Baxter Conservation Area in Kars: Trail Report

Baxter Conservation Area in Kars: Trail Report

Baxter Conservation Area is the kind of trail you can keep on repeat if you’re looking for an easy hike that’s family friendly! The because of the flat terrain and boardwalks, the trails are great for strollers/mild mobility issues. There are multiple lookout points.

Suggested Stops

I’ll tend to drive the long way there just so that I can stop and get coffee (and maybe breakfast to go) in Manotick from our friends at 692 Coffee and Bar or Morning Owl. Afterwards, if you still felt like explore, you can take a quick drive over to Kemptville and hike Ferguson Forest (family friendly, flat, dog friendly).

Important Insights

Did you know? RVCA is aiming to make Baxter CA one of the most accessible areas in our region! They have a ramp for the beach, beautiful boardwalks, and accessible washrooms.

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) people.⁠ It is important as avid hikers and stewards of the land, to acknowledge and understand the full story our surroundings along with the people that care for her, both past and present. As sourced from native-land.ca, if there are corrections please send to victoria@girlgonegood.com.

Land Management

This property is managed by the Rideau Valley Conservation Area.

GPS Coordinates

45.09865059972936, -75.62466127296764

Street Address

7498 Carter Rd, Kars, ON K0A 2E0

Directions

Large parking area at both the beach and the nature centre. Park at the nature centre to access trails.

Parking

Medium parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Washrooms available at the parking lot.

Accessibility

Yes

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

7

Hours of Operation

All seasons. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from Rideau Valley Conservation.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

7

Total Distance (km)

5

Elevation Gain (m)

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Woodlands, Marshlands, Ecological Significance, Interpretive Signs

Activities

Hiking, Birding, Nature Centre, Geocaching

Dogs

Permitted on-leash.

Trail Description

Recommended loop is to start at the nature centre and hike counter clockwise around to nut grove, the beach, and then back to the parking area. The trails are flat, wide, and very well marked. Some sections are boardwalks. There is a lookout tower and a few viewing platforms along the trail. A very easy trail that’s especially pretty in the fall.

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