Rock Dunder (Frontenac): Trail Report

This extremely popular 10km trail offers epic vista views and incredible fall landscape. It is family friendly with diverse terrain and interest points along the pathway.

Suggested Stops

Sure, the fastest route home is by taking the highways but if you’re still up for a little small town exploring or hungry as all get out try taking a detour to see my friends John and Cynthia at The Cottage Coffee in Westport for an epic sandwich and caffeine fix.

Important Insights

Rock Dunder is an extremely popular trail. As a result, you must book access tickets online for hourly time slots. Groups over 6 persons are required to contact RWLT directly prior to visiting. The high volume of traffic impacts the ecological efforts of the land trust and must be controlled in order to preserve the area. Although it is tempting to visit for sunset, the trail is only open until dusk. It is a difficult trail to navigate in the dark, especially from the lookout. Kindly follow the trail manager's guidelines.

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, 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

Rock Dunder trails is managed by the Rideau Waterway Land Trust. RWLT's mission is "To preserve important natural lands and habitat in the Rideau Corridor and foster a healthy future for our communities" and they manage 14 different properties (conservation and community lands).

GPS Coordinates

Street Address

Stanley Lash Lane, Lyndhurst, ON K0E 1N0

Directions

Take the 417 West, to 7 West, to the 15 towards Smith Falls. Continue through Smith Falls on Hwy 15 towards Crosby and Elgin. Stanley Lash Lane is 9kms past Elgin on the right (west) side.

Parking

Medium parking lot at trailhead. Do not block roadway.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Outhouses located at the parking lot.

Accessibility

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

May 15 - Nov 15 only. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from RWLT.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

Total Distance (km)

Elevation Gain (m)

120

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Woodlands, Ecological Significance

Activities

Hiking, Birding

Dogs

Permitted on-leash. See the Ultimate Guide to Hiking with Dogs in Ottawa and Region.

Trail Description

The trails are are clearly marked and colour coded (print out that colour map). The trails are well maintained throughout, easy to hike, and offer plenty of views/rest posts. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere website describes the trails best; “The Morton Bay Loop comprises two moderately steep sections to and from a small peninsular outlook over Morton Bay. The hike is 2km through mixed forest. The Summit Loop is a 3.9km climb which runs alongside Dean’s Island through a variety of forest, offering sneak peaks over rocky cliffs. The summit offers a panoramic view of the Rideau Waterway.”

Other Hiking Trails

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Rock Dunder (Frontenac): Trail Report