Crack hiking in Killarney Provincial Park is fun – but only if you're prepared and experienced. It is the park's toughest day hike ever and one of the toughest day hikes in Ontario. Even if you have a lot of hiking experience, don't underestimate it. The crack hike is steep, the rocks are huge, and you may scramble more than you hike on a few occasions.
The reward of this short drive (3km one way) is a stunning view of Killarney Regional Park's stunning lakes, white quartzite hills, beautiful forests bathed in brilliant autumn colors in October, and stunning lake views. Georgian Bay If you catch a clear day.
Most hikers in Crack are day hikers, although anyone with a large backpack will likely do the entire 78 km La Cloche Silhouette Trail. Some will finish the week-long trip while others are just starting.
Within a few hours of leaving the car park, hikers can stop at the top of Killarney Ridge to enjoy lunch with a view. It's a worthwhile trip for sure, but if you're coming from Toronto or further afield, plan to camp or stay in the area so you can take advantage of more hiking or even try a canoe, kayak, or SUP. Killarney outfitters They can help you set that up.
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Summary of how to hike Killarney Provincial Park
distance: 6 km round trip.
Height gain: About 245 AD
High point height: 355 metres
Difficulty level: difficult. This is not a trip for beginners.
Time needed: 4 to 5 hours depending on your speed, fitness level and hiking experience. Plan to get down an hour before dark. Add an extra two hours if you're hiking in the winter.
Dogs: It is allowed on a leash, but it is not a great trail for them. Young dogs will have a very hard time and you may end up getting pregnant with them. Older dogs with arthritis will not like this route. If you bring your dog, carry him water (I love this Collapsible water bowl For my dog) and some Heavy duty dog poop bags.
Bear: There are black bears in Killarney Provincial Park although we are there all week Hiking the La Cloche Silhouette Trail We didn't see one. Make noise if you see fresh bear poop and be Be aware.
Allow: You need a daily car permit ($18) to hike the crack area in Killarney. If you want to guarantee your place you can Book a daily vehicle permit Up to five days before the planned trip. Be careful when reserving a day use site as there are 10 sites available in the park.
Where should I park the car? Parking is located at the trailhead to the crack, 7 km east of the Lake George permit office. No parking is allowed on the roads.
camping: There is no camping near the crack. Backcountry camping a few kilometers from the Crack on the Silhouette Trail is an option (and must be reserved months in advance), but your best option is to reserve a campsite at George Lake Campground.
Fire: Only allowed in designated campsites.
Best time to hike a crack in Killarney
If you're keen on crack hiking in Killarney, the best time to go is from late spring to mid-autumn, preferably on a day without thunderstorms or rain according to the forecast. Since this is a difficult trek, you really want to avoid walking on slippery rocks. The top of the fault is very exposed and not a good place to be caught in a thunderstorm. If you decide to hike in adverse conditions, be prepared with rain gear and hiking boots with good tread.
Killarney Provincial Park is open all year round, so in theory you can hike the crack in winter. If this is the plan and you have the skill set to do so, you still need to check in at the park office and let them know your intention. You should dress appropriately, carry an emergency device like InReach and take ice cleats like the ones I made Hellsound or Catulla.
Where to park your car on Crack Picnic in Killarney
Note the parking location on the map below. You'll find designated parking for Crack Picnic in Killarney on the north side of Highway 637. It's about 7 km east of Lake George Campground and 1.5 km west of the Carlisle Lake access road.
Parking and The Crack location map
How do you know if you are on the right track?
Red marks on trees, poles, rocks and logs indicate that you are going for a walk in Killarney. Some of the trail is shared with the 78km La Cloche Silhouette trail which is blue marked, so there will be times when you see red and blue signs on the same post, tree etc.
Description of crack height
The drive to Crack in Killarney Provincial Park begins flat on an old logging road. It travels through the forested lowlands to meet the La Cloche Silhouette Trail. From the intersection of the two paths to the top of the crack, you will see blue and red markers leading the way. If you only see blue marks, you are not on the right track.
Enjoy a section of boardwalk around Lake Kakakisi and then change course to go past a heavily eroded section with signs explaining why to do so. It adds another 300 meters in each direction. After passing Lake Kakakisi, the trail becomes more rugged as it starts to climb, but it also becomes more interesting.
I liked the next part of the crack hike as the landscape is more open and you can get some views, although nothing like what you get at the top of the crack.
A fault is just a large, rock-filled gap between quartzite cliffs. Going up is always easier than going down – unless it's your first day on the La Cloche Silhouette Trail with an extra heavy pack. Take your time – and don't rush those in front of you. Accidents here can lead to bad sprains, breaks, or worse.
Depending on your perspective, hiking Killarney's crack country is the best part of the day. If you've done a lot of rock jumping over the years you won't have any problems. With three contact points on the rock at all times, you should be at the top of the crack in no time.
Relax and enjoy your snack or lunch and the exceptional view of the surrounding hills, Killarney Lakes and OSA that you have gained.
Retrace your steps, being especially careful when descending through the crack. You are free to go home after that.
What to do on a crack hike in Killarney
You should always carry 10 essentials for hiking -This includes things like sun protection, rain gear, and first aid kits.
I recommend a map Killarney Provincial Park.
On a crack hike in Killarney, I also suggest carrying at least 2 liters of water per person – and water filter or Water purification tablets or drops In case you need more water to get back to the main trail.
Make sure to pack layers of quick-drying clothing in case you get caught in a rainstorm.
You'll need good shoes for hiking in Killarney. I personally love the Salomon brand – and this one Trail hikers particularly.
In case you have an emergency, I suggest you carry InReach Mini 2 or similar device. You should know how to use it too.
More trails to hike in Killarney Provincial Park
the Chikanishing track It will be a great choice if you are hiking with your family. It's a beauty because it takes you to the shore of Georgian Bay with its pink and red granite rocks. Since the trip only takes about 90 minutes, it can easily be combined with another short trip.
Easy 4 km return Cranberry Swamp Trail It takes you through an area of swamps and swamps where you may see beavers, turtles and lots of red granite boulders.
The most difficult is 3.5 km Lake Forest Road It travels between old growth forest and rocky outcrops offering views of Silver Peak. Walk on a boardwalk from the lake to an island in the lake.
Where to stay nearby if you don't want to camp
For those of you who love hiking but hate camping, it's best to stay somewhere around Parry Sound, if you're coming from Southern Ontario, or Sudbury if you're coming from Northern Ontario. Both places will allow you to start the journey to Crack in Killarney at a civilized hour.
If you want to stay on the French River, check out Lodge at Pine Cove.
Parry Sound area
the Grand Tabato Resort It is located on a lake south of Parry Sound. You will feel like you are on vacation if you spend a night here.
In Parry Sound check out Best Western Plus Hotel.
Sudbury
There are a lot of chain hotels in Sudbury. One of the best recommended ones is Hilton Garden Inn Sudbury.
Interested in more travel in Ontario?
Multi-day hiking tours
Day trips in ontario
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