Trail # 10: The trailhead starts 14.5 kms from the front gate, between Makwa and Wilson cabins on the right (east) side. It is clearly marked with a trail information board. Trail #10 is 8.5kms with an approx. 180m elevation gain. This trail is rated as difficult. We completed this hike in 3.5 hrs during the winter. The trail itself is well marked, 1-2 persons wide, and crosses many streams. It is a steady incline until you reach the lookout. Along the way you’re hiking through an area that is wooded with brush. Once at the lookout, the trail splits. The sign has a written ‘the tower’ on one of the yellow arrows. The other direction, south, is what you take to hike the full loop on the return from the tower. The trail to the tower has slight decline again, followed by a stream crossing before the final incline up to the observation tower. The observation tower is a typical wood and metal structure offering 360′ views from the top. You can spot Mont Tremblant off in the distance! During the winter, the tower windows may be frosted (like it was for us) – giving an obstructed view.
Trail #1
With approximately half the distance and half the elevation gain, we saved Trail #1 for Sunday after checkout. Figuring it would be an easy enough one to quickly enjoy before going home.
Trail #1: This trail is about 4.5kms total, with multiple elevation points, and is rated as intermediate. The trail head is located about 1 km from the front gate on the right (east) side. There a wooded structure with the trail map and room enough for 1-2 vehicles to park. The trail is very wide and easy to define which is great since the trail markers are more spread out on this one. It starts with a steady gentle incline and takes you through multiple elevation points and a water crossing. On the final incline you can see the break in the trees before you notice the tower itself. This observation tower it higher that the one on trail #10 and also offers 360′ views (great spot for sunrise!) with the Adirondacks in the distance on a clear day. These towers are not for those who are afraid of heights, and although sturdy, climbing them is at your own risk. These towers are not for those who are afraid of heights, and although sturdy, climbing them is at your own risk.
Trail #2: One of the two waterfalls on the property, trail #2 is a short and easy 500m trail that ends along the river with a fair sized waterfall. The trailhead is at 2kms from the front gate on the left (west) side, with room for 4-6 vehicles to park. There is a metal gate at the trailhead. In the winter, do not block the gate so that the staff may access it to groom the ski trails.
Other Trails: There are also trails #4, #5, #6 (waterfalls), #8, and #9. Hopefully I’ll be able to hike those sooner rather than later and update this hiking guide. For the incredibly adventurous, there is also an 100km trail system. Kenauk Nature states on their website that: “Kenauk Nature is actively working on developing a 100km trail loop on the property. Sections of the trail will be ready for the summer of 2018, allowing self-reliant trekkers to discover the beauty of the property, with set campsites each on the shorelines of a beautiful lake. Hikers will be expected to be self-sufficient, and come with the ethics of “no trace left behind”.”
