February
2018: The Rideau Trail: Discovering the Blue Side Trails
Question:
The main Rideau Trail stretches over 328 kilometres between Kingston and
Ottawa, and is marked by orange triangles.
But did you know that there are many related side trails too, marked by blue
triangles? Can you guess how many of
these blue side trails there are, and their combined length?
Answer:
You might be surprised to learn that there are twenty eight official
blue side trails, totalling over 140 kilometres in length, almost half the
distance of the Rideau Trail itself.
These blue trails vary from a branch of a few hundred metres to a
complex series of loops totalling over twenty kilometres. One or two aren’t even connected to the main
trail.
Another question:
How many of these blue trails have you hiked? You can answer this one for yourself.
This author has recently completed an exploration of all our
blue trails, and has picked out five of the best loops for this article. It was a difficult task to choose the top
five, since every blue trail has its merits.
My hope is that this article will generate a new interest in our blue
trails. They’re all well documented on
the RTA website at http://www.rideautrail.org/discover-the-trail/maps/
I’ve also provided links to various entries in this blog for those interested in learning more about each hike.
Here are my top five:
1.
1. The K&P Blue Loop, Kingston
 |
| Kingston City Hall: start of the Rideau Trail and the K&P blue loop |
Length: 9.9 km (one way)
Start: Kingston City Hall
End:
Sydenham Road (junction with main Rideau Trail)
RTA Ref.: Map 01A-01E; Text page #:
A-01
 |
| On the K&P |
This exciting new trail, the latest addition to the list of
blue trails, was opened in 2017. It
closely follows the route of the old K&P railway line within the City of
Kingston. Starting at the old railway station
in front of City Hall, it swings north, then west, to the northern end of the
city where it meets the main Rideau Trail at Sydenham Road. It’s a beautifully constructed trail, well
signed and full of historical interest.
It opens up the opportunity for a superb 24.9 km circuit of Kingston,
entirely on Rideau Trail (blue trail then main trail), with the perfect start
and end point at Kilometre Zero of the Rideau Trail beside Lake Ontario, in
front of City Hall.
2. 2. Gould Lake Conservation Area: Blue Side Trails and Blue Loops
 |
| Gould Lake |
Length: Various trails totalling approx.. 20 km
Start/End: S. end of Gould Lake on Gould Lake Road
RTA Ref.: Map 04C-04D; Text pages #: 22, 23
Blog Ref.:
 |
| Gould Lake resident |
Perhaps the jewel in the crown. These trails and loops explore the west and
east sides of rugged, remote Gould Lake, north of Sydenham. Here at the southern end of the lake, the
main Rideau Trail heads northwards up the west side of the lake. But several blue side trails also branch out
from here. It took the author three separate visits to
complete all the trails. Expect a good
workout. The lake itself is the focus,
with some of the trails reaching idyllic lakeside viewpoints, with tempting
swimming spots for a summer visitor.
Look out for old mica mines and other echoes of early industry along
your route. You will be captivated by
the magic of Gould Lake.
3. 3. Beveridges Locks Blue Loop
 |
| At Beveridges Dam |
Length: 2.2 km (4.4 km return distance)
Start/End: Lower Beveridges Lock, off Port Elmsley Road
RTA Ref.: Map 11BA-11BB; Text page #:
11
 |
| Crossing the Dam |
Short, but sweet. And
one day soon, hopefully once more part of the main Rideau Trail. This short stroll follows the banks of the Tay
Canal from its exit into Lower Rideau Lake, upstream to the Upper Beveridges
Lock. From here, a pleasant lane winds
its way beside the Tay Marsh to Beveridges Dam. Thanks to great support from our friends at
Parks Canada, the dam is once more open to hikers. Its crossing is an exciting highlight of this
walk. The trail ends at a convenient RTA
picnic table. In due course, it is hoped
that the trail will continue further, but for now, the far side of the dam
makes an ideal lunch stop. A short side
trail leads to a sturdy platform where birders can enjoy a view of the Tay Marsh
and all its wildlife. Consider staying a
night at one of the secluded Parks Canada Otentik campsites beside the Upper
Lock.
4.
4. Lime Kiln and Bells Corners Blue
Loops, Ottawa
 |
| On Lime Kiln Loop |
Length: Lime Kiln: 8.5 km loop. Bells Corners 8.0 km one way.
Lime Kiln Loop Start/End: Moodie Drive, Parking Lot P10.
Bells Corners Loop Start: Aero Drive – return via OT bus #97
RTA Ref.: Map 18B; Text page #:
18
 |
| Wilderness in the City |
Wilderness in the City!
These two trails can be joined together via the main Rideau Trail. Otherwise, hike them as two separate
loops. Despite being in the City of
Ottawa, the Lime Kiln loop takes the hiker into some of the prettiest woodlands
along the entire Rideau Trail. And
there’s the bonus of an old lime kiln to explore. It’s hard to believe that this lonely loop is
so close to the invisible city. By
contrast, the Bells Corners Loop threads its way through, and around the edges
of, city neighborhoods and over busy highways.
Yet you pass through woods and past fields of strawberries, with a view
of the Gatineau Hills to the north. And
then there’s an enjoyable bus ride back to the start. How lucky we are to have
such amazing hiking within the heart of our Capital.
5.
5. Marble Rock Conservation Area: Blue Side Trails and Blue Loops
 |
| A Frontenac Arch Biosphere "Amazing Place" |
Length: 11.4 km (two loops joined)
Start/End: Marble Rock Road, north of Gananoque
RTA Ref.: Map 20; Text page #:
20
 |
| Views east to Blue Mountain |
An Amazing Place! And
that’s official! The Marble Rock Trail
system has been designated as an “Amazing Place” by the Frontenac Arch
Biosphere, one of 610 UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves across 117
countries. Although not connected to the
Rideau Trail geographically, these trails were created by passionate members of
the RTA, and they make some of the finest hiking in Eastern Ontario. The two connected loops climb and fall
through a rugged landscape, with several rocky viewpoints and lakeside stopping
places along the way. Leave plenty of time to enjoy the experience.
Conclusion
The creation
of our network of Blue side trails and loops did not occur accidentally. It was one of the earliest visions of our
Trail founders. In the very first RTA
Newsletter #1, dated Summer 1971, on page 1 the first RTA president, Fred
Cooke, wrote:
I would like to say something about what I foresee
for the future. What sort of a trail will we have and who will use it? As many
of you know, we do not plan a single route, but a series of interconnecting
trails, somewhat like the Ho Chi Minh trail. One particular feature which I
feel will enhance the Rideau Trail is the development of side loops which allow
the day hiker to finish at the same place as he starts. These trails will have
pale blue triangles as their markers. I personally hope that each year we
commit ourselves to build new sections of trail or side loops.
This decision showed great foresight. Blue trails will encourage more people to
come out and explore the Rideau Trail.
But we need to raise the profile of our blue trails so they do not start
to disappear.
The author has a vision of a Blue badge being presented to those
who complete all blue trails, similar to the end-to-end badges. And here’s a challenge to each Club – add
more blue trail hikes to your hiking plans in the coming year. Every blue trail has something unique about
it. Why not go out there yourself to discover
the magic?
