Roundtrip: 4 k
Floodway
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Thunder Bay, ON
Most people in Thunder Bay are aware of the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway but few have walked along the portion that leads to the mouth on Lake Superior. The Neebing-McIntyre Floodway is a large channel though town that is designed to reduce damage from flooding in the intercity area.
The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority and the City of Thunder Bay Parks and Recreation Department have constructed over five kilometres of pathways which link to the 28 km network of recreation pathways in the City.
Also part of the floodway is the Blake Memorial Grove that utilizes donated funds to plant approximately 300 trees per year. The Memorial Grove extends along the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway from Fort William Road to the Harbour.
From Intercity drive East on Main street over the bridge until you reach 110 Ave and turn right onto 110th Ave and turn right into the parking area directly after you cross the bridge over the floodway.
This walk forms an H pattern. From the parking lot follow the paved path until it ends at McIntosh street or you can continue along the river on the grass path behind the row of trees. Return the way you came to the parking area and cross the road and follow the path to the mouth of the river. Return to the bridge and cross over and do the same on the other side of the river waking up toward the train bridge and back and then toward the mouth of the river and then back to the parking area.
Popularity: 11% [?]
Roundtrip: 4 km
Black Beach
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Silver Bay, MN
Black Beach seems like a secret place. It is located below Silver Bay, MN on the city access road and there are actually 3 beaches here. I’m sure it is a very popular spot for locals, but to a tourist it seems like a hidden gem.
The beach sand is black and and very soft. It is located in a small cove that I hear is a good spot for swimming –it was way to cold when I was there, but maybe next time!
At the Southernmost end of the beach, there is a large rock formation that just begs to be climbed and explored. Climbing to the top of this little island is steep and is not for everyone –and getting down is much more dangerous than climbing up –be safe if you choose to climb to the top!
Popularity: 16% [?]
Tags: bette beach, black beach, lake superior, Minnesota, mn, silver bay
View from Fox Mountain
Roundtrip: 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Thunder Bay, ON
This was my first trip up onto Fox Mountain. I had been meaning to look for a trail up to the top of this mountain for some time and I am so glad I finally made the trip.
Drive South on Highway 61 turn left onto Mountain Road, then right onto Coppin Road. Drive to end of Coppin Road and park in the turn around area making sure you do not block any local traffic or driveways.
The trail starts on the south east side of the road. Follow the trail staying to your right until you reach the beaver dam. Walk across the beaver dam and follow the flagged trail up onto Fox Mountain. The trail up is quite steep and there is a bit of skinny rope that someone has put there to help, but I wouldn’t trust it. Once on top you can follow the flagged trail for great views of the city. Return the way you came.
The trail is a bit hard to follow in places, but it seems like someone has been working on this trail fairly recently and hasn’t had a chance to complete the work. I sure hope they continue because the work they have done so far is great.
Click here to add the pictures of your Fox Mountain hike to our flickr group displayed below.
Popularity: 19% [?]
Tags: coppin road, fox mountain, norwesters, sawdust lake, Thunder Bay
Roundtrip: 2km
Shovel Point
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Silver Bay, MN
Even though this trail is only 2 km long, you will be surprised how long it takes you to complete it. Not because it is difficult hiking –but because of all the stopping you’ll be doing to enjoy the views!
Tettegouche State Park is a Minnesota state park on the north shore of Lake Superior 150 km south of the Pigeon River border crossing on Highway 61. Park in the parking lot of the visitor center. And head toward the lake where you will be sure to bump into the well signed trail to Shovel Point.
Add your pictures to our Shovel Point Flickr group:
Popularity: 13% [?]
Tags: lake superior, shovel point, silver bay, tettegouche
Roundtrip: 4km
Little Falls
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Kakabeka Falls, ON
Obviously the main attraction of Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park are the Kakabeka Falls themselves, but this short hike brings you to a beautiful set of small falls hidden in the forest.
From Thunder Bay head west on highway 11/17 for 30km to the town of Kakabeka Falls. The park entrance is just west of the town on the left. Park in the main parking lot and pay the day fee at the self serve fee station.
Walk across the bridge and follow the path staying left past the park building to the Mountain Portage Trail gravel loop. The Little Falls Trail begins near the south west end of this loop trail. There is a sign indicating the start of each of the trails.
You can go either direction but most people follow the trail along the West Gorge of the Kam River before descending to reach the Little Falls. Much of the trail in the gorge is like walking in an enchanted forest. The return trail follows the creek to the Kam and continues upriver. There is a short steep climb back to the top of the gorge where you connect back up with the Mountain Portage Trail.
Popularity: 14% [?]
Tags: kakabeka, kakabeka falls, kam river, little falls, mountain portage
