Vernon Nature Trails
Trail Length: 5 kilometres
Park Amenities:
Vernon Nature Trails is a hiking and birdwatching destination located in the community of Kenora, Ontario, Canada. During the winter the trails become cross country ski routes.
The hiking trails explore three eco systems called transition zones. They include the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes Forest Region, the Boreal Forest Region and the Prairie Grasslands Region.
The Vernon Nature Trails measure approximately 5 kilometres in total consisting, of mostly, forested hikes with good signage and lookout platforms.
There is a large trail map near the main entrance of the trail network closest to the parking lot.
There are 6 trails in the park including the Aspen Trail, Bur Oak Trail, Fern Trail, Lookout Trail, Pine Trail and the Wetlands Trail.
The trails explore forests consisting of ironwood, bur oak, red pine, aspen and ash trees.
On one trail is a 300 year old white pine tree and two of the trails include lookouts (4 in total) providing views of wetlands and the Lake of the Woods.
Red Pine Trail (300 metres) : The easiest trail of the Vernon Nature Trails. The trail explores a grove of red pine trees.
Bur Oak Trail (1.1 kilometres) : One of the more challenging trails with an elevation gain of 40 metres. The trail explores a diverse forest of red pine, bur oak, ironwood and black ash trees.
Aspen Trail (600 metres) : A connector trail which connects to the Bur Oak and Wetland Trails.
Wetland Trail (1.4 kilometres) : A moderately challenging trail passing by two rock cliffs covered in moss and lichens. The cliffs cast a long shadow on the trail leaving some sections of the route muddy and wet. This trail leads to two lookouts and a small pond with a beaver dam. Lookouts provide views of the Lake of the Woods and birdwatching opportunities.
Lookout Trail (800 metres) : A moderately challenging trail with some steep sections. The trail explores a red pine forest before leading to two lookouts. Lookouts provide views of the forest canopy and are ideal for birdwatching woodpeckers and Great Horned Owls.
Fern Trail (600 metres) : An easy going trail passing through fields of ostrich, cinnamon and lady ferns. Located on this trail is a 300 year old white pine tree.
There is a covered day use picnic shelter, boat dock and washroom with in the nature park.
Explore Vernon Nature Trails, Kenora, Northern Ontario, Canada, Sunset Country
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How To Get ToVernon Nature Trails
:Water : By boat one can travel the Lake of the Woods southwest of Burlman Island and there is a dock. Tie up to the dock and access a short trail connecting you to the Wetland Trail.
