The Rideau Trail Association

Changes to the Trail

The path of the Rideau Trail crosses private property, conservation areas, provincial park property and federal land; none of this land belongs to the Rideau Trail Association.

From time to time it becomes necessary to alter the route of the trail, sometimes at the request of the actual landowner in a particular area. Such a request may arise simply from a change in ownership of a property, or sometimes as a result of abuse by unthinking hikers of the privilege of access granted to the RTA. As well, changes may occur in order to enhance the appeal of the trail, as when the trail is moved off a roadway and into a bush or wooded area, or when an area becomes unpleasant to hike due to regular flooding.

On this page are listed changes to the trail as described in the most recent Trail Guidebook. As of June 2006, the 7th edition is the current guidebook.

Printable versions (in PDF format) are also available below. They're designed to be printed on legal-sized paper (8.5" by 14"), punched, folded and added to your guidebook binder. If you don't need them to fit the binder, then it should also be possible to print these on letter-sized paper.

Change #1

McLaren Reroute 7.2 km (3.9 km abandoned)

Avoids the mica mines. Go N 2.3 km from Long Lake Road, the trail now turns to the West at a disused trail message box joining Powers Road for 1.2 km before a right turn onto Narrows Locks Road. March 1.6 km and turn right on Stanley Road for 2.7 km to McLaren Lake Road. Turn right on Stanley Road for 2.7 km to McLaren Lake Road. Turn right on McLaren Lake Road for 1.6 km and make a left turn toward Ferrier Road. At this point you have rejoined the old route Northbound to Ferrier Road.

Printable version of Change #1

Change #2

Timm Moodie Reroute

The detour utilizing Timm Rd has been removed. The trail reverts to the original path under highway 417 on out to Moodie Dr and Corkstown Rd.

Change #3

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Ruffed Grouse Reroute

The trail heads north from the bush road (Concession Road VIII) near the RTA lot. The trail then crosses open fields before entering heavy mixed bush of cedar, poplar and birch, along an old track between two swamps then follows the old bush road around several bends and heads north to Kettles Road. Here the trail turns left (SouthWest) and crosses the railway and Nichols Creek.

Green's Road to Franktown Road

The trail leaves Greens Rd to travel approx 140 metres down the Jock Trail. The trail turns north and follows under a power line to the first Hydro tower. Here the trail turns left to follow a northwest direction into a mature wooded area. The trail winds through the woods and down a farmers lane approx 1/2 Km to come to a style at the end of an open field. Following east on the edge of the field to the next style the trail then heads out to about the middle of the field towards a bridge crossing a small stream and heads straight east to the edge of the field and another style. The trail then turns left (north) and follows the unopened road allowance to Franktown Rd.

Printable version of Change #3

Change #4

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Richmond Village

The trail crosses Franktown Rd and continues up Conley Rd for 3 Km. At Bleeks Rd it turns right. It follows the gravel road for 1 Km. The gravel road becomes a dirt track crossing the Ken Prior Bridge and continues for 3 more Km to Huntly Rd. The trail continues straight along Brownlee Rd (gravel) for 1 Km to Shea Rd where the trail turns right for 1.5 Km on a paved road to Garvin Rd. It turns left onto Garvin Rd and ends up on a tract leading to Eagleson Rd. At Eagleson it turns right and then left onto a 1.5 Km track on an unopened road allowance to Richmond Rd. The trail turns left onto Richmond Rd and then right over the bridge at Twin Elm. At the next intersection it turns left along a farm road for 1.4 Km along the right (east) bank of the Jock river, then crosses the river over a seasonal farm bridge onto Steeplehill Crescent. Note that during the winter, early spring and fall the winter bypass along Richmond Rd and Steeplehill Crescent should be taken.

Richmond Blue Loops

A number of Blue loops have been developed in the Richmond area. The combination of routes through here is endless. The trails cover parks, a conservation area and town streets. All are leisurely level 1 outings.

Note:
One of these loops incorporates a section of Joy's Rd. When starting in this section do not park at the dead end of Joy's Rd. Rather park near the intersection of Garvin Rd and Joy's Rd.

Printable version of Change #4

Change #5

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Bullen Road Reroute

Change #6

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Babcock-Orser Roads Reroute

Change #7

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Alton Road Reroute

Printable version of Changes #5, #6 and #7

Change #8

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Merrickville Reroute

The old blue loop going through Merrickville has been changed to be part of the main trail with a reroute from Burritt's Rapids to Heaphy road. Here is a detailed description including some historic information.

Printable version of Change #8

Change #9

Schoolhouse and Loops Closed

The schoolhouse and the trails known as the Schoolhouse Loops (on map 17 of the Trail Guide) are no longer maintained by the Rideau Trail Association. The City-owned property around the schoolhouse is still accessable to the public, including RTA members, for hiking, snowshoing and skiing, although it is uncertain how long the schoolhouse itself will be left open.

Change #10

Where the Rideau Trail leaves the K&P Trail just north of McIvor Rd

Where the Rideau Trail leaves the K&P Trail just north of McIvor Rd, a no tresspassing sign has been posted by the Landowner. This is to discourage non hikers, and people on bikes from entering and travelling on the Rideau Trail. Bill agreed with the landowner that Rideau Trail Hikers will go where the markers direct them.

Change #11

The tunnel at the railway station in Kingston

The tunnel at the railway station in Kingston is open only during business hours. (The trail goes under the tracks.)

Change #12

Earthstar Reroute

Printable version of Change #12

HIKE ROCK DUNDER !

Rock Dunder! A soaring lookout over the Rideau Waterway, and a local landmark for generations. Well-marked trails through mature woodlands, following shorelines and finally climbing to the rocky summit.

Part of the Rideau Waterways Land Trust, trail development and maintenance by the Rideau Trail Association.

This magnificent site was owned for generations by the Boy Scouts of Canada. In 2005 it was purchased by the Rideau Waterways Land Trust and is now available for hiking through their kindness. Please help them in their conservancy efforts by treating Rock Dunder with full respect! There is no charge to use these trails.

About 6 km. in two loops. Mostly moderate, BUT with some challenging sections on the shore-ward side. Estimated hike duration: 2-3 hours.

Getting There:
Rock Dunder is located just south of Morton on Highway #15, about 25 Km. from Gananoque, and 35 Km from the 401 junction with Hwy #15.

From Gananoque:
North on CR #32
to Hwy #15 , then right on Hwy #15.
Proceed almost to Morton. Just south of the Morton road sign, on your left, is STANLEY LASH LANE. Take Stanley Lash Lane to the large parking lot at the top.

From Kingston: take Hwy 15 north, then follow appropriate directions above.

Suggested Outing:

Rock Dunder is a satisfying half-day hike. The summit is a great place for a picnic.

Combine with a trip to the historical Rideau Canal locks at Jones Falls, just a few Km. beyond Rock Dunder. (Drive North through Morton, turn left on Jones Fall Road.)

Have picnic lunch by the locks, or dine at the Kenney Resort (full restaurant or snack bar).

The locks and the magnificent dam at Jones Falls are awesome feats of frontier engineering, and there are good interpretative kiosks.

Thanks to John Cornish for the information about Rock Dunder

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