Description
Originally built and maintained for winter use as a cross-country ski trail, the trail is now also available as a hiking trail. Be advised that much of this trail has fallen into disrepair over the years as the volunteers with the Forgotten Trails Association have not been able to keep up with any regular maintenance. The majority of this trail is moderately difficult with challenging climbs and descents and signage may be no longer be present making navigation a challenge.
Warning – Please be advised that the south-east portion of the loop is impassable, refer to signage at the trailheads and plan your hike accordingly.
The trail meanders through a mixed coniferous and deciduous forest. This route will take adventurous hikers past Loxton Lake and Beaver Lake, and through various terrain including bogs, fens, and marshlands. At one point, the path emerges at the Loxton Dam, which is a soothing spot to take a break, and dangle hot, tired feet in cool water before continuing on your hike.
The trail is part of the Forgotten Trails Association’s network of ecologically sustainable trails managed for the purpose of non-motorized recreational trail activities by volunteers.
Download a copy of the Forgotten Trails Map.
Trailhead: Located roughly 17.9km down Chemical Rd (off of Ottawa Ave) in South River, ON
Google Maps Directions
Trailhead UTM 637811 mE x 5087167 mN
Ownership Crown Land
Management Forgotten Trails Association
Length 8.5 km
Activities Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking, Snowshoeing
Difficulty Moderate to Hard
Level of Development Minimally Developed
Surface Compacted Soil, Mixed Gravel
Rules for Use
- do not throw garbage into the forest or along the trails
- please respect ‘No Trespassing’ signs on adjacent private property and follow the trails as marked
For More Information
ADVENTURE TRAILS MAP
Print map with 1000 kms + of hiking, cycling, paddling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails across Ontario’s Near North
Meet Forgotten Trails Champion Rick Jeffery |
 Why do you volunteer with the Forgotten Trails?
“I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and its nice to have places to get out and and see the surroundings. After working all the years I did in Toronto coming back up here to live [South River area] it was something I wanted my kids to appreciate.”
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Rick is a longtime volunteer with the Forgotten Trails Association in the area around South River, one of few volunteers still involved until recently. In fact, the Forgotten Trails have faced many of the same challenges typical of volunteer trail organizations – volunteer burnout, frustration over the inability to restrict off-road vehicle access to environmentally sensitive areas and escalating insurance costs.
By 2019, many of the once thriving trails had become overgrown and once again forgotten in time – almost. Rick, steadfast in his desire to keep the trail network available for others to enjoy, never leaves home without his clippers. As appointed trail steward of the Laurier Tower Trail, Rick continues to hike the trail a few times a year in every season equipped with his clippers and ready to trim back brush and undergrowth that grows up along the trail. The Forgotten Trails have a new burst of energy and enthusiasm. Participation in outdoor activities is at an all-time high and a new generation of caring people have relocated to the area to escape the city. Holding firm to the original mission to create, maintain and promote non-motorized, ecologically sustainable trails, a small and growing group of volunteers are working to revitalize the organization and its beloved hiking trails. Find Forgotten Trails on Facebook as the organization grows again. Rick is ready with his enthusiasm and of course, his clippers! |
