The hiking trails within Charleston Lake Park are varied and include distances for hikers of every experience level. Each trail has a theme, and the shorter and relatively easy east side Shoreline Centennial , Sandstone Island, Hemlock Ridge and Beech Woods Trails have interpretive trail guides available.
Note: A new trail map for Blue Mountain has been added below.
The longest trail in the Park, the Tallow Rock Bay loop, is on the west side, and from the trail head, (museum), is approximately 14 kilometres end to end. It is in more remote areas and rates a difficult by park staff.
While hiking in the park, you can expect to enjoy breathtaking views of Charleston Lake, ancient aboriginal cave dwellings, unique rock and forest settings, and well maintained footpaths. Come and enjoy.
Interpretive Trail Guides are available at the Visitor Centre (summer), Gatehouse (summer), and Park Office.
Sandstone Island |
length: |
3.3 km |
trail guide: |
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theme: |
geological and human history of the park |
features: |
historic rockshelter; scenic lookout; interesting geological features |
difficulty: |
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Shoreline Centennial |
length: |
2.0 km |
trail guide: |
|
theme: |
the story of Charleston Lake |
features: |
scenic views of the rugged shoreline |
difficulty: |
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Beech Woods |
length: |
1.5 km |
trail guide: |
available |
theme: |
wildlife of the park |
features: |
mature forest; diverse habitats |
difficulty: |
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Hemlock Ridge |
length: |
2.0 km |
trail guide: |
|
theme: |
plant communities of the park |
features: |
views of a beaver pond; rock crevasses |
difficulty: |
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Quiddity |
length: |
2.4 km |
trail guide: |
|
theme: |
Charleston’s diverse habitats |
features: |
boardwalk over wetland; scenic lookout |
difficulty: |
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Tallow Rock Bay |
length: |
10 km |
trail guide: |
|
features: |
scenic lookouts; more remote areas of the park; floating bridge |
difficulty: |
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Blue Mountain |
Accessible by water at Huckleberry Hollow and by land from the south at the north end of Blue Mountain Road. |
length: |
4.0 km |
trail guide: |
|
features: |
scenic lookout (the highest point in Leeds County) |
difficulty: |
moderate |
