NIPIGON TRAILS - RED ROCK TRAILS

NIPIGON TRAILS: Nipigon River Recreational Trail

Distance: 10.1 km one way
Elevation Gain: 154 m
Estimated Time: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Features: Panoramic views of Nipigon River and Nipigon Bay from three clifftop lookouts. Wooded and shoreline habitats. White pelicans, peregrine falcon, bald eagles, great blue heron, otters.

Organization: Land of the Nipigon Waterways Development Association

Description: Experience the shoreline of the Nipigon River from Nipigon to Red Rock and along Nipigon Bay on Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake. Suitable for ages 8 and up (depending on abilities) this is a well-maintained, rugged, wilderness recreation trail.

If you don’t have much time, consider taking a shorter 40-minute (2.6 km return) hike starting at the Red Rock trailhead to the viewing platform at Lloyd’s Lookout, then hike a few minutes further to relax in the Parks Canada red chairs. Or, start at the Nipigon Marina trailhead and hike 2-3 km of flat terrain along the edge of the Nipigon River. If you plan to hike the entire trail, it is recommended you start at the Red Rock Trailhead. Shuttle service is available in Nipigon, call 807-887-1008.

Directions:
Red Rock Trailhead – From Highway 11/17 head south on Highway 628 towards Red Rock. Travel approximately 7 kilometres where signage will direct you to turn left onto Third St. a short gravel road, where the trailhead is found.
Nipigon Trailhead – From Highway 11/17 turn onto Railway St. or First St. and follow the directional signs to the Nipigon Marina. From the marina parking lot, walk south across the road bridge to the trailhead.

NIPIGON TRAILS: Deer Mountain Trail

Distance: 6.6 km loop, with two short lookout trail spurs
Elevation Gain: 145m
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Difficult – short black diamond sections-steep climbs, unstable footing
Features: Thirteen cliff-top lookouts with panoramic views of Nipigon Bay, Nipigon River, Deer Lake, No Good Lake, Lofquist Lake and Black Bay. Old growth cedar forest, beaver dam.

Organization: Nor’Wester Voyageur Trail Club

Description: This is a wilderness recreation trail. The wooded trail gradually climbs to the top of a cuesta and circles the perimeter with incredible views in all directions before returning to the trailhead. Trail spurs to cliffs overlooking No Good Lake and Lofquist Lake are optional. A beaver dam must be crossed on the No Good Lake spur trail.

Directions: From Hwy 11/17, drive 3.4 km north on Hwy 585. A trailhead sign on the left near the bushline marks the start of your hike. Parking is available on either side of the road.

Red Rock Mountain Trail

Distance: 4.9km loop
Elevation Gain: 183m
Estimated Time: X
Difficulty: Difficult
Features: Lookouts over Black Bay, Red Rock and Nipigon River.

Organization: Land of the Nipigon Waterways Development Association

Description: Hike this scenic trail to enjoy spectacular panoramic vistas. This is a foot and bike path that runs along the crests and valleys of the Red Rock Mountain. This trail takes advantage of all sides of the mountain, offering nearly a full 360 degree view of the region and a variety of the area’s stunning geological features.

This trail provides stellar views of a variety of stunning features of this portion of Lake Superior and a great chance to sit back, relax and enjoy from any of the three platform lookouts.

Directions: From Hwy 11/17 take the turn-off to Red Rock on Hwy 628 and travel for approximately 5.5 km. Turn right onto Red Rock Road No. 1. The trailhead and parking area are just past the bailey bridge, on the right.

Rendezvous Cross Country
Ski Trails

Distance: 2.5-6 km loops, 13 km total
Elevation Gain:
Estimated Time: 1-3hr
Difficulty: Easy, intermediate and difficult loops.
Features: Sheltered woodland and open track-set traditional trails.

Organization: Rendezvous Cross Country Ski Club

Description: A series of loop trails classically groomed and track-set for beginners to expert skiers, meandering through spectacular scenery in the valley between Nipigon and Red Rock. Skiers can choose a trail to suit their abilities.

Directions: Approximately 6 km west of Nipigon, exit Highway 11/17 heading south onto Golf Course Road. Travel 350 metres to the trailhead sign on the right.

NIPIGON TRAILS:  Crew Trail

Distance: 1.4km loop
Elevation Gain: 15.2m
Estimated Time: X
Difficulty: Intermediate
Features: Shaded woodland, creek.

Organization: Singletrack Society Trails Association

Description:
This mountain bike/hike trail is a relatively new build concept that began in 2011, utilizing the principles and guidelines of sustainable design and construction put forward by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA).
Originally the trail started when Parks Canada (LSNMCA) brought IMBA to Nipigon for a Trail Care Crew School. Over the course of the school, approximately 100 metres of sustainable trail was created. Construction continued by SSTA into the current 1.4 km length.

Directions: Trailhead is located at the back (west side) of the parking lot at the Nipigon Marina

NIPIGON TRAILS: Bald Spot Trail

Distance: 2.8 km return
Elevation Gain: 61m
Estimated Time: X
Difficulty: Difficult
Features: Ridge-top lookouts over town of Nipigon and the Nipigon River.

Organization: Singletrack Society Trails Association

Description
This mountain bike/hike trail is of moderate difficulty in terms of trail rating with one section considered difficult. The trail is well-known, and often visited by locals. There are impressive natural wonders, such as glacial erratics.
Directions:
Trailhead is located on Greenmantle Drive, 100 m north of the Wadsworth Dr. intersection. (Shortly after the pavement turns to gravel.)