The Baird Trail in Lanark Highlands is .8 km in a circular route, and is one of the most beautiful trails around. Various points are marked with ecological values and one can find the most humungous individual maple and beech trees in the area. Old rail fences indicate farming practices of long ago and the forty year old red pine plantations under a Lanark County Forest Agreement provide a quiet sanctuary from the outside world. A sedge wetland in the middle of the property is halved by a fine boardwalk, affording a good view of typical wetland attributes.
NOTE: As of July 2019 the boardwalk is closed (it needs substantial repairs) thus the loop trail is no longer a loop. Be prepared to retrace steps on this trail.
To find this trail, travel west on Wolf Grove Road (County Road 16) from Almonte to Middleville and then south on County Road 8. There is no obvious sign at the moment marking the park and trail but the property number is 1024. You can also reach the same place by travelling north on highway 511 from Lanark Village to County Road 8, turn east (right) and find 1024.
Drive into the parking area and next to it you will find a picnic area and clean washrooms. The information board in front of the parking lot tells the history of the property and points to the start of the trail. Right after the boardwalk, the trail is not too well marked. Look for a small orange arrow marker and a pile of cut stove wood. Enjoy!
Baird Trail is just one of the many nature trails and hiking trails you can find throughout Ontario by using the search features of OntarioNaturetrails.com
Region(s): Lanark County
Nearby towns and cities: Lanark
Trail feature tags: Boardwalk | Interpretive signage | nature trail
Baird Trail characteristics
Length: .8 km circular routeDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Boardwalks and Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible.
Fees: none
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported.
Amenities: picnic areas, washrooms
Attractions: Interpretive signage, boardwalk
Contact:
info@mvfn.ca
Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists, Almonte, ON
Find it: 1024 Herron Mills Rd, County Rd 8, Lanark, ON
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 45.0625490
Longitude: -76.3931750