Last year around this time we headed out to Ferris Provincial Park to hike some of their trails. This park is right outside Campbellford, and we have visited many times either geocaching, biking, hiking or just checking out the water and the suspension bridge. Today we planned to hike some trails on the interior of the park.
We started in our usual spot just on the west side of the river by the suspension bridge. On the park side of the bridge, there is a display where you can pick up park maps. Below is a picture of the trails. As a suggestion, I take a picture of the map so that I have access to it on my phone, just in case I lose this one 🙂
Our plan for today was to hike the Drumlin Ridge Loop leading into the Valley Loop and then head down along the rivers edge on the River Gorge Trail, and back over the suspension bridge.
The suspension bridge gives a nice view up and down the Trent River, and with spring run off, the river was flowing fast. We head to the trail system and take in the warmth of the day. There are not many leaves out, but along the trails you can still see signs of spring poking her head out. The trail has lots of little purple flowers, which I have no idea what they are called.
These trails are also used in the winter for skiing, but I think there needs to be some maintenance on the signage! I’m not sure the skier will be able to climb this tree.
The park is also used to help students in the area with survival skills, as we found places on the top of the drumlin where make shift shelters were still construction from over the winter. This is very similar to what we have seen in one of our local conservation areas.
As you get closer to the Trent River, the sounds of the water rushing fills the air. I could stay here for a long time just watching the water flow over the ledges.
One of the best parts about hiking in this area is the local bakery, Dooher’s Bakery. Most people I’ve talked to rave about their donuts. For me, personally, I love their Chelsea buns and their homemade bread. I have bought a loaf of bread here in the past, start the drive home, and find that I have eaten at least half a dozen slices before entering my driveway.
If you are in the area, we highly recommend checking out this little park as well as lots of the other attractions in Campbellford.
The purple flowers are Round-lobed Hepatica — one of spring’s earliest wildflowers
Nice. I don’t know a lot of plant flour names, but these are so pretty.