FERRIS PROVINCIAL PARK TRAILS
Drumlin Trail System – 3 interconnecting looped trails: Blue 1.2 km (1.0 hour); White 2.5 km (2 hours) and Red 2.5 km (2.5 hours), moderate:
The Drumlin Trail System takes you through mature mixed forest, by small wetlands and along seasonal creeks that have developed on two elongate hills called drumlins. These drumlins were formed thousands of years ago by glaciers, and largely left as woodlots by European settlers. The spring wildflowers can be spectacular in spring.
The Blue and White Trails (Blue 1.2 km (1.0 hour); White 2.5 km (2 hours) take you near areas where the Ferris family’s sugar houses, shingle mill, granary and sheep pens once stood. The Red Trail (2.5 km (2.5 hours), moderate): goes around the back of the second drumlin, taking you past the old W. Cock Brickyard. Little physical evidence remains of these pioneering enterprises but their legacy as the forerunners of today’s vibrant local communities is not forgotten.
Ranney Falls Trail – 1 km (0.5 hours), loop, easy, level: This trail follows the original roadway to Ferris Provincial Park before looping back along the river, where there are magnificent views of the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge and Ranney Falls. The gorge edge habitat supports different vegetation from the rest of the park, including the regionally rare Chinquapin Oak. Look for its unique saw-tooth shape on trees along the trail or on fallen leaves underfoot. The trail finishes by passing through a restful picnic area, perfect for lunch, or a short break.
River Gorge Trail – 3.5 km (2 hours), loop, easy, parts can be wet in the spring. (Yellow markers)
This trail offers magnificent views of the Trent River gorge from the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, before continuing downstream past the old Ferris Quarry and onto the legendary “sheep wash”, now a picnic area. The trail continues south, following the river’s edge for more fantastic views of the Trent River. On your way back upstream the trail travels through meadows and past Ferris’s unique stone fences, some of which have recently been rebuilt.
Link to trails map:
https://www.ontarioparks.com/pdf/maps/ferris/park_map.pdf
FERRIS PROVINCIAL PARK TRAILS are just some of the many nature trails and hiking trails you can find throughout Ontario by using the search features of OntarioNaturetrails.com
Region(s): Northumberland County
Nearby towns and cities: Campbellford
Trail feature tags: Lookout | provincial park | suspension bridge | Waterfall
FERRIS PROVINCIAL PARK TRAILS characteristics
Length: 5 trails ranging from 1 km to 3.5 km.Difficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible
Fees: Park entrance fee
Flora & Fauna:
Not reported yet
Amenities: Washrooms & picnic areas
Attractions: Waterfalls, suspension bridge, provincial park, lookouts.
Contact:
Phone: 705-653-3575
Find it: 474 County Rd. 8 Campbellford
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.2908000
Longitude: -77.7858000