Hiking at Calabogie is one of the best places to hike in Ontario's Highlands. These trails are found behind the Calabogie Peaks ski hill on the thousands of acres of crown land that surround the area. The well-marked network of trails provides options for hikers of all types and can be used year round. Several junctions have trail map signs and trees have been painted or marked with signage. I have described four of my favourite hikes on the trails that focus on four different themes: social, elevation, distance, and traverse. I have included links to .gpx files for GPS use and a link to the trail map and a link on hiking gear.

Printable Manitou Mountain Trail Map link
Printable Four Season Hiking Gear List for Day Trips link

Hike #1: Social Hike Loop (1 lookout)

Distance: 7.5km
Elevation gain: 750ft
Time: ~ 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
.gpx file

Description: Park at the base of the ski hill near the main ski lodge. Start your hike up the Ole K & P ski run (run on the far right if looking up hill from the lodge) up the gravel road. About 400m up the hill, look for a large Manitou Mountain sign facing you, signalling your exit onto the trail on the right. This trail is wide and can allow for people to walk side by side the entire loop (hence the 'social' part of the hike name). Soon after you are on the trail you will hit two intersections on the logging road and you will need to veer left both times. Continue on and up the logging road joining the blue Manitou Traverse trail markers. At the next major intersection of the logging roads (where the word Manitou is on the trail map above), turn right and continue following the blue trail markers. Continue along the logging road until you see the Eagles Nest signs and climb the short but steep dirt path to the beautiful lookout. Once you've seen the view, return down to the logging road and turn left and walk the towards Calabogie Road. Just as you see the road and parking area (don't go all the way to the road) keep on the logging road by veering right and complete the loop soon after by staying straight on the logging road and re-joining the ski hill run. The last part of the logging road is not drawn on the current Manitou Trail Map. Alternatively, you could go straight to the road and walk back down to the ski hill.

​Hike #2: Elevation Gain Loop (4 lookouts)

Distance: 7.8km
Elevation Gain: 1411 ft
Time: ~ 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
.gpx file

Description: Instead of turning into the ski hill parking off Barrett Chute Road, continue to the next lane names Mary Joanne that leads up to a set of condos. Park at the obvious dead end  turn around point. Leave the end of the turnaround on a newly made dirt logging path to join the red Bear Claw trail. Note that in 2017 there is active logging in this area (not normally an issue on weekends). Once on the Bear Claw trail (red trail markers) you will make a short and steep 400ft ascent. (Note: Don't attempt this trail in winter unless you have traction devices). At the top of the hill you hit a junction in the Lost Valley Loop and need to turn left (if you hit a small lake you have gone too far). Follow this trail and soon after you will hit another junction and need to turn left (easy to miss Fall 2017 with a fallen tree laying over the junction) that heads up a short steep out-and-back trail to the Juniper Ridge Lookout (#1). Returning to the main trail, bear left on red on trail that trends downward to a junction with a Manitou Trail Map. Here, take the Wendigo trail and follow the blazes that for a short time will be on a double-track cart path. At one point the trail will abruptly turn right and cross a water fall stream instead of going further along the double-track path. Follow the Wendigo Trail blazes as the trail trends up a hill to the intersection with the blue Manitou Trail. Here, turn left and follow blue for a minute or two until another trail junction with the Red Arrow trail (Manitou Trail sign found here). Turn right and follow red to the Red Arrow Lookout (#2). The trail leaving this lookout goes down to the left and trends downward into a valley before bottoming out and trending back upward again up a ravine to the junction with the blue Manitou trail. Here turn left and hit up the Manitou Lookout (#3) before joining the Indian Pass junction at Wolf Howl Pond. Turn left here and stay on blue but before you know it you will hit a junction with with the a steep connector ascent trail (marked in orange) to head up to the Skywalk trail at the top of the ski hill. Turn right onto this steep dirt trail. Huffing and puffing at the top, turn right onto the Skywalk loop taking in lookout (#4) before arriving to the top of the ski hill. I like to use the Top Hut and outhouse for lunch (open year round), and then descend back to my car using the Black Donald Ski run (on the far right as you look down the hill). Note: Logging activity has been present in the area as they are cutting new ski runs (Skywalk hiking trail no longer exists). Turn right towards the condos on Mary Joanne Lane before hitting the bottom of the ski run where the main lodges and hotels are.

