Macnamara NatureTrail in Arnprior: Trail Report

Macnamara NatureTrail in Arnprior: Trail Report

MacNamara Trail is a beautiful spot to enjoy a diverse range of flora and bird life. With multiple interest points along the pathway, it should be noted that the lookout area makes for an excellent sunrise over the water.

Suggested Stops

Post hike stop included picking up a latte from Jack and the Bean Coffee House in Arnprior. This coffee shop is uniquely housed in The Gallery, so you can shop and view art while waiting on that latte.

Important Insights

No dogs permitted. Excellent Sunrise at lookout area.

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 Macnamara Field Naturlists’ Club. This property is owned by the Nylene Canada Incorporated, the large facility you see upon arriving to the trailhead. The trails are maintained by the Macnamara Field Naturlists’ Club. The field naturlists club has a code of ethics and guiding principals that promote responsible recreation – as a visitor, let’s kindly respect them.

GPS Coordinates

45.43855630135335, -76.33657050169279

Street Address

284 McNab St, Arnprior, ON K7S 3L9

Directions

Hwy 417 West. Take exit Ottawa Rd (County Rd 29) and turn right on the 29. Turn left (west) on Madawaska Blvd and drive into Arnprior. Turn right on McNab Rd. Trailhead is on right side after Nylene Canada Incorporated.

Parking

Small 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

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

2

Total Distance (km)

7

Elevation Gain (m)

60

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Woodlands, Ecological Significance, Interpretive Signs

Activities

Hiking, Birding, Snowshoeing, Geocaching

Dogs

No dogs permitted. This is private property. Those not respecting the no dog rules will be asked to leave and could be charged with trespassing. See the Ultimate Guide to Hiking with Dogs in Ottawa and Region.

Trail Description

The main loop of Macnamara Nature Trail takes you for 4kms with an additional 500m if you want to walk out to the marsh lookout. There’s also a newer 1.5km northern loop which means you can make this a 4km or 6+ km hike if you’d like! This trail is rich in flora and fauna, on the winter day that I wandered around there were plenty of chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers to view. Points of interest on the Macnamara Nature Trail include: Lime Kiln, Lady Slipper Orchids (early summer), boardwalks, forestlands and marshlands, streams, lookout area over the Ottawa River

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