WAYPOINT
INTERVAL

DISTANCE
km

WAYPOINT-TO-WAYPOINT TRAIL DESCRIPTION

001 - 002

0.8

This hike does a large loop around Little Rouge Creek and the Rouge River. At the Pearse House, a large map outlines the trails of the Rouge River Valley. From this point, the Vista Trail crosses the front of the house, through the yard fence and veers left into the brush. Very shortly the trail leaves the wooded area yielding a spectacular view looking down into the Rouge River Valley and the Little Rouge Creek below. A tree hangs precariously to the top of this cliff. The trail follows the top of the tablelands along the cliff edge and passes under the hydro lines and across meadow areas. A new ugly fenced in road construction requires a slight detour around the fence before entering the woods (002).

002 - 003

1.3

The trail meets a wide grassy trail where you continue to the left into the woods. A sign on a nearby tree indicates 0.75 km with a white blaze pointing left. At a Y-intersection, while one trail heads downwards to the left, continue straight ahead on the wider main trail. At another Y-intersection, the main wider trail heads off to the left.  At the 1.25 km sign on a tree, the trail goes off to the right where a log crosses the trail (003). Continue to follow the white blazes.

003 - 004

1.6

The trail returns to the edge of the escarpment where the wide trail heads downhill curving to the left along the ravine below. Soon you will arrive at a sign marking the intersection of the Mast and Riverside Trails (004).

004 - 005

1.9

Take the Riverside branch which heads to the right downhill. This narrow trail curves around arriving at a grassy path in the field as it heads towards Twyn Rivers Drive ahead (005) .

005 - 006

2.5

Carefully cross Twyn Rivers Dr. where the path continues straight ahead.  The trail comes to a damaged area that was rerouted with the trail climbing around this area. Continue to follow the white markers on the trees. You can take an alternate path closer to the river if you wish as it returns in a bit to the main trail. Some of the posts with white markers have been marked orange along the way. At an intersection with a sign indicating the Mast Junction North Trail, take the trail to the right (006).

006 - 007

4.5

[Just past this point you have choice: continue along the main path or take the more scenic narrow path along the banks of the Rouge River shown by the white trail on the Trail Map. This trail connects with the main trail later on.] At bend in the river, the trail turns to the left crossing over a galvanized metal drainpipe. Here a considerable amount of flood and storm damage can be seen along with numerous trees that have fallen into the river. This was caused by a storm in May 2000. Some wooden fences mark the area. You will notice a real difference between the north and south slopes of the river valleys, each with their own micro-climates. The dry, hot south-facing slopes are home to sun-loving and drought-resistant oak and pine trees along with some other Carolinian species. On the colder, damper north slopes there are many sugar maples and hemlocks normally found further north. Leaving the river edge, the trail wanders through an open meadow with sparse vegetation. Soon a sign indicates “Half-way Point” with the trail following a path used by aboriginal peoples and early settlers for centuries. The trail heads back to the river where a log bench enables you to rest and enjoy the view. You can see the Glen Rouge campground across the river. The trail continues along the river edge passing a pleasant area of pine tree growth on the right and a reverse Y-intersection (007).

007 - 008

4.8

Continue on the trail until you arrive at the bridge over the river (008) which takes you into the Glen Rouge campground. There is a porta john here but do not linger in the campground as this is private property. At his point we return on a path along the Little Rouge Creek. (Here you can take the campground driveway up to Kingston Road and a McDonalds located further down to the right.)

008 - 009

6.2

Arriving back at the Y-intersection (007), this time take the path to the right on the Mast Trail. Soon there is a path heading down to observe the river and the stones in the riverbank. Leaving the riverbank we now head uphill. At the top a nice forested area overlooks the river below. Soon a long climb up a set of log berms takes you to the top. At a 4-way intersection go straight ahead (009).

009 - 010

7.0

Ahead in the forest pines there is a great lookout point to your right. Continuing ahead the trail brings you to Twyn Rivers Dr once more (010).

010 - 011

8.6

CAUTION: Cross the busy road and turn right crossing the road bridge over Little Rouge Creek ahead. Here you may either follow the less clearly marked trail [see white marked trail on Trail Map] along the Little Rouge River shore or walk a bit further to the marked Orchard Trail. Past the bridge you will see a sign for the Orchard Trail. Turn left leaving the road and follow the Orchard Trail. An area with a wooden log fence along the trail provides good views of the Little Rouge Creek below. A sign indicates the half-way point of the Orchard Trail. Soon you pass under the transmission lines once again.  Arriving at a road turn left and follow the road along the edge of the ravine overlooking the river below. This gravel road curves upwards but at  this rocky intersection turn left and go downhill instead. Eventually you will come to a small side trail to your right just before a steep long climb. This is a natural bog area that you will enjoy investigating and listening to the many sounds of the wildlife in the bog -if you can remain very silent. This is a sensitive area so please respect the area and leave it as you found it (011).

011 - 001

10

Leaving the bog, return to the trail and climb the slope which brings you to the main road. (A new trail has been recently opened at this point called the Cedar Trail with a wetlands pond.) Turn left walk down the road, cross the bridge, and then climb the road to the fence and the Pearse House to end the hike (001).

  Enjoy the hike and the day!

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