10 Must Do Hiking Trails Within 45 Minutes from Brockville
Get back to nature on a peaceful hike through the region’s most beautiful and scenic trails. Call up your friends/family, grab your pup, or take some “me time” and enjoy the outdoors how you wish! Plus, don’t forget a few snacks, a water bottle, and in the summer, your bathing suit (you never know when a cool off opportunity will arise!). We’ve listed 10 awesome hiking spots that range from a 15 minute-45 minute drive from Brockville. Enjoy and Happy Adventuring!
Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
Drive time: 15 minutes
Mac Johnson Trail Map
Also known locally as “The Back Pond”, Mac Johnson Wildlife Area is located north of Brockville, just two km from Highway 29. Mac Johnson includes 532 hectares with 11 kilometers of hiking trails that cross wetland, field and forest, with a large reservoir located on the property. Picnic tables, a large picnic shelter, a group fire pit, barbecues and accessible washrooms are available on the north side of the reservoir.
Jones Creek (Thousand Islands National Park)
Drive time: 15 minutes
Jones Creek Map
Located along the Thousand Island Parkway between Brockville and Mallorytown Landing, this hiking trail system is maintained by the Thousand Island National Park of Canada. Here you will find a 12km trail network of easy to difficult trail loops, wildlife viewing, lookout points, scenic wetland boardwalk, as well as geocaches.
Landon Bay (Thousand Islands National Park)
Drive time: 35 minutes
Landon Bay Map
Venture into the fields and forests to the osprey nest, beaver dam and pond alive with nature’s creatures. Signs and printed information guide you to the lookout with its panoramic view of the 1000 Islands or through the mature forests and along the banks of Landon Bay and Halstead Creek – you might just end up at the Wishing Tree!
Limerick Forest
Drive time: 35 minutes
Limerick Forest Chalet Loop Map
The 3 km Chalet Loop nature trail is a favourite destination for local hikers heading out to the 100 m boardwalk which extends into a large wetland located at the rear of the property. During the winter months the surrounding trail network is used extensively by cross country skiers. Visit the Limerick Forest Interpretive Centre to increase their awareness and knowledge of the environment in an enjoyable and informative setting.
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Drive Time: 40 minutes
Charleston Lake Provincial Park Trail Maps
This Provincial Park holds a trail system that features the geological and human history of the park, scenic shoreline views, diverse habitats, a boardwalk crossing over a wetland and a scenic lookout. There are a number of different trail to choose from, ranging from the easy 1.5 km Beech Woods Trail, to the difficult 10 km Tallow Rock Bay Trail.
Blue Mountain (at Charleston Lake)
Drive Time: 40 minutes
This 9.5 km trail takes you up to a scenic lookout located at the highest point in Leeds County. Accessible by water at Huckleberry Hollow and by land from the south at the north end of Blue Mountain Road.
Rock Dunder
Drive Time: 45 minutes
Rock Dunder Map
A soaring lookout over the Rideau Waterway, and a local landmark for generations. Well-marked trails through mature woodlands, following shorelines and finally climbing to the rocky summit. The 3 trails include the Cabin Trail, the Morton Bay Loop, and the Summit Loop.The Summit Loop is a 3.9km climb which runs alongside Dean’s Island through a variety of forest, offering sneak peaks over rocky cliffs. The summit offers a panoramic view of the Rideau Waterway after hiking to the top. A $10.00 fee does apply to aid with trail upkeep and maintenance.
Marble Rock Conservation Area
Drive Time: 45 minutes
Marble Rock Conservation Area Map
Much of the trail is on or near exposed bedrock, which is part of the Canadian Shield. Marble Rock Conservation Area gives hikers challenging and picturesque terrain, featuring breathtaking views at the lookouts along both the North and South Trails. The diversity of the biosphere is evident at Marble Rock Conservation Area which is rich with flora and fauna. The trailhead parking lot is located on Marble Rock Road approximately 350 m west of the Marble Rock Bridge that crosses the Gananoque River.
Rideau Trail
Drive Time: 45 minutes (beginning from Smiths Falls or Merrickville)
Rideau Trail Maps
The Rideau Trail has something for everyone, from beginner hiker to multi-day hikes in the backcountry, the Rideau Trail’s 387 km between Ottawa and Kingston offers unique outdoor experiences for everyone. The Rideau Trail website provides excellent info to help you plan your next adventure, from trail alerts, trail maps, gear shop, tips, and overnight accommodations suggestions.
Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary
Drive Time: 45 minutes
Calling all nature buffs! Catch glimpses of wildlife, take a leisurely walk through the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary’s nature trails, or, partake in one of the special events and environmental programs offered year-round. With more than 8 kilometres of self-guided nature trails winding through these habitats, the seasoned birder and amateur naturalist, alike, have excellent opportunities to view up to 200 waterfowl, raptor, passerine and other bird species. Tip: Bring some birdseed along, and you may just find a chickadee landing in your hand!