Hike #3: Distance Loop (4 lookouts)

Distance: 13km
Elevation Gain: 1650ft
Time: ~ 4 hours
Difficulty: Hard
.gpx file

Description:
​Ready for a challenge? I love this loop for it's distance, elevation gain, and the fact that it you never have to re-trace any part of the trail. Park at the ski hill and head up the Ole K & P ski run (far right if you're looking up the ski hill) up the gravel path. About 400m in look for the hiking trail sign post on the right facing you that exits the ski run and enters the forest. Follow this path which soon comes to an intersection which you will need to go straight. Follow the logging road (this section is not drawn on the map) to the where you will meet an large intersection. Going right here will take you to the road, but left will take you to Eagle's Nest lookout (#1) in about 1.5km. After visiting Eagle's nest, return to the logging road and turn right. Not long after you will pick the blue tree markers that you will follow on the logging road and eventually turn right back into the forest. Continue following blue past Wolf Howl Pond and turning right before ascending to the Manitou Mountain Lookout (#2). Leaving the lookout, not too far later is an easy-to-miss T-intersection that takes you down into a valley and up again to the Red Arrow Lookout (#3). Turn right onto red here. After visiting Red Arrow, continue straight on red to the blue junction. Turn left here and a couple of minutes later pay attention to turn right onto the orange Wendigo Way trail that will trend downward, across a river, and up to a junction with the Lost Valley Loop. Turn right onto the Lost Valley loop and right again soon after to head up to the short steep roped fourth and final lookout of the day Juniper Ridge (#4). Retrace a few steps from the lookout back to the Lost Valley loop and turn right here. At the next red intersection turn right and descend a steep path (Bear Claw trail) where you may find your way on trail (bear left)  back to the bottom third of the Black Donald Ski run and descend to your car.

So you've visited Lake Placid, you've hiked a 46er, and you've fell in love with the Adirondacks. Many people have become hooked to the High Peaks Region this way and once you do, it's hard to stay away. I know -  it happened to me too. 

The High Peaks region of Adirondack Park is a hiking mecca. It is a massive area containing over 6 million acres and over 2000 miles of hiking trails. According to historical measurements, there are  46 peaks over 4000 feet in height and the goal of many is to summit all of them and belong to a club of members that have done the same: The ADK 46ers. There are now over 10,000 members of this club dating back to the 1920's when many of the peaks had no access trails and hikers had to bushwhack their way up. I completed my first round in 2012, but have returned to hike most of the 46 again. I have attained summits in all months of the year. I firmly believe that if you can hike the 46, you can hike anywhere in the world.

For some it's a walk in the park, for others it tests your every limit. Some share time with old friends, some make new friends, and some go solo. According to Grace Hudowalski #9:  "There is something spiritual in it. The mountains mean something different and special to each person. They are what connect us as a group. But the journey is an inward one, learning about yourself".

If you're up for the challenge here are my tips:

1. Recording Your Hikes

Print off a list of the peaks to check off as you hike them. Many can be grouped together and done in the same day. After your hike, you need to record details of your hike like: date, time, weather, what you saw, photos, and other interesting info. These records are what helps you prove that you have accomplished the summit in order to approved by your correspondant at the ADK 46er organization. Some people make a simple written journal on paper, some create a blog, some use a spreadsheet. Personally I created a blog and then printed it off as a keepsake book afterward! To submit your record, head to the ADK 46er webpage and begin the process listed there. They used to only correspond by mail, but have begun an electronic version.

2. Trail Information

a) Each Thursday the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) releases an updated trail condition report for hikers hiking the High Peaks. This is an important report to read before your trip as it gives up to date information on things like: flooded areas, bear reports, closed sections of trail, seasonal information, etc.

b) Here are some other links to find out recent trail info:
TrailsNH.com - compilations of most recent trip reports from the internet for each peak
Adirondack 4000 Footer Hiking Group on Facebook - Recent photos and a community willing to answer questions
The Mountaineer- This Keene Valley store is great for speaking to someone about local conditions as well as picking up any rentals you may need (snowshoes, skis, crampons, etc). They also sell plastic coated topo type maps with hiking trails of the entire High Peaks region which you will need for your goal.

c) An excellent website for trail descriptions and timing is Andrew Lavigne's ADK website. He has multiple trip reports from every peak including photos, distance, elevation gained, hiking time, etc. He also has .gpx files that you can download and load on your GPS for those winter unmarked trail hikes. A valuable resource that sure that helped me when I did my 46.

