Bracebridge Resource Management Centre

Entrance is on the east side of Hwy 11, 2.4 kms north of High Falls Bridge. For a map see www.town.bracebridge.on.ca

Four trails follow the Main Branch of the Muskoka River and offer a scenic view of Duck Chutes. The level sandy plains, shallow marshes and rugged terrain are typical of the Muskoka landscape. The forested areas obscure previous uses including cattle grazing, gravel pits and logging roads.

The trail is comprised of a natural ground surface and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and has excellent groomed cross-country ski trails.

Prerequistes: Easy Location: Hwy 11, north of Bracebridge Duration: 3-8 km

Age: All ages Dates: Year round Cost: Self guided

Brydon Bay Trail

To get to this trail make your way over to the Gravenhurst centennial Centre, proceed 2.5 km on the Muskoka Beach Road and turn left on to Brydon's Bay Road. Continue a further 2.3 km and turn left on to Old Portage Road. Parking is available along the roadside.

Two access points to this trail can be found on Old Portage Road. The trail is a point of land, jutting into Brydson's Bay. There are occasional glimpses of Lake Muskoka, and the lighthouse across the bay can be seen from the trail. The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking and snowshoeing.

Prerequistes: Easy Location: Old Portage Road Duration: 2.3 km loop

Age: All ages Dates: Year round Cost: Self guided

Devil's Gap Trail

The trail is located 6.8 km west of Gravenhurst on Hwy 169. Turn left on Snider's Bay Road for 1.3 kms to Muriel Cresecent and 0.4 kms along this road to the trailhead on the right. Parking is available along the roadside.

This trail is located on the orginial colonization road between Gravenhurst and Bala. The trail can be walked as an approximately 6 km return trail. However, a mountain bike route extends a further 16 kms to Torrance. You may also proceed via the Southwood Road to Old Stone Road and back, providing a loop of about 40 kms for experienced mountain bikers.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Prerequistes: Moderate Location: Muriel Crescent Duration: 6-40 km one way

Age: All ages Dates: Year round Cost: Self guided

Gravenhurst Cooper's Falls Trail

The southern trail entrance is located on Cooper's Falls Road along the Black River. The northern entrance is located off of District Road #6 near the Summerland Store in Housey's Rapids. Parking is available all year at the northern trail entrance. Parking by the southern trail entrance is not available during the winter.

At approximately 8 km in length, 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 lovers, the Cooper's Falls Trail traverses through the rugged rock ridges and vast wetlands that make up the Kahshe Lake Barrens Conservation Reserve.

The trail is comprised of a natural ground surface and is used for hiking and snowshoeing.

Prerequistes: Intermediate/Experienced Location: Gravenhurst Duration: 8 km one way

Age: All ages Dates: Year round Cost: Self guided

Hahne Farm Trail

The trail has entrances off Bethune Drive at McDonald's, and a separate entrance on Pinedale Road and under the water tower in Pine Ridge. Parking is available under the water tower or along the roadside at the other locations.

This trail is located right in the Town of Gravenhurst and consists of a series of loops. The highlight is a walk along a ridge, overlooking a marsh. It is important to take care along the ridge walk, watch footing and be aware of wet or icy surfacing.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking, snowshoeing and mountain biking.

Prerequistes: Intermediate Location: Bethune Drive Duration: 2-5 km loop

Age: All ages Dates: Year round Cost: Self guided

Kahshe Barrens Trail

The Muskoka Tourism Information Centre is located on Hwy 11 north between Severn Bridge and Gravenhurst. Parking is available at this location.

The trail consists of two loops, the Casey loop and the Kadz loop. The Kadz family were early pioneers in this area and planted a cranberry marsh after logging of the original pines was done. The old Bethel cemetery is located behind the visitor centre.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking, snowshoeing and mountain biking.

Prerequistes: Intermediate Location: Muskoka Tourism Information Centre Duration: Loops up to 6 kms

Age: All ages Dates: Year round Cost: Self guided

Kerr Park Trail

From Hwy 11 exit onto Hwy 118 West (Ecclestone Drive) to Beaumont Drive. Continue for 0.5 kms to Kerr Park.

The trail starts in Kerr Park, follows the hill to a large bird watching observatory, which overlooks the lagoons. There is an abundance of birds. The trail continues south around the lagoons and back to the starting point. There are also short, cross-country ski or walking trails in the woods adjacent to the lagoons.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and mountain biking.

Prerequistes: Easy Location: Kerr Park Duration: 1 km loop

Age: All ages Dates: Year round Cost: Self guided

Old Stone Road Trail

This trail is the original colonization road - Old Stone Road located off Hwy 169 to North Muldrew Lake Road, follow the signs to old colonization road connecting North Muldrew Lake Road to the Torrance Barrens.

This historical road was once an alternate route between Bala and Gravenhurst in the spring when the main route at the Devil's Gap Road would flood. Image the wagon traffic of bygone times as you stroll along one of Muskoka's original roads.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and connects to the Devil's Gap trail via Southwood Road.

Prerequistes: Intermediate Location: Muldrew Lake Road Duration: 6 km one way

Age: All ages Dates: Year round Cost: Self guided

Strawberry Point Lookout Trail

Three access points : From Hwy 11 exit west onto Hwy 118 (Ecclestone Drive) to Beaumont Drive. The first is at Kerr Park, right off of Beaumont Drive. The second is at Henry Road just off of Beaumont drive. The third is at Strawberry Bay Road. Exit 3.5 kms on Beaumont Drive to Stephens Bay Road, drive one km to Strawberry Bay Road. The trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail.

The highlight of the West Trail is the beautiful panoramic view of Lake Muskoka. In the fall the colours are magnificient. The trail ends at the water's edge, swimming is allowed or just sit on the rocks beside the water. But remember to save enough energy to climb back up the hill. The trail meanders through a vicinity of spruce, birch, young beech, maple and pine trees. You may catch sight of assorted wildlife such as deer, rabits, squirrels, foxes and chipmunks. There is also an abundance of birds and you may even see a pair of broad winged hawks who nest across the bay. The topography features a geologic dome. This ancient rock has been uplifted to the surface. Watch for rock debris left by glaciers passing over this area.

The trail is comprised of a natural surface with one steep paved hill leading down to the water. It is mostly used for hiking and snowshoeing.

Prerequistes: Moderate Location: Beaumont Drive and Stephens Bay Road Duration: 2-2.5 km

Age: All ages Dates: Year round Cost: Self guided