New Trail? You bet! This time we were heading to Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park to check out the new Mississagua River Trail. I have been hearing about this trail through a few sources, and with the weather looking optimal, the plan to go was in effect. As with all new trail locations (or even new tripping locations) I start with a map. I want to check out the location, how long it is to drive, and where exactly we would go.
I was super excited to be able to access the new maps from Unlostify. I had the privilege to talk to Jeff and Deki at the Outdoor Adventure Show in February about their maps, and this new trail was listed on the Kawartha Highlands PP map. Yes, I really do need to get one of these really soon (Hint, Hint).
With the location “mapped” out, we hit the road and headed for the trail head. I love driving to this park as we pass through winding roads and changing landscape to the granite outcrops that make this place so gorgeous. We arrived at the trail head with only one other car in the parking lot. As this was in the off season, there was no parking fees required (however, we did bring our park pass just in case), but this also meant the toilet was not open either. Just an FYI for if you do this trail during the off season.
At the trail head, you are greeted with a beautiful sign describing the area. At the kiosk, there is a booklet which outlines different attraction points along the trail. The booklet explains a little about the history of the area, the geology (which is my favorite part), and some local habitat occupants.
The river in this section looks so calm, I was wanting to have brought my canoe just to dip it in the water. Even if it was just for a little bit. We headed onto the trail which is a 1.5 km loop.
I was surprised at just how peaceful this trail was, even though we are really close to the road. Guess in the off season there is not as much traffic. We wander the trail, up and down and along the river. With little patches of snow and puddles, hiking boots are a must.
Parts of the trail will open up to large rock barrens. This area has seen very little disturbance, and I could easily see myself relaxing on a warm summer day on the rocks just soaking in the sun. As there is no camping in this section, my visit will be just a day use visit.
The far end of the loop will take you to a section of rapids where the water is clear and not very deep. We were picturing coming here in the summer and lying in the rapids. Natures whirlpool! I bet this is very popular on those hot days.
On sections of this trail there are huge rocks that the trail weaves through. My son thought it was a great idea to run and jump around. Just like “Temple Run” he was saying. That did give my hubby the idea to try to chase him down like the game LOL. They had some fun running around this section.
I was able to find some signs of spring with plants poking out through the snow, just like this wintergreen plant. This plant tastes just like the gum (very minty). (DO NOT try this unless you know for sure how to identify this plant). You don’t want to end up eating a piece of poison ivy :O.
With our time quickly passing by, we knew we were almost back at the start of the trail. We started hearing voices of other people on the trail (they must have just started), but we were lucky that they were out of site by the time we came to the parking lot.
Since we did have to drive a while to access this trail, we decided to head into Peterborough for the afternoon and make this trek worth our time. I actually got a chance to head over to Wild Rock Outfitters to use my gift card that I won through the Paddle In The Park Contest. I was able to pick up a 60L barrel. We currently only have the smaller 30L barrel, which is great for short trips, but with bigger trips planned for the future it was time for the upgrade.
I hope you enjoyed reading out this trail and hope to see you out there!