Spice Bush Trail – 1.5km loop, 1 hour, easy
The Spicebush Trail winds through a southern hardwood forest of old growth Tulip Tree, American Beech, and maple. In spring, the forest floor is carpeted in wildflowers making the trail a botanists delight. The trail explores the transition between Carolinian forest and marsh and is an excellent site for bird watching.
Black Oak Trail: 1.4 km loop, 1 hour, easy
The Black Oak Trail winds through a narrow strip of Pine-Oak Savanna. Several meadows along the trail bloom with brilliant Wood Lily, Wild Columbine, and Woodland Sunflower. This is an excellent trail for bird watching.
Tulip Tree Trail – 1.2 km loop, 1 hour, easy
This barrier-free trail travels through a mature Carolinian forest with the majority of the trail being boardwalk for handicap accessibility. Hikers will have an opportunity to see examples of Carolinian trees that are rare in Ontario such tulip trees, sassafras, and Shagbark Hickory. During May, this is also the best trail to see the endangered Prothonotary Warbler. (An all-terrain wheelchair is available for use from the Visitor Centre)
Marsh Trail – 7.2 km one way, 14.4 km return, 5-6 hours, easy
Note – The upper section of the observation tower on the Marsh Trail at Rondeau Provincial Park is currently closed until further notice. The lower section and the boardwalk leading up to the observation tower remain open to park visitors.
The Marsh Trail travels through the heart of Rondeau’s extensive marsh on an old gravel base roadway. One kilometer into your hike you will come to our two storey viewing tower that will provide you with a true bird’s eye view of the marsh and Rondeau Bay. The marsh is dominated by wild rice, cattails and water lilies. Dozens of species of wetland birds breed here during the summer and thousands of waterfowl stop to feed during migration. Watch for our resident pair of Bald Eagles as you travel along this trail. This trail can also be used for cycling.
Harrison Trail – 8 km one way, 16 km return, 4 hours, easy
Harrison Trail was once a gravel roadway, originally constructed to provide access to the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula. The trail is now closed to vehicles, but is perfect for walking and cycling. The trail travels the length of the park and passes through a variety of habitats including Oak Woodland, Oak Savanna, small prairie openings and Carolinian forest. This is an excellent trail to view birds, butterflies and wildflowers.
South Point Trail – 8 km, loop, 2.5 hours, easy
South Point Trail follows an old roadway around the tip of the Rondeau peninsula. You will travel through an extensive Oak Savanna, along the Lake Erie Shoreline and then through the heart of Rondeau’s Carolinian Forest. This trail is suitable for hiking or cycling.
Link to trails map:
https://www.ontarioparks.com/pdf/maps/rondeau/park_map.pdf
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Chatham-KentNearby towns and cities: Blenheim | Chatham | Erieau
Trail feature tags: Boardwalk | Marsh | provincial park | Viewing Platform | Wheel chair accessible
RONDEAU PROVINCIAL PARK TRAILS characteristics
Length: 6 trails ranging from 1.2 km to 8 kmDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Boardwalks, Compacted soil/hard packed, and Natural
Trail use: Hiking and Cycling
Accessibility Notes: One trail is accessible
Fees: Park entrance fee.
Flora & Fauna:
Wood Lily, Wild Columbine, Woodland Sunflower in Black Oak Trail In Tulip Tree Trail are Tulip Trees, sassafras, and Shagbark Hickory and the endangered Prothonotary Warbler. In Marsh Trail you can spot Bald Eagles, see Wild Rice, Cattails, Water Lilies, Oak Woodland, Oak Savanna.
Amenities: washrooms, picnic areas
Attractions: Boardwalk, Viewing platform, Marsh, Wheelchair Accessible
Contact:
Phone: (519) 674-1750
Find it: 18050 Rondeau Park Road Morpeth, ON
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 42.3240715
Longitude: -81.8469805