Easy Hike on Loudon Peatland Trail at Mashkinonje Provincial Park

The Loudon Peatland Trail at Mashkinonje Provincial Park became an instant favourite! I could have hiked it twice, but alas, there was only time for one slow tour around the loop and lookout before I had to continue my road trip.

There’s an easy gravel path through the mixed forest towards #Mashkinonje Marsh and the boardwalk. When the trail gets a little steep, a series of switchbacks make for a safer descent.

Across the boardwalk is a wheelchair-accessible lookout platform over the marsh.

Then I go into the woods!

In some photos, you can see how hikers’ constant treading has worn away the vegetation from the rock’s surface.

I applaud anyone who brings their dog out for a hike, but please keep them leashed where required to help preserve our parks by keeping pets on the path.

The safety and comfort of other hikers (and your pet) is another reason to leash up pets. I love dogs, but it’s disconcerting when one charges at you from out of the woods and the pet parent is nowhere to be seen.

The Lookout Tower’s linear trail to the Loudon Peatland has a sign marker, extending the hike from 2.8km to 4.5km.

Views from the Loudon Peatland Lookout Tower

Worth the distance? Absolutely!

Returning along the Loudon Pealand loop, I passed by a second beaver pond on the trail.

Another look over Loudon Peatland from a distance.

The trail continues.

A third beaver pond.

I passed the smallest bog I’d ever seen. Honestly, without the signage, I would have missed it.

Reaching the trail’s end is always bittersweet, especially in this case. Mashkinonje Provincial Park is hours and hours away from my home, but if I had the chance to explore these trails again, I’d say yes in a heartbeat.

? Mashkinonje Provincial Park is a non-operational park. Friends of Mashkinonje members and volunteers maintain trails.

? Mashkinonje Provincial Park
? Traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, and, Mississauga.


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