Welcome back to another wonderful winter in the Copeland Forest. The Copeland Forest Friends can confirm that we are again supporting the snowplowing of the P2 parking lot located off of Ingram Road, between Hwy 93 and Line 6 (please note that Line 5 is not accessible during the winter months).
The snowshoeing trails utilize our existing Trail Intersection Post #’s so you can confidently find your way around. Please note that the average speeds for snowshoeing range from 2kph – 4kph. Some of the trails are part of the Horseshoe Resort XC ski trail network. Please do not walk on the ski tracks and keep to the far opposite side as skate skiers use the middle.
Quick Loop – 1.2km
This is designed for the family with small children just wanting to try out snowshoeing. As such it does not cross over the railway tracks and stays within the area of the parking lot. Starting from the lot, head south to the signpost #1. Turn east (left) and head towards signpost #9. From there head NW (left) to arrive back at the parking lot.
Copeland Pond Loop – 4.7km
This is designed as 90-120-minute outing. Follow south out of the parking lot to signpost #1. Continue down the hill, cross the railway tracks (please use caution), and continue on up the hill to signpost #2. On your left is a stand of remaining white pines which were the dominant tree throughout much of region – prized as masts for the British Navy. Continue on to signpost #8 where you will head west (right) towards signpost #7. These wide roadways were used by the MNR to maintain the forest. Just a bit past signpost #7 is the Copeland Pond, a popular spot for fishing and picture taking. Come back to signpost #7 and head south towards signpost #4. A number of trails crisscross in this area. Stay on the wide trail as you head towards signpost #5. Much of the Copeland Forest is swamp and you are following the eastern edge of this swamp. At signpost #5, head east (left) towards signpost #10 and then continue north to signpost #11 and #8. You are travelling on what would have been Line 4. You can now continue north to the parking lot.
Copeland Swamp Loop – 8.6km
This is designed as a 3-4hr outing. Follow the Intermediate Loop instructions until signpost #5. At signpost #5 turn west (right) towards signpost #20. Approximately 100 meters past signpost #5 there is another trail intersection with the Horseshoe Resort Fat Bike and Snowshoe trails. Stay on the wide trail but note the large gnarly maple tree on your left side. It is said to have been around from the 1600’s when Champlain visited the area. Continue on toward signpost #20, #21, #22, and #23. Just 10 yards west of the signpost #23 is an old farmhouse foundation on your left. (Do not step on the ski tracks). Come back to signpost #23 and head north through what looks like a long tree tunnel. This is the old Line 3 which was how early settlers made their way to Horseshoe Valley from Ingram Road. Before getting to signpost #42 you will pass a large swamp area on both sides where coyote, deer, hare and beaver tracks can be found. If you look back over the swamp towards the south, you should be able to see the old Cathedral Pines ski slopes. Continue past signpost #42 through to signpost #6. On your left, the open area is where the Copeland Mill was before burning down. In the photo below the farm on the hill is a good point of reference to use. This area was known as Martinvillle and housed the former workers for the mill. At signpost #6 turn east (right) and head back towards signpost #3. At signpost #3 is the Copeland Pond, which as mentioned earlier is stocked with brook trout and supported by anglers and the MNR. From here continue towards signpost #7 and #8, and then north (left) to the parking lot.
We hope you enjoy your visit and don’t forget to help support the www.copelandfriends.ca. Your membership helps us steward programs to promote and maintain the Copeland Forest.
