New Trail Opens!

Just when you think you know just about everything about the trails in an area, you discover something that makes you feel as if you know nothing at all.

That was my reaction in late July when I read a report in the Renfrew Mercury newspaper about the opening of an extensive trail network in Calabogie, northeast of Ottawa in the Township of Greater Madawaska. I had heard nothing about this trail system before that announcement, despite being in the area on a number of occasions and having spoken to tourism officials about wanting to know about hiking and biking trails.

Fortunately, my lack of knowledge was soon corrected, and thanks to the directions in the newspaper article, I was able, within a week, to visit and hike the new Manitou Mountain Trail. And it is a beauty!

A more detailed description of my route is for the book, but I can tell you that the new trail provides access to the top of Dickson Mountain, above the Calabogie Peaks Resort, and provides several other look-offs with broad views of the surrounding countryside.

However, this network of wilderness footpaths are not for the beginner, unless accompanied by someone more experienced, and a map is essential for this trek. Manitou Mountain and its connecting trails are a hike for an entire day, not 1-2 hours.

For those who do not wish to wait until next April, and the release of Hiking Trails of Ottawa, to explore this trails, you can find information about Manitou Mountain at: www.somuchmore.ca/Manitoumtncopy.html.

Enjoy!