Hiking The Trail

The following are suggested hike options to complete the Shabaqua Trail, which includes section hiking (day hiking), and overnight (back-packing). The trail can be done in one day, however that is typically recommended for very ardent and active hikers. It is suggested that you break the trail length down to more manageable and enjoyable bites, typically 10 - 30 km./6-18 mi per day. 

The Shabaqua Trail official distance is 45 km. This means you could comfortably do the entire trail in 2 days, involving one night of camping along the route. Adding a second night would provide more time to enjoy the sights and explore the area. Most of this trail is located on Crown (public) land, so campsite options can be anywhere along the route. There are no official campsite locations as of yet. Ideally, you would want to select a site at or near water. While this is not always feasible, it is recommended to make sure to bring enough water with you, or filter water where it is available as you go.

The official east trailhead location is located at Highway 590 and Sovereign Road in O'Connor Township west of Kakabeka Falls (48.39838, -89.70080). The official west trailhead location is in Shabaqua, further west of Kakabeka Falls (48.59329, -89.88872). Parking is limited in both locations. In Shabaqua, there is a gas station/store/hotel on the north side of Highway 11/17, so you could ask permission from the owners to park a vehicle there.

SECTION HIKING THE SHABAQUA TRAIL: 

(east to west)

Section hiking (day hiking): 

Section hiking allows completion of a long-distance trail in segments, which can be tackled over weekends or vacation days spread out over months or even years. It’s a flexible approach that lets you experience the thrill of a thru-hike without the extensive time commitment. The following breaks down the Shabaqua Trail into sections that will describe trail conditions, resulting in a good  experience on the Shabaqua Trail. It also outlines what to expect as you hike the trail. There are no designated campsites as of yet, however camping on Crown (public) lands is permitted anywhere. Crown lands begin west of Strom Road and continue to Shabaqua. It is up to the user to know they are camping on Crown lands, and not private lands. Typical daily distances for “average” hikers range from 10-15 km/day. Experienced hikers can handle longer distances.

Becoming a member through the Voyageur Hiking Association gets you access to downloadable maps and trail routes around the north shore of Lake Superior. All funds go directly to the trails.

Parking Locations: (all accessible via car but SUV or truck recommended)

1. Strom Road @ Fleming Road

2. Mayo Road (limited - narrow road w/turn around at the end - recommend SUV or truck)

3. Adrian North Road/Adrian Lake

4. Adrian Lake Road KM 12 (limited)

5. Adrian Lake Road KM 13 (limited)

6. Adrian Lake Road KM 16 (limited)

7. Glenwater/Shabaqua Road

8. Matawin River

9. Shabaqua

Section 1 - East Trailhead to Strom Road: (5.7 km)

NWORTA’s east Shabaqua Trail trailhead is located at Highway 590 and Sovereign Road approximately 7 km. west of Kakabeka Falls. From there the trail heads northwest for 45 km. to Shabaqua. This section involves road walking. To avoid this, you may want to consider starting at Section 2 below (Strom Road). Future plans include adding greenway trails to mitigate some of the road use, and extending the trailhead further east to Kakabeka Falls. There is a mix of private and public lands along this section. From Highway 590:

• follow Sovereign Road north for approximately 1.5 km.

• bear west (left) 0.32 km. via a short snowmobile trail to Fleming Road

• continue west (left) along Fleming Road for approximately 3.8 km. to Strom Road

• bear south (left) at Strom Road for 75 m.

Section 2 - Strom Road to Adrian North Road: (9.9 km)

It is here we recommend you start your hike if you want to avoid road walking along Sovereign and Fleming Roads. There is ample parking at Strom and Fleming Roads and limited parking on Adrian North Road. Adrian Lake (west) provides additional parking immediately past the Adrian North Road turn off. Be aware potential active logging operations on Adrian Lake Road and Adrian North Road.

Parking is available at Strom Road/Fleming Road and Adrian North Road at KM 1 (turn right at Adrian Lake Road KM 9). Adrian Lake (west end) has a public campsite and boat launch, and parking. Makes for a great campsite location. Adrian Lake Road and Adrian North Road can be active with logging operations. 

