Can you feel spring rolling in? It’s refreshing, uplifting, and I cannot wait to get out hiking. Say hello to wildflowers, waterfalls and birds; and as we nature lovers know, a fragile season for flora and fauna. Before we lace up our hikers and hit the trails, I’d like to share some insights that will make your hike more enjoyable, safe, and kind towards the environment.

A selection of these tips are extracted from the “Know Before You Go” section of the new Southeastern Ontario Trail Directory (5th Edition) which is available now (details below), and is the perfect book to help plan a year filled with interesting hikes!

Trail Designations

Overall, most trail systems that have groomed trails designated for skiing or snowshoeing switch back over to designated hiking trails by April 15 (or prior, depending on weather conditions). A good example is our local NCC trails in the Greenbelt and in Gatineau Park. It’s always worth checking before you go.

Mud Season

I like to say that in Ontario, our spring seasons are flood, then mud, then bug. In order to protect our trails and ecological efforts, always hike through the mud and not around it. This ensures that we’re not widening the trails, damaging flora unnecessarily, or risking any ground-nesting creatures. Many trail managers opt to do trail and facility repairs during this time, so check the specific trail you’re planning to hike before heading out.

Foraging

Before foraging, ask yourself: Is it legal on this land? Can you accurately identify the plant? Is this a species at risk? Do you know what part of the plant is edible? Is it the right season to pick this plant? Can you forage in a manner that conserves the species? Do you know how to prepare the plant for safe consumption?

Safety

Not all trails are created equal. Before hiking, check on road conditions, trail conditions, cell reception — and then plan and pack accordingly. Make fallback plans for emergencies so that if A, B and C happen then you X, Y and Z. Hike with buddies or stick to higher traffic trails if hiking solo. Know your limits and hike within them. Some trails in this book are not well marked, have no cell service, and require specific skills. Hiking is an individual responsibility.

Lyme Disease

The presence of ticks and Lyme disease is a reality of today. Apply insect repellent with Deet or Icaridin (use Health Canada approved products only). Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks, and hikers. Tuck those pants into your socks! Wearing light coloured clothing helps you spot ticks. Always stay on the path. Always do a full body check post-hike. Preventative measures, safe removal techniques, and further education can be found on the Ottawa Public Health website or through your local health unit.

Tips to Make the Most of Spring

Questions To Ask Before Hiking

An Updated and Expanded Guide for Your Hiking Adventures

The Southeastern Ontario Trail Directory (5th Edition) is the region’s most comprehensive guide for hikers, with over 500 trails in an easy quick reference guide that gives you all the information needed to find the right ones for you. Whether that’s a boardwalk to enjoy sunrise or a long trail run with elevation, there are some truly incredible routes for you to hike.

The new book features the following counties/cities: Frontenac, Haliburton, Hastings, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Lennox and Addington, Ottawa, Peterborough, Prescott-Russell, Prince Edward, Renfrew, Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry. It also includes a free link for a PDF download of trail listings for the Outaouais and Laurentides regions!

Each county/city page has trail location, information (number of trails, total distance, elevation gain, cost, dog-friendly, snowshoe, accessibility), features (waterfalls, lookouts, towers, public beaches), and more.

Of course, in true GirlGoneGood® fashion, this book is packed with helpful hiking tips and packing lists. It’s perfect to keep in your glove box for spontaneous hikes or as a gift. Yes, it includes hard hikes, accessible hikes, dog-friendly hikes… All-the-hikes! If you loved earlier editions, you’ll enjoy this one as you discover a slew of brand-new trails.

The Southeastern Ontario Trail Directory (5th Edition) is available for purchase at Mill Street Books in Almonte, the museum in Perth, and at amazon.ca.

When you purchase products from GirlGoneGood®, a portion of the net proceeds are donated to local conservation and mental health charities like Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust, Boots on the Ground, Wounded Warriors Canada, and local children’s hospitals. Over $27,000 has been donated to charity since 2020. More information on our mission, trail books, hiking tips, and cabins stays can be found at girlgonegood.com.