Ferguson Forest in Kemptville: Trail Report

Ferguson Forest in Kemptville: Trail Report

Ferguson Forest is a great spot for trail runners. And in the winter there are cross country skiers and snowshoers when the weather brings enough snow.

Suggested Stops

Following my lovely new forest friend’s advice, I headed on over to Brewed Awakenings for all-the-coffee. It’s a great cafe located straight off the main road (43) in a mini mall of sorts. Brewed Awakenings instantly gives you that community vibe. The staff are incredibly nice and approachable, and their eclectic assortment of mugs will make you smile. The crowd is mixed and everyone seems to know each other. Two thumbs up for both the dirty chai latte and the homemade split pea and ham soup. Actually stayed for hours finishing up business and writing up content!

Important Insights

Did you know that locals have noticed that owls are returning to Ferguson Forest? Keep an eye out for these fine feathered friends. There are also plenty of snowmobile routes in and around Ferguson Forest. Keep an eye out when crossing intersections. There is an off-leash dog park located near Kinderwood Trail.

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin), and Wendake-Nionwentsïo 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

GPS Coordinates

45.02942820833104, -75.65939830177912

Street Address

County Road 44, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0

Directions

An easy 58 km (roughly 40 min drive from Ottawa). Hwy 417 West, then take the split for Hwy 416 South. Continue on Hwy 416. Exit at Kemptville (County Road 43), turn right (west) on the 43. Drive through two roundabouts. Turn right (north) on County Road 44. There are multiple entry points to Ferguson Forest. the first parking lot is across from the OPP station.

Parking

Medium parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

None. Follow Leave No Trace toileting guidelines

Accessibility

No

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

All seasons. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from the Municipality of North Grenville.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

10

Total Distance (km)

4

Elevation Gain (m)

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Woodlands, Interpretive Signs

Activities

Hiking, Birding, Snowshoeing, Geocaching

Dogs

Permitted on-leash. Absolutely no off-leash permitted. See the Ultimate Guide to Hiking with Dogs in Ottawa and Region.

Trail Description

The trails are well maintained, about 1-2 person wide for the most part, and clearly marked. That said, it is a very interwoven system so it’s still best to have a trail map on hand. There are mature trees lining the trails, with a few creek crossing and wooden bridges. Turtle Trail and Kinderwood Trail: Turtle trail is a well maintained and clearly marked popular path along the river. It has a few wooden bridges and entry points into open park space. Kinderwood trail is a 160m path through a wooded area designed for kids with interpretive signs along the way. Parking for both these trails is found at the south end of Honour Way Rd.

Other Hiking Trails