3. Where to Stay

a) Backcountry camping in the High Peaks Wilderness areas at Lean-to's and campsites is free. These sites are first come, first served, and most require you to hike in 3 miles to reach the site. The sites normally have an outhouse and are close to a water source.  There are a couple of spots that you can essentially drive to and camp for free. One is South Meadow road on the Loj road, but it has limited sites and are almost always full. Another one is along Corey's Road near the Seward Range. There are also 2 hike-in cabins along John's Brook that have to be reserved in advance.

b) State Parks and other car campgrounds: There are numerous paid campgrounds that include campsites with picnic tables, showers and flush toilets, and running water. Popular ones include: 
Lake Harris State Campground
Wilmington Notch Campground
Adirondack Loj Campground (also have lean-to's and canvas cabins for rent)
KOA Lake Placid/Whiteface

c) Cheap Lodging
I try to camp in the summer months, but tend to gravitate to lodging in the winter months (sometimes I winter camp!). Here are some of my favourite places to stay on the cheaper end of the spectrum:
Keene Valley Hostel
TMax-n-Topos Hostel
Cascade Motel
Roostercomb Inn, Keene Valley
Adirondack Hotel in Long Lake
Cloudsplitter Cabins in Newcomb

4. Weather and Equipment

a) Make sure to check out the weather forecast for your hike. Checking the Keene Valley weather however may not give you an accurate prediction of what's going on 3500 feet above so check the National Weather Service's Mountain Forecast before you go.

b) Dress for the LOW. If the nighttime low is 25F, and the daytime is 40F, dress for the LOW. As you ascend, the temperature gets cooler. I find if you start your hike early, head up to the top and descend late afternoon, your average hiking temp all day will be around 25-30F depending on the wind. Never dress for the daytime high, and always bring multiple layers.

c) What to bring? Here is a printable list of equipment you should be bringing with you on your day hikes for all four seasons in the ADKs. Dress in layers: Baselayer (polyester,merino wool, polypropelene), Insulation (fleece, wool, down), Wateproof-Breathable Rain and Wind Shell (Goretex Paclite, Hellytech, Entrant, Pertex). Many of the hikes are remote, so if you don't have map, compass and GPS skills go with someone who does (or learn yourself!). Many hikes start and end in the dark, so a headlamp is mandatory on every hike. Many DEC ranger reports cite rescues caused by people getting caught out at night without a headlamp. Survival gear is also important as cell service is rare while hiking and shouldn't be relied on for Ranger rescues. Be prepared! Winter hikes require snowshoes, microspikes and crampons. Don't skimp on equipment! Here is the link to my list.

5. Training
For anyone who has done any ADK hiking, undoubtedly they would be characterized as 'steep', 'rocky', 'rooty' and 'wet'. Showing up without a doing some work beforehand is a recipe for failure. Here are a few recommendations:
a) Aerobic training: Swim, cycle, run, nordic walk, or hike at home on a regular basis in order to prepare your heart and lungs for the 3-12 hour long hike. High intensity intervals really help get your body ready for the steep sections when the heart is really pumping. Try 5 x 1 minute of upping your pace the next time on your run, swim, cycle, or walk.
b) Strength training: You need to prepare your legs for hiking, and your arms for pulling on roots or pushing on hiking poles. Here is what has worked for me:
- Weighted pack ascents: Find a local ski hill, or staircase, or any and load a pack with weight (waterbottles  or medicine balls work great) up to 15-30lbs for day hiking. Your body will be used to carrying a pack and weight.
-Strength training: Lunges, squats, step ups, calf raises are 4 key lower body exercises. I lunge with 2 x 20lbs x 3 sets for weeks before hikes. Triceps, lats, biceps and shoulders are also good muscle areas to train for poling or scrambling as well core training for balancing on logs, snow spines and rocks.
c) Flexibility- Stretching out your muscles and maximizing your joint range of motion is important in hiking. Scrambling up rocky sections, high steps, and jumping over brooks requires flexibility. Preventing injuries is important, and flexibility is key.
d) Additional skills - Having a background in rock climbing, ice climbing, and/or mountaineering is an asset in the High Peaks. Scrambling up rocky cliffs becomes less scary as does your footing on icy slopes if you have had training in this area. Consider this an positive addition to your hiking skillset.

