Description
Four-Season Trails
A local favourite throughout the seasons, this waterfall trail network takes hikers from the main campus of Nipissing University and Canadore College through scenic wooded areas, over creeks on rustic wooden bridges, and along Duchesnay Creek as it cascades down North Bay’s escarpment. The small lookout tower at the center of the trail network on the Lookout Trail has a beautiful view of Lake Nipissing and the Manitou Islands.
Trail users can check out glacial remnants and tiny fossils, and there’s always a good chance you’ll see some wildlife on the trails. The area was logged by lumber baron JR Booth back at the turn of the century, however, it still retains some large pines and a variety of coniferous and deciduous species.
Start your waterfall trail hike from the parking lot on Highway 17 for the best views of Duchesnay Falls or from the campus on College Drive.
Winter Trails
Don’t let the snow stop your hiking! Snowshoeing these same trails in the winter is an exhilarating experience and gives you a whole new perspective on the landscape, including the impressive icy cascades of the now frozen waterfalls.
A local secret is the network of free-to-use and groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter months maintained by Nipissing University grooms and used by the Nipissing Lakers Ski Team. These ski trails are open to the public for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking.
Resources:
- Get our Adventure Trails Map!– 1000 km + of hiking, cycling, paddling, winter sports
- Nipissing University Trails Map.
Trailhead UTM 615871 mE x 5133445 mN
Ownership Nipissing University / Canadore College
Management Nipissing University / Canadore College
Length 11.6 km
Activities Fat Biking, Hiking, Snowshoeing
Amenities Lookout, Parking, Picnic Area, Rest Area
Difficulty Easy, Hard, Moderate
Level of Development Developed
Seasons All Season
Rules for Use
- upper bridge over Duchesnay Creek was removed some years ago due to disrepair. The creek is impassable at the location.
- rock surfaces alongside Duchesnay Falls are slippery at all times during the year
- trail running along either side of the Falls is suitable for foot traffic only
Directions
From the HWY 11/17 junction near Seymour Street, head northwest on HWY 17. Turn right at Gormanville Road and left at College Drive. Turn left towards to Education Centre. Parking Lot 8 offers free parking on the weekends. A second access is located on Hwy 17 just past the North Bay Regional Health Centre on the North side of the highway.
For More Information
Nipissing University
705-474-3450
Canadore College
705.474.7600
info@canadorecollege.ca
Hi, I want to know where exactly do I go to see the falls. I am going on a road trip from Alexandria to Sudbury and will make a stop to see the falls. I need to know where to go exactly to see them.
Hi Nicole, there is a small parking lot on Hwy 17, just past the North Bay Regional Health Centre, on the north side, only 3 kms outside of North Bays downtown, right at the edge of North Bays boundary with Nipissing First Nations. You will see the Nipissing First Nations sign and a lookout sign that says Duchesnay Falls. Park in the parking lot and head west(towards Sudbury) into the trails, the falls are right there, you cant miss them. The entryway is steep, but once you get up the first hill, it evens out. The trails beside the falls are rocky as well, so be prepared with good footwear.
Where do I get map of x country skis trails at canadore college
Hi George, Nipissing University’s trails map at this link shows the ski trail in grey with a skier icon. https://map.nipissingu.ca/trails.html