. Parking also available from Foxpoint Rd. (off Hwy 35) and the Echo Bay Rd.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

A historic cliffside walk along the Lake of Bays. This connector corridor was historically used to connect two communities that were not otherwise connected by road. The Ronville Trail is a historic trail because it was an original road allowance and since been deem as trail land.

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Paint Lake Covered Bridge Walking Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Dorset 2.5 km 2100 easy 1A
Access to Trail / Parking

Out of the community of Dorset, travel west along Hwy 117 until you arrive at Paint Lake Road, turn left and parking is available beside the cemetary.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

This community is excited to share its unique treasure. A covered bridge in the heart of the community. Paint Lake Pioneer Cemetary celebrates the legacies that make Paint Lake and its covered bridge a unique natural asset to the Lake of Bays.

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Hillside Hamlet Walking Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Hillside / Dwight 3.61 km 4102 moderate 3A
Access to Trail / Parking

Turn right at Tally Ho entrance and follow to the right of the driveway. Park at Hillside Dock and head back out the same driveway. Crossing Hwy 60 follow north on Limberlost Road until the second left, Hillside Crescent. Now heading south, follow road until it splits and stay right. Now back on Hwy 60, head back to the beach and enjoy your walk.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

This trail is nestled in the community of Hillside and follows a paved road into a hamlet filled with Beds and Breakfasts, birds, woodland and plenty of nature. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this community as they welcome your visit. With plenty to see and a great grand finale, your day at Hillside Hamlet can be complimented by the many amenities around you.

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Dwight Beach Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Dwight 2km each way 5000 easy 2B
Access to Trail / Parking

Travel south on Hwy 60 from Dwight. Turn right at Dwight Beach Rd. and park at the Township office or the library.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

From the parking lot turn right on Dwight Beach Rd. Follow this quiet road 1500 steps to Dwight Beach. This is an excellent spot for lunch with a view up Dwight Bay. Proceed along Dwight Beach Rd. 1000 steps to Stewart Memorial Church. From here you can return the way you travelled for a total of 5000 steps.

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Baysville Historic Walking Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Baysville 2.5 km each way 6250 moderate 2B
Access to Trail / Parking

Follow District Rd. 117 west from Dorset or east from Hwy 11 or follow Brunel Rd. south from Huntsville to Baysville. From Rd. 117 follow University St. two blocks to the arena to park your car.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

Enjoy your walk around the quaint village of Baysville. This route passes many of the historic homes, churches and business of the village. It explores both east and west sides of the river including a nature walk in Van Setter's Park to a look out over the rock cut on District Rd. 117. There are many views of the river from the numerous parks in Baysville. Learn the history of this community.

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Dorset Village Walking Trail

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Dorset 2.4 km 2857 easy 2A
Access to Trail / Parking

Turn right at Main Street. Park at Dorset rink park.

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

This is a gentle stroll through the community of Dorset. Enjoy the view of the river, the pleasures of a small town and time spent at various water access points along the route. The community welcomes this trail as they invite you to explore the bustling shoreline and unique museums and sites.

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Echo Valley Nature & Bike Trails

Closest Community Distance Total # of Steps Difficulty Volkssport Rating:
Dwight 3.5 km varying
Access to Trail / Parking

Highway #60 to Echo Hills Road

Trail Description / Key Points of Interest:

There are a total of over 3.5 km of trails consisting of the main trunk line and 14 smaller trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Hiking the main trunk line should take approximately 30-45 minutes. The park is approximately 24 hectares (60 acres) in size and there is a viewing platform overlooking the protected land. A viewing guide and three different on-site kiosks are available to enhance the learning experience. Please make a donation of $2 to support the trails and help cover the costs of trail development.

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