Trails
On our 233 hectares (576 acres) of property is a network of trails with a combined length of 16 km. The trails are marked with a colour coding for our guests’ convenience. Although we do clean and maintain our trails, they are essentially wilderness trails. You may have to climb over or go around trees that have fallen since the last time we cleaned the trail. Hiking boots are not necessary but sturdy, closed-toe footwear is recommended. Long pants and sleeves are also recommended.
As our area is mostly undisturbed, you may see some wildlife. There are plenty of deer, foxes, coyotes, beavers, otters, turtles and a wide variety of birds. Even moose have been occasionally spotted. And, yes, there are black bears on the property. Hikers are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and make plenty of noise. The bears are more afraid of you than you are of the bears. If they know that you are in the area, they will quietly move out of your way. Since the purchase of the property in 1969, bears have been occasionally encountered, but there has never been an animal incident.
The bears, however, are not the most dangerous predator that you might encounter on our trails. Unfortunately, that honour goes to the black legged tick (also known as the deer tick). This nasty little creature, which has become prevalent throughout North America, will latch onto unsuspecting hikers and feed off of them for a couple of days before detaching. The danger is that some ticks are carriers of Lyme disease. Hikers are encouraged to do a tick check after returning from a walk. If you need more information on ticks or Lyme disease, please do not hesitate to ask, or go to https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/lyme-disease-.aspx.
Sumac’s 7 Trails
The Woodland Trail (orange) 4.4 KM
The Woodland Trail (orange) is 4.4 km long and loops through the north of the property. This trail will take 75 minutes at a regular pace. On this trail, you will go through a variety of hardwood and softwood groves. There are also connector trails which provides access to the Rock Ridge Trail (purple) and the Cascade Trail (yellow).
The Cascade Trail (yellow) 3.7 km
The Cascade Trail (yellow) is 3.7 km long and takes just over an hour. Part of the trail is a loop that follows the north and south sides of the stream that leads to the next lake called Watson Lake. In some places along the way, the stream gently flows through grass covered marshes. In others it cascades over rocks. Finally, just as it is entering Watson Lake, it goes through a narrow, rocky chute. In summer, the water trickles down through the rocks, but during the spring melt, it is a rushing torrent. There is also a connector trail which provides access to the Woodland Trail (orange).
The Wetland Trail (green) 1.6 KM
The Wetland Trail (green) is west of the Lodge and is about 1.6 km long and takes about 25 minutes. The trail starts behind the Lodge where you traverse a wooded area to access the main loop. Once you leave the wooded area, you will skirt along the edge of the vast wetland upstream of Little Beaver Lake. There are a number of side trails that lead to observation points where you can get a better view of the wetland. There is also a connector trail which provides access to the Rock Ridge Trail (purple).
The Lakeside Trail (blue) 2.4 km
The Lakeside Trail (blue) is 2.4 km long. It starts at the Lodge and heads east along the lane. After you leave the lane and pass the garden, it curls around the eastern end of the lake before it crosses a small footbridge over the stream that drains the lake. It then follows the south shore of the lake. There is a side trail that provides a scenic view of the lake from the east. Currently, the trail ends just across the lake from the Lodge. Future plans are that this trail will be extended to the west end of the lake. If we can find a way that is environmentally responsible, we would also like to cross the wetland and then return to the Lodge, allowing a full circumnavigation of the lake.
The Rock Ridge Trail (purple) 2.4 KM
The Rock Ridge Trail (purple) is our newest trail. It is 1.4 km long. It features a ridge where the bedrock rises dramatically above the land around it. This trail has connector trails that provides access to the Wetland Trail (green) or the Woodland Trail (orange) to make for a longer hike.
The Lakeview Trail (red) 0.4 KM
The Lakeview Trail (red) is short, only 0.4 km. It takes you from the Lodge to a rocky point that juts out into the lake. It only takes a few minutes to walk and provides a scenic view of the lake from the west.
The Stone Bridge Trail (white) 300 M
The Stone Bridge Trail (white) is a short trail that runs along the side of the stream just east of the Lodge. At 300 metres in length, it can be done in a few minutes. Two are provided so that youn can stay longer to enjoy the coolness of the shade in summer and the soothing sound of the water gurgling through the rocks. The trail follows the stream on one side, then you cross over an old dry stone bridge (ca. 1860) before returning on the other side.