Mashkinonje Provinvcial Park

ONTARIO PARKS:

The wonders of Mashkinonje are best known by field naturalists from North Bay and Sudbury; and botany and nature-based tourism students from the local colleges and university. Mashkinonje Provincial Park consists of a diverse system of wetlands supporting all the major wetland types; marshes, bogs, swamps, fens and ponds; interspersed with undulating granite ridges that cover over 2000 hectares along the West Arm of Lake Nipissing. The park counts among its many wetlands two provincially significant areas the Loudon Basin Peatlands and the Muskrat Creek complexes.

The parks features are the result of a post-glacial lake that covered the area combined with a series of parallel low elevation folded bedrock uplands. The low upland bedrock areas were wave washed with soils eroded and deposited in the depressions. The amount of soil deposited determines if the depressions are nutrient rich or nutrient poor. The broken drainage also has a range of moisture levels from wet to dry. Add to moisture and nutrient variability- wave action on Lake Nipissing and aspect (south vs. north facing slopes) and the result are a variety of wetlands habitats that make Mashkinonje a very interesting location to observe nature. A combined group of community and educational partners have developed a system of hiking trails in the park to make the park features available to the public.

Park Facilities and Activities: 10 hiking trails in stacked loops totaling 30 km

Trails

Easy Trails

Loudon Peatland Trail (2.9 km - Easy)
The beginning of this trail and the boardwalk are wheelchair accessible - perfect for viewing wildlife around the marsh. The trail proceeds to explore a variety of wetland types including the provincially significant Loudon Peatland with its fen border and central bog. There is also a lookout tower overseeing the beaver pond.

Bobcat Trail (0.3 km- Easy)
This trail provide an alternate route between the Heron and Atakas trails.

Beckett Lang Trail (0.3 km - Easy)
This trail provides an alternate route between the Coastal and Atakas trails.

Lapin Beach Trail (1.4 km Easy)
The trail is accessed by boat and begins at a sandy beach. There is poison ivy near the beach, so be cautious using this area. The trail has a healthy black ash swamp and a beaver pond, evidence of changing water levels. Sweet gale, winter holly and speckled alder can be seen along the trail.

Samoset Trail (3.4 km - Easy)
The trail takes you through jack pine forests, along granite ridges and across lowland red maple and black ash swamps. Be sure to take your binoculars and watch for waterfowl where the trail meets Samoset Creek. You may even see owls roosting in the dead tree stumps in the swamp.

Moderate Trails

Atakas Trail (5.4 km - Moderate)
The trail transects the rock ridges and valley wetlands. This provides the opportunity to view various forest communities and wetlands. The trail passes meadows (dry pond beds), historic logging operations, a draft-dodger cabin and a wetland, rich with cranberries.

Heron Trail (4.9 km - Moderate)
Meander along rock ridges and take advantage of the many elevated lookouts. View bog species that have adapted to the special acidic conditions. Great bird watching opportunities exist along the entire route.

Martin Pond Trail (4.0 km - Moderate)
Hike along granite ridges, part of a complex marsh and swamp wetland. This marsh is an indication of what beavers can accomplish. There is always plenty of activity, so be prepared to just sit and watch.

Trails Difficult

Coastal Trail (4.4 km - Difficult)
The trail follows bedrock ridges along the coast of Lake Nipissing, offering beautiful views of the West Arm. The bridge midway along the trail is a perfect spot for a picnic.

Pebble Beach Trail (3.4 km - Difficult)
This trail is accessed by boat or land. The trail traverses bedrock ridges, winds through forests of jack pine, trembling aspen, red maple and red oack, giving you views of the West Arm of Lake Nipissing and Maskinonje Island. The return portion is easier, allowing a gentle stroll along an old logging road.

Muskrat Creek (5 km - Paddle)
The provincially significant wetland can be explored by canoe or kayak from Highway #64. This large wetland is 2.5 km in length and extends into Lake Nipissing. It is common to see large birds of prey such as osprey and harriers along the marsh. This route also provides access to the entire coast of the park.