Kag Trail

Location

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, 6905 HWY 17 West, west of Mattawa

Trailhead UTM 663453 mE x 5129015 mN
Ownership Ministry of Natural Resources - Ontario Parks

Management

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park

Length

2.5 km / 1.6 miles

Difficulty

difficult

Activities

hiking, snowshoeing

Amenities

paid parking

Surface

steep and rocky sections; forested

User Fees a park-entry fee is charged to access the trails within the park5

Rules for Use: 

- motorized travel and bicycles are prohibited
- appropriate footwear is a necessity 
- pets must be leashed at all times 
- park entry permit is required for trail use

Safety Considerations:

- trail has steep sections and some unauthorized paths to sheer cliff sections 
- extreme caution must be used if approach cliff edges

Maintenance:

- as required in summer months

Additional Information:

Ontario Provincial Parks are generally open between the May long weekend and Thanksgiving each year, though these dates may vary depending on the Park.  For exact operating dates, please contact Ontario Parks at 1-888-ONT-PARK, or call the Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park directly at (705) 744-2276.  The Park is not staffed in the winter months, the trails are not maintained, and only a few access roads are ploughed, though visitors are welcome to snowshoe the trails at their own risk.

Description:

The Kag Trail passes through a natural pure stand of red pine.  Native peoples sometimes gathered the edible inner bark and seeds of this and other pines.  As you explore the Kag woodlands, imagine you are back in time, so awaken your senses, and look for signs of forest creatures and listen for their voices.  This trail has some steep cliffs and is therefore recommended for experienced hikers.  The trail takes its name from the Ojibway language, meaning 'porcupine'.

Directions: 

From the HWY 11/17 junction near Seymour Street, take exit 377 onto HWY 17 East.  After about 48 km (29.8 miles) of travel you will see an entrance on the left to Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.