It is Golden Encore Time!

The best way to see the Golden Encore is on the hiking trails

OCTOBER 17, 2018 – MUSKOKA

To understand the Golden Encore, you need to understand the timing of fall colours.

Fall colours begin with the red maples and sugar maples turning a fiery red. The result is absolutely stunning, but often times they get all the glory. Once this fiery red display is over, there is this assumption that the colours have come and gone.

Not so fast.

The Golden Encore is fall’s last hoorah, as poplar and birch leaves (the last to turn colour) go up in colourful blaze of golden yellow. It is really an amazing scene, especially in the forest where everywhere you look you see gold. Like all encores, this is arguably the best part of the show!

Hit the hiking trails to see the stunning Golden Encore

Resource Management Center Trails

The Bracebridge Resource Management Center Trail is a moderately challenging , 16.5km groomed trail that offers hiking and mountain biking with scenic vistas along the Muskoka River. Access the Center east of Hwy 11 North, 2.5 kms past the Hwy 117 turn off on the right hand side.

Hunters Bay Trail

Hunters Bay Trail is located in Huntsville. This 3.6km (or 7.2km return) urban trail has a little bit of everything; riverside views, orchards, wooded trails, beaches, and over 500m of floating boardwalk over the waters of Hunter’s Bay. The moderately challenging walking, running and cycling trail begins at the Centre Street bridge and winds its way along the river to Hunters Bay. The trail head is just steps from downtown, so stop at Whimsical Bakery pre or post hike for a delicious treat and a hot bevvy.

Skeleton Lake Fish Hatchery Trail

Skeleton Lake Fish Hatchery Trail is located in Muskoka Lakes. The 1km low difficulty hiking and walking trail was formerly a hatchery property that has since been restored. The trail winds past the hatchery ponds and along the river which flows from Skeleton Lake while featuring views of a small waterfall and rapids.

Oxtongue Rapids Trail

Oxtongue Rapids Trail is located in Lake of Bays. This challenging 2km trail follows the shore of the fast moving Oxtongue river with rocky slopes to the river’s edge. Parents must keep small children close at all times. The trail is naturally stunning and can be accessed from the intersection of Hwy 35 and Hwy 60. The location also has some historical significance, as it is believed that The Red Maple, one of A.Y. Jackson’s most celebrated paintings, depicts a scene along the Oxtongue River.

Schoolhouse Trail

Schoolhouse Trail located in Port Severn is an easy 4km walking trail located off Hwy 400 at exit 156, just off of Honey Harbour Rd. The trail winds through the wilderness and over a water crossing boardwalk. The highlight of the trail is the former Point aux Pins Schoolhouse, which the trail got its name from. Read the posted signs to learn about the school’s history.

Hahne Farm Trail

Hahne Farm Trail is located in Gravenhurst. The 2 – 5km novice hiking trail has multiple trail heads, including on Bethune Dr, Woodmaris Chart, Pinedale Rd, and at the base of the water tower behind the town office, just off of Bridge Gate. The view of Muskoka’s granite ridge and a environmentally significant wetland are a couple highlights on the trail.