Gilmour: Wetlands, Hiking Trails and Scenic Route #8

Gilmour can be explored in different ways: McGeachie Conservation Area combines a stream, beaver dams, wildlife and extensive wetlands with numerous hiking trails. Another perspective is offered by the road-based Weslemkoon Lake Trail – North Hastings Scenic Route #8, which runs from Gilmour to Weslemkoon Lake. This gives you several different focal points for planning your trip: nature, hiking and a scenic drive in the area.

Wetlands, Wildlife and Hiking Trails

At McGeachie Conservation Area, the stream, beaver dams and extensive wetlands are defining features of the landscape; wildlife is also part of the area. Families visiting can use these specific natural features as a guide and consider which ones are of particular interest for their stay. These features describe different aspects of the area, from the watercourse and dams to the wetlands.

There are numerous hiking trails throughout the Conservation Area. This makes hiking a distinct reason to visit, alongside the area’s natural character. The trails are spread across the grounds; if this is your focus, you can plan to spend time outdoors at McGeachie Conservation Area. Together with the wetlands and wildlife, this offers a different focus from driving along a scenic route.

A Historic Homestead with Vacation Rental

McGeachie Conservation Area is also home to a historic homestead built almost 150 years ago. It is rented to the public as a vacation home. Here, the homestead’s history meets its present-day use as a rental property.

A Road Route or a Hiking Trail

The Weslemkoon Lake Trail – North Hastings Scenic Route #8 is a road-based scenic route. It is intended for cars, motorcycles and cyclists, and runs from Gilmour to Weslemkoon Lake. If you want to experience Gilmour as part of a drive or bike ride, you can consider this route as a separate part of your trip. Its road-based design distinguishes it from the hiking trails at McGeachie Conservation Area and the Hastings Heritage Trail.

The Hastings Heritage Trail: Brinklow Road to Gilmour is a moderate point-to-point hiking trail. It is 8.3 miles long, has an elevation gain of 669 feet and takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to walk. These details help you assess the hike as a day plan: the distance, elevation gain and approximate walking time each offer a different way to gauge the route. Unlike the road route, this trail is specifically a hiking route with a start and finish at the places named in its title.

Shape Your Stay Around Your Interests

If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Gilmour, your preferred focus for the trip can help guide your choice. If hiking is your main interest, the trail network at McGeachie Conservation Area and the Hastings Heritage Trail offer two different options: numerous trails across the grounds, or a moderate point-to-point route with a stated distance, elevation gain and approximate walking time. For a trip that includes a scenic drive or bike ride, Scenic Route #8 offers a different way to get around. The homestead adds a historical connection to these options, as well as its use as a vacation home.

Other destinations for reference: Belleville, Stirling, Madoc, Tweed, Quinte West, Coe Hill, Marmora, Lake Saint Peter.

For the broader travel overview: Hastings County.