Pinhey Forest Trail

This is a magical park. I really enjoyed exploring it. I was slightly saddened that some of the trails were close, and some were still icy.

This trail is located in the far right, back parking lot of the Nepean Sportsplex. The address is: 1701 Woodroffe Avenue, in Nepean, Ontario.

Facing the front of the Sportsplex from Woodroffe Ave, take the far right entrance all the way to the back. The trail is on your back right.

One of the trails near P15 has an outhouse, and you can use the facilities inside the Sportsplex if you’re hiking during business hours.

I ended up walking this trail in reverse. The only reason I know that is because have outdoor fitness stations setup to upgrade your outdoor experience.

There was some ice present on some trails that made them a bit treacherous, and some parts were very muddy.

This time of year, March 13th, you can expect that.

I really enjoyed this trail. The loop is very short, maybe a little over 1 km. If you take the side trail, it will extend your steps. The park boasts 6.4 km of trails, when they’re all open.

There are maps at a couple of corners so you don’t get lost. I really appreciate this!

If the trails were all open and accessible, I would give this park a 5/5. For now, I give it a 4/5.

Give it a visit and smell the pine.

Smiths Falls Heritage Trail

This was a magical Spring-like day in March 2024, March 12th to be exact.

I was in Smiths Falls for work, but I came out over an hour early. I decided to explore the Smiths Falls Heritage Trail.

It connects with part of the Rideau Trail, and also the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada and Victoria Park.

I walked over 10,000 steps on this sunny afternoon. I took video of the water moving through the new locks, and read all about the history of the old locks in Smiths Falls.

There are plenty of gravel and paved trails all along this area.

I parked on the side of the road at the address for the Heritage Park trail at 8 River Street.

I walked all the way down to the yellow airplane in Victoria Park.

You can easily bike most of this path, or push a stroller. There are sections with many steps along the river that would make this tricky.

The best part of my day was feeling the water as I watched it move through the area around the locks.

Locks in Smiths Falls within the Rideau Canal National Historic Site

I give this sunny Spring day a 5/5, and the walking trails and parks a 4/5.