The passionate hiker

The passionate hiker
Early days in the outdoors

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

The Rideau Trail: Discovering the Blue Side Trails


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?


Monday, February 26, 2018

My Opinicon


Sat. 24 February:  My Opinicon


The Rideau Trail blue side trails offer excellent hiking
Note: click on pictures for full size view.

This year, a new fleet of luxury rental boats is being introduced onto the Rideau Canal, based in Smiths Falls.  And Chaffeys Lock is sure to be a favourite stopping place for these travellers. 

It’s a fascinating section of canal as it winds between two large lakes.  But the jewel in this crown is the Opinicon Lodge, recently and spectacularly refurbished.  I had a tour of the lodge today and it just keeps getting more and more impressive.  And running right beside the hotel is a Rideau Trail blue side trail.

It was this blue trail that I was exploring today.  The simple loop, taking in the Cataraqui Trail, is 5.6 kilometres, starting in the Opinicon parking lot.  An extension of this blue trail runs west from Indian Lake Road to connect up with the main Rideau Trail.  If you add this return leg to your journey, you have a decent hike of nine kilometres.

And at the end of your trip, you have the comfy bar at the Opinicon to look forward to.  This makes the Chaffeys Lock blue trails a must-do for anyone who wants to see the best that Eastern Ontario has to offer – whether you come by boat or on foot.

That’s just MY opinion.

The Opinicon Lodge:  ideal starting point for this hike  

Rideau Canal at Chaffeys Lock:  exciting boating season ahead this year

At Chaffeys Lock

High Level bridge on the Cataraqui Trail

A  sheet of ice today - MICROspikes being the answer

Viewpoint at site of old trestle bridge (now an embankment)

Junction with the main Rideau Trail




Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Swinging in the Rain


Wed. 21 February:  Swinging in the Rain


A damp morning at Conlon Farm
Note: click on pictures for full size view.

A little rain wasn’t going to stop us. 

Today’s group of four Wednesday Wanderers strolled happily through the streets of Perth, temperatures well above zero and the snow and ice turning to slush in the light rainfall.  A damp mistiness enveloped the town. 

Starting at Conlon Farm, our destination was The Bean coffee shop, across town.  We then returned, partly along the Rideau Trail, to our cars.  And of course by then it had stopped raining!


Mistiness on the Tay River

Strolling beside the Tay
On the Rideau Trail at Perth Town Hall

Melting snow at Conlon Farm

The Welcoming Committee


Sun. 18 February:  The Welcoming Committee


The foot of the Rideau Canal:  a grand start/end for the Rideau Trail

Note: click on pictures for full size view.

There was a welcoming committee at the end of today’s hike. 

And for the handful of people who were completing their winter end-to-ends, there was plenty to celebrate.  Over three winters (during the months of January and February) they have travelled 328 km along the Rideau Trail from Kingston to Ottawa.  This hiker has about a hundred kilometres left to do yet, before being able to claim victory.  Perhaps next year?

What a sensational way to finish off this year’s challenge.  The Ottawa River parks were full of cross-country skiers and snow-shoers, enjoying the winter sunshine and the perfectly groomed trails beside the Ottawa River.   

Our determined group of hikers made our steady way along today’s thirteen kilometre route.  We had started at the foot of the Rideau Canal, a spectacular start – or end – to any long distance trail, beneath the cliffs of Parliament Hill.  By the end of the walk we had reached Britannia Park and our grand welcome!

Ottawa River and Parliament Hill

Historical Richmond Landing

Voyageur sculpture beside War Museum

Trail full of people enjoying the winter sunshine

Our determined group

Welcoming the victors



Wednesday, February 7, 2018

The Winter End-to-End


Sat./Sun. 3/4 February:  The Winter End-to-End


The Winter End-to-End challenge

Note: click on pictures for full size view.

Unless you’ve done it, you will probably not truly appreciate it.

Each January and February, determined groups of hikers will be found making their way along the Rideau Trail, on a mission to complete the entire 328 kilometre trail in three winters.  There’s a special badge for this – and it’s well earned.

This past weekend, the travelers were making good progress through perhaps the easiest section of the entire trail, heading north from Richmond towards Ottawa.  The first day they crossed prairie-like farmland with a biting wind in their faces.  Next day they navigated complex forest trails in the falling snow, through Ottawa’s vast greenbelt.  By the end of the weekend they were over twenty kilometres closer to their goal:  the heart of Canada’s capital city.

This short photo narrative will allow you to decide how simple this challenge really is.


SATURDAY

Saturday morning at Fallowfield

Stepping out on a cold morning (minus 14 degrees C)

Fallowfield church

Steeple Hill Road

A biting wind in our faces

Prairie-like scenery

The group heads out across the winter landscape

This is why you need a decent camera, not a point-and-shoot:  snowy owl

Tomorrow's weather on its way

SUNDAY


Should we get out of the car??

Snowy gathering at Corkstown Road

Our team has grown since Saturday

Suitable graffiti beneath Hwy 417

Robertson Road bridge

Into the "green"belt

New snowfall made this picturesque

Signs of the approaching city:  a fat-biker

Some of the prettiest woodland along the entire trail

Final few yards on Richmond Road:  NOT an "optimum route"!