Autumn is full of so many beautiful things; colourful foliage, crisp cool air, fresh apples, pumpkins, and so much more! A great way to enjoy the wonderful cascade of colours is to go for a hike on some of Kingston and the Surrounding Areas many trails. Before we get into that, even with the cooler temperatures, it is extremely important to stay hydrated! Make sure you pack lots of water, and wear long sleeves and pants. It’s still a good idea to use insect repellant (especially if you have something on hand that repels Ticks!) and pack a tick remover. Of course, if you are hiking with a pooch, remember to bring along bags and extra water. Although hiking is an outdoor activity, it is still important to maintain social distancing of 6 feet or 2 meters. Once you have your pack all ready to go, and are ready to follow all of the safety precautions, here are some of the wonderful trails that you can explore!
Foley Mountain Conservation Area ($): 105 Foley Mountain Ln, Westport, ON K0G 1X0.
Nestled in scenic Westport, Foley Mountain Conservation area is roughly an hour’s drive from CFB Kingston. This area features eight hiking trails, most rated moderate, and an amazing view from the mountain. Make a day trip out of this and spend some time in the beautiful town of Westport that features cute stores (Pinecone is my favourite!) and wonderful Cafés (Try the Pizza at the Tangled Garden!)
Frontenac Provincial Park: 6700 Salmon Lake Rd, Sydenham K0H 2T0. Featuring 13 trails (some that loop and connect to each other), this park has something for every level of hiking expertise. Parking is free for CAF members on weekdays.
Gould Lake Conservation Area: 1540 Gould Lake Rd, Sydenham, ON K0H 2T0. Gould Lake is the head waters for the Millhaven Creek System. It features ten hiking trails, rated easy-medium, and is also the home of the Gould Lake Mica Mine. The Mine Trail is a beautiful trail (one of my favourites!), not just for its foliage and fauna, but also because it is littered with shimmering pieces of Mica! This conservation area is roughly a forty-five minute drive from CFB Kingston.
Lemoine Point Conservation area: 1440 Coverdale Dr, Kingston, ON. One of Kingston’s most popular hiking spots. There are five trails at Lemoine’s (including one bike trail), a number of viewing decks and locations that you can access the waterfront, public washrooms and picnic tables. There is also a Chickadee feeding area! Make sure to bring some seeds!
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area ($): 1641 Perth Rd, Glenburnie, ON K0H 1S0. Home of the Sugar Shack (open in Early spring for pancakes and fresh maple syrup), this conservation area has five hiking trails, rated easy to moderate. It also is home to many events throughout the year, and features a beautiful outdoor center. There is also a Chickadee feeding area! Make sure to bring some seeds!
Marble Rock Conservation Area ($): Marble Rock Rd, Gananoque, ON K7G 2V4. Looking for a medium to hard level hike? Located roughly half an hour drive from CFB Kingston, Marble Rock’s trails are located on or near exposed bedrock (part of the Canadian Shiled), which makes for beautiful and scenic hikes, with rough and hilly areas. Deer, otter, beaver, blue heron, grouse, frogs, interesting insects and wild turkeys can be seen along the trail.
Rock Dunder ($): 72 Stanley Lash Ln, Lyndhurst, ON K0E 1N0. This location offers three hiking trails, ranging from easy to hard (some steep hills and cliffs!) but the view at the top of the trail is definitely worth the hike. Rock Dunder is roughly a thirty-seven minute drive from CFB Kingston.
These are just a few of the beautiful hiking areas that Kingston and the area offers. There are tons of beautiful walking trails through marshes, waterside, and gorgeous fields full of fall colours! Make sure you check out the Conservation Authority website (CRCA.CA), and VisitKingston.CA for more hiking and walking options!