The Hawk Trail
in thePetawawa Research Forest
2010 February 05
Several years ago logging operations south west of Maunsell Lake rendered parts of the old Maunsell Lake Trail impassable. Subsequently the Hawk Trail was established (see the map from The Friends of the PRF website or the satellite image below). The trail comprises parts of the old Maunsell Lake Trail, Populus Trail, Young Creek Trail and Irene Lake Trail. These latter trails had fallen into disuse and disrepair following the closing of the Petawawa National Forestry Institute in the early '90s.
The map indicates a length of 8 km. However, it appears that this refers only to the loop at the western end of Maunsell Lake. The length of the entire trail, starting at and returning to the old headquarters area, is 12 km. It is perhaps appropriate to refer to the first section as the Maunsell Lake Trail and the loop to the west as the Hawk Loop.
The Maunsell Lake Trail near its start at the old headquarters area.
After crossing the Young Lake Road and the power lines, the trail passes through a nice hemlock grove (this view is looking east).
Arriving at the eastern end of Maunsell Lake
An overgrown road runs from the Young Lake Road to this point. This old road provides an easier route to Maunsell Lake in the summer.
Where Maunsell Creek leaves Maunsell Lake.
(photo by Bob: 2010-01-29 - map - explore)
Along the north shore of Maunsell Lake
Between Maunsell Lake and Fuelwood Road
Creek between Maunsell Lake and Fuelwood Road
At the Young Lake Road
After leaving the Young Lake Road the trail climbs up into an open hardwood bush with interspersed conifers.
A small creek under the snow.
Lots of ups and downs on this section of the trail.
The trail runs along a ridge overlooking a small unnamed lake (although the map suggest this is more of a wetland than a lake).
Glacial erratic
At the eastern of the ridge, there is a very nice lookout spot that catches the midday sun. Too much snow to be able to sit down though.
After descending from the ridge, the trail crosses a beaver pond.
While I had no reason to be suspicious of the ice, I was alone and I felt it prudent to cross on the beaver dam (to the right of the above photo). This is the view looking downstream from atop the dam.
(photo by Bob: 2010-01-29 - map - explore)
Back to Maunsell Lake
I haven't provided any photos for the ~3 km stretch between the beaver pond and the return to Maunsell Lake. This section didn't impress me as being that interesting, the snow conditions were very rough, and frankly, I was too bushed for photography.
This trail has some very scenic sections. But I would rate it as difficult — especially the western limits. It is remote, and it doesn't see much traffic. Assess your abilities appropriately.
A shorter and easier loop (8 km) is possible by taking a short cut along Fuelwood Road but this misses the best scenery.
Notes
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Sources
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