adventure
cycling
Adventure
Cycling on the Nut Point Hiking Trail
Saskatchewan's Lac La Ronge Provincial Park awaits
©Outdoor Adventure Canada
An exhilarating and challenging
cycling adventure can be found on the Nut
Point Hiking Trail located in northern Saskatchewan's Lac
La Ronge Provincial Park. This 15 kilometre trail meanders through
the woodlands, rocky ridges, boreal forest, and muskeg. The
trail runs along the peninsula that ends at Nut Point. Local
wildlife includes bear, deer, moose, elk and beaver.
Lac La Ronge Provincial Park is the largest of Saskatchewan's
provincial parks. There are six campgrounds and a hundred lakes.
The Churchill River also runs through the area. The park's serviced
campsites have access to hydro, telephones, water, showers and
laundry facilities. Beaches, playgrounds and picnic areas are
nearby. Boat, canoe, paddleboat and mountain bike rentals are
also available.
As
you head out on the trail, you will climb a rock ridge and then
cycle over a boardwalk, which protects the muskeg underneath.
You will pass through mossy woods, over another rock ridge to
a cairn, which marks the beginning of the trail. Throughout
the trip, you will take your mountain bike up rock ridges, down
into low, wet areas and rumble over boardwalks that protect
sensitive areas. You will pass through black spruce and mixed
forest along the way.
After about 5 km you will find a cove with a beaver lodge. Waburton
Island is also visible from here. Halfway through the trail
you will reach Nut Portage. Between kilometres 9 and 10 there
are low areas where water can flow onto the trail. Your efforts
here are rewarded a kilometer later with a small sand beach
where you can enjoy a swim. After the beach, there are two more
beaver lodges and an old pole wharf. Near kilometer 13, a rocky
ridge allows for a nice view of Nut Bay and Soutar Island, then,
shortly after, you will find area where you will be able to
get water from the shoreline. The next part of the trail can
often be flooded by rainwater. As you near the end of the trail,
you pass white spruce, twisted jack pines and a large rock left
from the glaciers. Nut Point, at the end of the trail, has a
stone fireplace, campsites and a spot to swim.
You may interior camp on the trail but because of the rustic
nature of the area, you must boil or purify lake water. Camping
areas that are close to water are marked on the trail map. You
may also camp at unmarked locations anywhere along the trail
except near privately leased land or cabins. Ensure that you
practice Leave-No-Trace principles and make your campsite away
from the trail. This will also give you some privacy.
Bears are common in the area so
pick up the "Bears and You" pamphlet before you start
your trip. You also will need a good insect repellent. If plan
to bike through you should be prepared for an unscheduled overnight
stay, bring food, water, a tire repair kit and a first aid kit.
Nut Point Portage is a great place to top up your supplies and
get any last minute items you may have forgotten.
When we think of Saskatchewan,
we often envision flat expanses of prairie but Nut Point is
a rugged and interesting trail and its many twists and turns
make for an enjoyable trip.
For more information about
Lac La Ronge Provincial Park please visit the Government
of Saskatchewan's Tourism website.
Written by Brad
Wipperman
Photo courtesy photos.com