6. Becoming Official
Once you have completed your 46, there are a few things left to do. One, is to submit your hike logs and join the ADK 46er organization. You will be notified of your acceptance and awarded a certificate at a banquet the following May at the Crowne Plaza in Lake Placid. Membership privileges include the ability to order official 46er swag, and receive the PEEKS magazine mailed to you home. Two, is to summit the unofficial 4000 footer mountain McNaughton! CONGRATULATIONS!!! 

What's next? If you still have the hiking bug and want another challenge, check out these other hiking challenges:
Winter 46er
Saranac 6er
Northeast 111er  (115)

See you on the trail! 
KPW

For the past few years, I have taken up the sport of ice climbing. With these El Nino type winters, we can't rely on snow in the Ottawa Valley but we can rely on ice. Why not take up a sport that is guaranteed to be reliable, and only a 20 minute drive and 5 minute walk in from your house?!

Driving down Hwy 508, park at the parking pullout across from the Manitou Hiking Trailhead near the Calabogie Peaks ski hill. Walking in on the trail, if you want to access the bottom of the cliffs keep right at the junction. If you want to head to the top, head left at the junction and begin your ascent immediately. The cliffs are only a short 5-10 minute walk in. Please be mindful of safety around the top of ice cliffs and encourage others to do the same. A popular hiking trail follows the ridge and hikers frequently want to check out the ice climbers in action.

I will highlight the regular and most reliable ice on the main cliff. As ice formation varies from year to year, it is difficult to predict what the climbs will looks like each year and as the season progresses. 

1) The first climb you'll see is Nameless One WI 3+, 15m. This short but steep climb is hard early season with a single pillar, but late season fills in with a vertical wall. This climb seems to always be dripping off on the left. This photo is from mid-season. It is reliably in every year.

2) The next area is called Green Fang and offers some of the longest vertical sections in the main cliff. This area can handle up to 3  top ropes and is generally considered a WI4. This photo is from mid-season 2015 and this ice is reliable.

3) The next climb to the right of the Green Fang is a large steep tongue that eases out towards the top. If ice falls off this climb, watch out as a belayer-all the ice funnels right to your stance! The ice here can be so steep at the bottom it can be almost oververtical. Watch for horizontal fracture lines on this climb on the most convex surface. This climb I call the Tongue and would rate it a WI3+. This photo is from late season 2016 and the ice is always in.

4) To the right of the Tongue in the photo above, is a gully that sometimes forms ice. You can see a thin vertical line of ice in the picture. In 2015 it was fully in but in 2016 (photo above) it wasn't. Watch out for the tree branch near the top! This climb can often be a mixed climb as well if conditions present themselves properly. As a pure ice climb like in 2015, it would be a WI3.

5) Next up is this late arriving section that has a variety of routes up. This section is a W3 18 metre high wall with some sections that could be a 3+. The 2016 photo below is from mid-season.

6) Immediately to the right of the wall, is the easiest climb on the cliff called Nameless Too. This WI2 18m is the most popular climb- suitable for beginners, first-time leaders, or a fun easy day. It's easily identified by blotchy rock wall on the right. It is one of the first lines to form in the early season. These 2 photos are from 2016.

7) There is some thin ice that reliably forms over the rock climb 'Flaky Flake'. It's more mixed terrain in my mind but if the area is busy it maybe the only place left! Easily identifiable with large horizontal cracks in the area and a big boulder at the base. Just to the left of climb #8.

​8) Over the rock climb 'Cool but Concerned', is a climb called Unknown WI 4-, 15m. This climb is not always in,  and offers different lines up the main right line or thin left line.

9) To the right of the Unknown, is an interesting climb called Nautilus WI 3+ 15m.  Normally this climb forms with a difficult starting pourover pillar, then narrows at the top through a slot to the top. Thin ice is often found at the top, as is water spray. This ice is always in and very reliable. Most people like to bring long pieces of anchor gear for the top of this one.

