Awenda – Park Trail

Length – 19 km

80% hiking trail
10% single-track
10% road

Elevation – Rather flat with a few quick dips; pretty mellow overall.

Terrain – Wide, smooth dirt path with some sandy spots, but it can be muddy as not much is paved.

Skill – Easy. Family friendly, with a few hidden harder tracks.

Traffic – Varies, as these trails cut through, and around, a few campgrounds. On a summer weekend it can be busy with family riders and walkers with dogs.

Maps – The main loop has some signs, but it is hard to get lost.

Facilities – Parking, toilets, showers, group and single campsites, and swimming.

Highlights – Georgian Bay and side trails.

Trail Fee – Park day pass is approx. $ 11.00 and up, and a camping pass is approx. $ 33.00 and up.

Phone – 705 549 2231

Website – Ontario Parks

Similar Trails – Bendor, Bracebridge, Fanshawe

Local Clubs – Midland MTB Club

Access – Drive north of Penetanguishene, on Lafontaine Rd. E. to Concession Road 16 E, then turn west to Awenda Park Rd.; up the park road a few kilometres is the gate. (670 Concession 18, E.)

There are numerous entry points to the park trails from campgrounds and parking lots.

Awenda Provincial Park is a medium-sized park on the shores of Georgian Bay, north of the cities of Penetanguishene and Midland—also intriguing places to visit.

Since these trails are inside a Provincial Park, you can make plans to camp and swim while visiting.

Definitely a great destination for a summer weekend outing, and in the fall the colours are really showy.

At Awenda there are three trail options, plus side trails and park roads. The main circular loop is the 13 km Bluff Trail, going around the interior of the park.

It has a few hills and is good for a morning cycling exercise. You will travel through a mix of forest and open campgrounds, with views of the bay and the beach from the high bluffs once you get close to the water.

The short, 4 km Brûlé Trail runs on straighter paths across the main loop and through the forest. Down at the water, the flat, sandy 4 km Beach Trail goes west along the Georgian Bay shoreline. Pleasant, open views of the bay, with opportunities to…

Read more of this review in my trail guidebook with better maps, and suggested parking available as an eBook or paperback.