Located right in the middle of Charleston Lake Provincial Park are two hidden gems that visitors may overlook: the Hemlock Ridge and Beech Woods Trails.
These short but stunning hikes (less than 2 km in length) offer a peaceful escape into nature, away from the busier trails.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a quiet stroll, these trails promise breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, and a chance to truly connect with the natural world.
Remember: trails can become wet or muddy after rainfall. We recommend wearing appropriate footwear to ensure a safe and comfortable hike.
Both of these trails offer interpretive trail guides or interpretive panels to improve your experience!
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Hemlock Ridge Trail
This loop trail is the more adventurous of the two, featuring rocky crevices that require a bit of climbing, nothing too intense, but enough to keep things interesting!
However, at only 1.7 km, it isn’t a long loop, and as such, it is a perfect trail for hikers of many abilities!
What makes Hemlock Ridge truly special is its ecological diversity. The trail winds through a variety of forest types, from dense Eastern Hemlock stands with sparse undergrowth to vibrant mixed forests filled with plant life.
Along the way, interpretive trail guides help you identify unique tree species like Shagbark Hickory, Striped Maple, and of course, Eastern Hemlock.
It isn’t just the plant species that are incredibly diverse on Hemlock Ridge! Due to the quiet nature of the trail, Hemlock Ridge is often a great place to view and appreciate the wildlife with less people and distractions around.
This Ribbon Snake is a prime example of some of the species you might encounter on Hemlock Ridge!
Hemlock Ridge also passes by a large beaver meadow that’s ideal for viewing of various reptiles, amphibians, and shorebirds!
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Beech Woods Trail
If you’re looking for a more relaxed hike, the Beech Woods Trail is the perfect fit. This 1.8 km loop starts at the same trailhead as Hemlock Ridge, but offers a gentler terrain, making it ideal for families or those wanting a peaceful stroll.
Like its sister trail, Beech Woods features interpretive panels, four in total, that highlight the forest’s animal inhabitants and their unique habitats.
The trail is a very quiet, less frequently used trail, which provides greater opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Human presence can often disturb animals, so the peace and quiet of an underused trail can provide the perfect atmosphere to view more secretive wildlife.
Beech Woods can be a great opportunity to see a vast array of bird species. From warblers to woodpeckers, the sound of bird song fills the air, and sometimes the birds may even help you out by posing for a photo!
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These trails are worth the walk!
Charleston Lake Provincial Park is filled with beautiful scenery and provides numerous hiking trails for visitors to use and enjoy the nature surrounding them.
These lesser-known trails provide a beautiful snapshot of some of the wildlife and breath-taking views that Charleston Lake has to offer!
The next time you visit the park, take a detour off the main road.
You might just discover your new favorite hiking spot!
