Pinery offers many options for hiking. Explore Pinery’s exceptional natural environment via trails like those along the Old Ausable Channel, to the beach, or through Carolinian Forest or rare Oak Savanna. Some offer viewing platforms and good opportunities to view park wildlife. Several trails have benches to rest upon and Riverside, most of Cedar, and Heritage Trails are wheelchair accessible.
Bittersweet Trail (1.5 km) (Guide Available, Flat terrain, Stairs, Viewing Platform)
Search for mammal signs on this enjoyable walk along the Old Ausable Channel. Since most mammals are nocturnal, the best time to take this walk is in the early morning or evening.
Carolinian Trail (1.8 km) (Guide Available, Hilly terrain, Stairs, Pond)
This trail is located in a floodplain forest dominated by Carolinian plants and wildlife that are at the northern extent of their range. Stairways, benches and viewing platforms make observing nature an enjoyable experience.
Cedar Trail ( 2.3 km) (Guide Available, Flat terrain, All but the extension is wheelchair accessible, Open year round, Viewing Platform)
Journey through one of the rarest North American habitats the Oak Savanna. A 1 km trail extension also provides the user with access to the shore of Lake Huron. Excellent example of Oak Savanna habitat.
Heritage Trail ( 2.5 km) (Guide Available, Flat terrain, Wheelchair accessible, Viewing Platform, 0.6 Km extension)
Meandering through the rare Oak Savanna habitat, this trail was the site of a prescribed burn in 1990. The colour trail guide highlights the human history of Pinery.
Hickory Trail (1 km) (Flat terrain, Stairs)
This trail leads you along the Old Ausable Channel. Watch for the ragged bark of the Shagbark Hickories and the seedpods of Bladdernut as you examine the rich diversity of plants along this trail.
Lookout Trail (1 km) (Viewing platform, Hilly terrain, Stairs)
From the viewing platform at the top of the dune, you might see a soaring turkey vulture; bring your binoculars.
Nipissing Trail (2 km) (Hilly terrain, Viewing platform, Stairs)
This challenging trail leads you to the top of Pinery’s oldest and largest dune ridge, affording a view of most of the park, Lake Huron and adjacent farmland. Observe the dramatic re-growth of plant life that has occurred after the controlled burn of 1993.
Pine Trail (0.8 km) (Open year round, Flat terrain, Stairs)
The dense stand of Red Pines is the result of a catastrophic fire in the late 1800’s. This section of forest is very different from the Oak Savanna found throughout most of the park.
Riverside Trail ( 1 km) (Guide available, Flat terrain, Wheelchair accessible, Viewing Platforms)
Passing from dry upland oak/pine forests, onto the Old Ausable Channel floodplain, this trail is home to a diverse variety of plants and wildlife. Benches and viewing platforms make this trail ideal for nature watching.
Wilderness Trail (3 km) (Guide available, Flat terrain, Stairs to beach, Viewing platform)
Pinery’s longest trail takes the visitor through some of the park’s oldest forest growth. This path wanders through a Red Pine and mixed Oak-Pine forest to the shore of Lake Huron.
Link to park and trail maps:
https://www.ontarioparks.com/pdf/maps/pinery/park_map.pdf
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Lambton County
Nearby towns and cities: Lambton Shores
Trail feature tags: provincial park | swimming | Viewing Platform | Wheel chair accessible
PINERY PROVINCIAL PARK TRAILS characteristics
Length: Varies from .8 to 3 km.Difficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Compacted soil/hard packed
Trail use: Hiking
Partially wheelchair accessible
Accessibility Notes: some trails wheel chair accessible
Fees: Park entrance fees
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported
Amenities: washrooms, picnic areas
Attractions: Viewing platform
Contact:
TrailsInfo@county-lambton.on.ca
Phone: 519-243-2220
Find it: 9526 Lakeshore Road RR2 Grand Bend, ON
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 43.2520000
Longitude: -81.8260000