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.
NOTE: The bridge over Duchesnay Creek above the main falls is closed until further notice. You can still access the trails on the West side of the creek from the parking lot on Highway 17 via the short trail adjacent to the highway.
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 Parking: On the left-hand side of the Trans-Canada Hwy shortly past the North Bay Regional Health Center
Google Maps Directions
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
- 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
For More Information
Nipissing University
705-474-3450
Canadore College
705.474.7600
info@canadorecollege.ca
ADVENTURE TRAILS MAP
Print map with 1000 kms + of hiking, cycling, paddling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails across Ontario’s Near North
