Limerick Forest in Oxford Station: Trail Report

Limerick forest is 5782-hectare community forest about 15mins south of Kemptville. It’s been on the list to hike and explore for a while! Once there, all I could think was that it’s a excellent spot to unwind, ground, and find peace. Aaaaand trail run. Or cross-country ski. Or bring the pups.

Suggested Stops

There are a few options when leaving Limerick Forest. You can Following head on over to Brewed Awakenings for fantastic coffee and baked goods. It’s a great cafe located straight off the main road (43) in a mini mall of sorts. Today we headed to Merrickville and had a bite to eat at Stella Luna. Yes, there’s gelato there. There’s also great coffee, artisan sandwiches, and homemade soup. And no stop in Merrickville is complete without scooping up new scented soy candle from the Wick Witch.

Important Insights

When the gate is open at the Interpretive Centre you can drive up to the boardwalk trailhead for an accessible trail. You can also access the North section of Limerick Forest in Merrickville for a full forest immersion nature walk and marsh lookouts.

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

Limerick Forest is managed by Leeds Grenville County. The have 8 properties, of which 4 are open to the public to visit and hike. Their mission is “To legally protect and steward private lands having ecological, biodiverse, aesthetic, and cultural value and to foster engagement with wilderness.”

GPS Coordinates

44.881879467104184, -75.64140157962362

Street Address

The Limerick Forest Interpretive Centre, 1175 Limerick Rd, Oxford Station, ON K0G 1T0

Directions

An easy 70 km (roughly 50 min drive from Ottawa). Take Hwy 417 West, then take the split for Hwy 416 South. Continue on Hwy 416. Exit at Oxford Station (County Road 20), turn right (west) on the 20. At the T junction, turn left on Limerick Rd. Drive 10kms until you reach the interpretive centre and parking on right.

Parking

Large parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Outhouses located at the parking lot.

Accessibility

Yes (for a portion of the trail)

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

All seasons. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from Leeds Grenville County.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

Total Distance (km)

180

Elevation Gain (m)

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Woodlands, Marshlands, Interpretive Signs

Activities

Hiking, Birding, Snowshoeing, Skiing, Nature Centre, Geocaching

Dogs

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

Trail Description

It was while hiking Ferguson Forest in Kemptville that a local hiker suggested that I check out Limerick Forest as well! So glad they did! This is another fabulously family friendly and dog friendly trail system. The trails are very well maintained, about 1-2 person wide for the most part, and clearly marked with wooden arrows. Full map signs are posted at the major intersections. There are majestic mature trees lining the trails, lookouts, view points, and boardwalks. The area is mostly a mix of woodlands and marshlands. Limerick is a great spot for trail runners. And in the winter there are cross country skiers and snowshoers when the weather brings enough snow.

Other Hiking Trails

AOG Gallery Art Trail in Frankville: Trail Report

Limerick Forest in Oxford Station: Trail Report