Trips
may start from one of several access points throughout the area. Some of
the routes are loops. Most access points are unsupervised. Recommendations
include having a map of the area, being prepared for inclement weather and
emergencies, having alternate plans and practicing ‘no trace camping’.
When using area routes and campsites please note that current conditions,
signage and restrictions are variable. Please inform someone of your trip
schedule and details before leaving home. Several routes are available depending
on availability of time, fitness, equipment and skill level . The HHWT Frost
Centre Area and Poker Lakes Area maps are important tools to reference when
planning a trip in the area. All routes listed below are further detailed
and explained on the maps (see "
HHWT
Maps").
This is a big lake with lots of bays and shoreline. Access points include
Fletcher Bay, Old Mill and Mountain Trout House. Watch for high winds and
waves.
From the Herb Lake Access Point head south into Ernest Lake and portage
out the far end past Brandy Falls into Gun lake. Several side trips into
Raven Lake, Little Wren or Deer Lakes. The route can be done in a day or
several.
This nice and short route is accessed at the Deer Lake Access Point, and
heads south towards Gun Lake, and back around north to the Herb Lake Access
Point. The travel portion of this route can be done in 1-2 days, but also
has side trip and other route possibilities.
As one of the most remote routes, this 4-5 day trip is accessed at the
Wren Lake Access Point, and takes into the heart of the Frost Center Area
to Hosiery Lake and back. It is considered to be a true backcountry route,
and can experience low water levels during dry months.
This short 1-2 day route is accessed at Wren Lake Access Point and continues
south to the Margaret Lake Access Point. This route can be extended down
to South Jean Lake, and/or returned back to Wren Lake.
Accessed at the Leslie M. Frost Natural Resources Center, this route starts
on St. Nora Lake, and travels through Sherborne Lake, Raven Lake and finishes
at Wren Lake. This route can be altered to include many of the other surrounding
lakes such as Orley Lake, and/or Ernest Lake.
This 2-3 day route is also accessed at the Frost Center Access Point and
heads south into Kushog Lake and then into Big Hawk, it continues into Sherborne
Lake and finishes back at St. Nora Lake. It can also be extended to include
No Name Pond, or Orley Lake.
A short 1-2 day trip accessed from Hwy 35. Paddle Three island, McEwen
and Dan lakes. Side lakes include Little Margaret and Horse Lakes.
This nice short route is accessed at Margaret Lake, and follows a chain
of lakes down to South Jean Lake, and returns to the Margaret Lake Access
Point.
Starting at Big Hawk Lake Access Point, this route goes through No Name
Pond, Summit Pond, Sherborne Lake and returns to Big Hawk.
This 2-4 day route focuses on Red Pine, Clear and Nunikani Lakes. No cottages
on Nunikani Lake and portages are short. The Clear Lake Conservation Reserve
and its old growth Hemlock Forests is an area identified through the Ontario
Living Legacy (OLL) for enhanced management and it is particularly environmentally
sensitive.
This nice short loop starts at the Little Hawk Lake Access Point and continues
north through Blackcat Lake. It then curves back south through Clear Lake,
Big Hawk Lake, and finishes back at Little Hawk Lake Access Point. It is
a short 1-2 day route, and has experienced heavy impact due to large group
traffic flow.
This 2-3 day loop starts at Kennisis Lake Dam, continues through Red Pine
Lake, south through Clear Lake and into Little Hawk Lake. It then heads
back through Cat Lake and into Kennisis Lake.
This 1-2 day loop starts at Hwy. 118 (Big East Access Point parking lot),
continues south through and around picturesque Big East Lake. Big
East Lake is a large lake with many arms, bays and islands to explore and
fish. The Lake is home to several remote hunt camps.
This 1-2 day backcountry loop starts at Hwy. 118 (Big East Access Point
parking lot) crossing the Hwy. to Bentshoe Lake goes northeast into the
Crane Lakes, Poker Lake, Muck Lake and then Cinder lake at the north end
of the loop. Continue south through Quirt and Ooze Lakes returning
to Poker and Bentshoe Lakes. Excellent trip on smaller lakes and ponds
with opportunities to view wildlife, flora and fauna.
With the number of recreational users accessing the area increasing, we must
all try and develop a style of camping that has the least possible impact
on the environment. The ideal of the modern voyageur is look back and see
no evidence of his or her passing. If you achieve this ideal, you will be
able to remember your trip with that extra satisfaction. See
camping
tips for more ideas on how to practice good Camping Etiquette, and learn
other helpful tips.
Haliburton Highlands Water
Trails (HHWT) 