For more information on learning how to ice climb, contact the Alpine Club of Canada-Ottawa Section. They have beginner clinics frequently at different ice climbing areas in the Ottawa area. Please don't try this sport without the proper gear and safety instruction first!

I've had success climbing at Calabogie and then venturing on to other ice climbing destinations in the Ottawa Valley and Adirondacks as well as winter mountaineering objectives. Ice climbing is also a great way to stay in shape for rock climbing as well.

And finally, please be respectful of the environment. Please take your garbage home with you and dispose of human waste discreetly far away from the base of the climbs and off the main trails.

So there you have it! The main ice lines at my local ice spot: Calabogie. Stay tuned for another blog post on mixed climbs and more of my local training segments. Catch up with my Local Training Part 1: Ski Touring Training at Calabogie Peaks.

​Please comment below if you have any questions. I would love to hear from you!

I have been wanting to do some blogging about how I train for all my adventures featured in the trip reports section of my website. Fitness training for climbing, paddling, backpacking, and ski trips are all very different so I'd like to do a blog for each. Backcountry ski touring has been a passion of mine for for the past few years. This involves skiing up a mountain using Alpine Touring gear (skins, specialized ski boots and bindings,etc) and then skiing back down all in one day or over the course of a few days. The sport's popularity and growth has steadily increased over the past decade, in both Eastern and Western parts of North America.

​Training involves climbing 2000-3000ft per day and being able to ski down with a pack on.
My favourite training spot is at my local ski hill Calabogie Peaks. It has a 700ft drop and is home to the longest green run in Ontario. This run, called the "Ole K&P", named after the old Kingston-Pembroke railline nearby, is 2 kilometers in length and has the perfect grade for ski touring training.  It takes us about an hour to do one lap: 45 minute walk up on skis with skins on the bottom for traction, transition to downhill mode at the top, and ski down back to the bottom of the hill. We generally do 3 laps for training, for a total ascent of 2100ft (6km) which is good training for a day out touring.

Before heading out, make sure if your local ski hill has any 'uphill' policies. We always skin on the side of the trail, in single file, as a tight group. We also pick a wide green run to skin up so that downhill traffic has room to move. We have never had any issues. 

Everytime we go out, we often get cheered on by others, having people stop and ask questions, or get yelled at: "You're going the wrong way!". The most common questions we get are about the specialized equipment, and what we are training for. There are several fantastic backcountry ski destinations in Quebec, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. To read more about some of the backcountry ski trips we've done in the Eastern and Western parts of North America click here.

AT ski touring is a great aerobic workout. The rhythm of moving the skis up hill is almost hypnotic. When reaching the summit the feeling of earning your turns makes the downhill ride that much sweeter. Transitioning into downhill mode involves removing skins from your skis, adjusting your bindings so you can lock your boots in, donning a helmet and adjusting your boots into ski mode. Skiing with a pack on and with lightweight skis is different than regular skiing. Refining your equipment and systems and adapting your skiing technique are what these training days are all about.

When it's time for a break, Calabogie has a Top Hut that has a fireplace, tables and benches. A perfect place to stop and warm up, or to eat lunch and enjoy the view.

No backcountry ski training is complete without spending ample time going down hill.  It's no secret that winter arrived late in the east this year so my legs are behind schedule with being 'ski-fit'. The second half of #MyDayAtCalabogie was spent riding the chair and getting as many turns in as possible while swapping out my touring skis for carving skis.

Calabogie has 25 unique interesting runs, 2 quad chairlifts, and 1 carpet lift for the beginner area. It has some of the steepest terrain in the region and 1 terrain park.

Calabogie is also a fantastic destination if you are a snowboarder (yes I do that too!). The variety of runs makes boarding interesting, and the terrain changes make both your mind and body engaged from top to bottom. 

No day on the hill is complete without enjoying the après-ski. Black Donald's Pub in the Calabogie base lodge hosts live music every Saturday. A great way to unwind with friends after a day on the slopes, especially when going UP and DOWN!

All in all, Calabogie is a fantastic ski destination in the Eastern Ontario-Western Quebec region no matter if you board, ski, or tour!