Hiking in the Laurentian Conservation Area
As I was getting ready to head back to Sudbury for the weekend, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. The weekend’s full schedule didn’t allow me any free time to do one of my favourite things: hiking in the Laurentian Conservation Area. So, to make up for a lost day of sunny lakeside adventures, I am moping indoors and writing this post.
The Laurentian Conservation Area Hiking trails have some really great things going for them. First, there are many trails to choose from -- over 10 -- and an almost limitless number of ways to combine them to suit your hiking mood. Second, the trails range from easy, level walks to more moderate hikes with harsh inclines. Thus, this area has trails for all experience levels. In fact this is where Kyla and I started hiking as beginners. Another great feature is that most trails are loops, so during a hike you’re always seeing a new part of the conservation area. Last but not least, the trails are well managed and well marked with plastic markers on trees and spray paint on rocks.
How to Get There
There are two locations from which you can start different trails. The first is from the nature chalet of the conservation area (GPS 46.454855, -80.946418). The second is from the BioSki Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe club not far from the conservation area (GPS: 46.459607, -80.941590). All trails start from the nature chalet except for the following: Beaver pond loop, Mount Ramsey Trail, and Perch Lake Trail.
(Check out Conservation Sudbury's map of the trails here:
Trails
As I said before, there’s a ton of hiking trails in the conservation area. How do you choose which trail to do? To help you a bit, we’ll introduce you to four of our favourites.
Beaver Pond Loop
Beaver Pond Loop is one of the easier trails in the Laurentian conservation area. The trail is relatively flat and is only 3 km long. It is cut through a gorgeous bit of forest that’s lovely to walk through. What’s great about this trail is that it doubles as a snowshoeing trail in the winter. Now you can head out and get your hiking fix at any time of the year!
Points Trail
The points trail is a good easy to moderate hike along over 4 km of trail, all on the water’s edge. The trail consists of two separate loops; you have the option of doing one, the other, or both! These trails bring you up close to the lake’s marshy wildlife. Ducks and other waterfowl are common sights. Fair warning though, since this trail’s proximity to water means parts of the trail can get muddy and soggy so bring those hiking boots.
Mount Ramsey Trail
Mount Ramsey Trail is a great 3 km trail that gives you some nice views of Ramsey lake, Sudbury, and part of the conservation area. For those who just want the view, it’s fairly easy to bypass most of the trail and head straight for the lookout. For the rest of us, the trail provides a nice hour long trek through forest. There are some parts of the trail that go through marshy areas, so bring appropriate footwear! There’s usually an inukshuk of sorts standing sentinel on the bare stone peak that is the highest point of the trail; if not, feel free to rebuild it yourself!
Lake Laurentian Loop
Lake Laurentian Loop is the longest loop in the conservation area, taking you over 10 km of it. This loop is my personal favourite. It takes approximately 3 hours to complete, or less if you hike at a fast pace. There are several great lookout points along the trail, including two bridges and a climb to the highest point in the conservation area! The trail has two major inclines, but lots of up and down throughout; you feel like you’ve accomplished something. You’ll know you’ve reached the highest peak of the conservation area when you get to the large pile of stones that stands over a meter high... Oh, and when you get that great panoramic view.
Warnings
Bears are a common sight in that area, so be mindful of them. It might be wise to avoid early morning and evenings for a hike, else to bring bear spray and a whistle.
So if you’re in the Sudbury area and in need of some outdoor adventures, consider checking out the Laurentian conservation area!
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