Trail elevation closer to Adrian North Road (48.44845, -89.79795) tops out at approximately 515 m. (30 m. higher than Mount McKay). Although there are some sections with good inclines closer to Strom Road, the bulk of the trail is more of a gradual incline as it progresses.

The first 2.5 km. trail section follows the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs snowmobile trail, and contains the bulk of the steeper inclines. It is rocky in places. There is a short deviation from the trail due to a beaver dam just east of the Cedar Creek bridge. You can replenish your water at Cedar Creek. From Strom Road: 

• bear west (right) along snowmobile trail - elevation increases exponentially to start then moderates (cardio)

• in 0.8 km. deviate south (left) around beaver pond (300 m.)

• in 0.4 km. cross Cedar Creek (south) snowmobile bridge - water available

• in 0.6 km. cross road (Cedar Creek Pit Road)

• in 0.7 km. bear north (right) leaving snowmobile trail

• in 1 km. bear north (left) following trail 

• in 0.3 km. bear north (left)

• in 0.5 km. bear north (left) onto Wolfe Road

• in 0.2 km. bear north (left) toward Cedar Creek (north)

• in 0.2 km. cross Cedar Creek (north) - crossing is on old road - roadbed may be underwater

• in 0.7 km. bear north (right)

• in 0.4 km. bear west (left)

• in 1.1 km. cross south end of swamp on old road - roadbed may be under water

• in 0.9 km. bear north (right)

• in 0.6 km. bear north (right)

• in 0.3 km. bear north (right)

• in 1.4 km. access Adrian North Road

Section 3 - Adrian North Road to Adrian Lake Road (12.5 km)

This trail is pretty straight forward. About 1/3 through you will hit the highest elevation of the entire Shabaqua Trail at 557 m./1,825 ft (48.46323, -89.83127). From KM 1 Adrian North Road:

• at KM 1 Adrian North Road follow road north (right) for 2.3 km. - beware of active logging operations

• bear west (left) at intersection

• continue west (straight) for 0.7 km.

• bear south (left) for 0.7 km. - highest elevation point of the Shabaqua Trail (557 m.)

• in 0.9 km. bear north (right)

• in 0.8 km. bear west (left) and follow trail

• in 0.2 km. bear north (right) and follow trail

• in 0.2 km. arrive at KM 12 Road

• bear west (left) - follow KM 12 road for 0.4 km.

• bear north (right) leave road and follow trail

• in 0.9 km. bear west (left)

• in 0.6 km. arrive at KM 13 Road

• bear north (right) at KM 13 Road

• in 1.2 km. bear north (left)

• in 1.8 km. bear north (right) and follow trail

• in 0.9 km. bear south (left)

• in 0.7 km. bear south (left)

• in 0.2 km. arrive at Adrian Lake Road (KM 16 Road)

Section 4 - Adrian Lake Road to Matawin River (9.4 km)

The remainder of the trail follows the Shabaqua Road north to Shabaqua. The south end of the road is a rarely used forest access road and is part of the OFSC snowmobile trail. It is often used by ATV’s during the Fall hunting season. While driveable with a vehicle, it gets restricted to just ATV’s south of the Matawin River bridge due to a beaver dam and large culvert. There are also some deep, muddy holes along the way. The Matwain River is about ½ way between Adrian Lake Road and Shabaqua. The bridge is a beautiful place to camp overnight as the river has a couple of falls, one just above and one below the crossing. It’s also decent for fishing and of course replenishing water supplies. The north side of the road is accessible but a SUV or truck is recommended. From the KM 16 Road:

• bear north (right) along the Adrian Lake Road for 0.4 km.

• bear north (right) for 0.5 km. to Glenwater Road

• follow Glenwater Road north

• at 0.2 km. bear west (left) at Shabaqua Road (unmarked)

• follow Shabaqua Road west

• at 2.0 km. bear north (right) and continue on the Shabaqua Road

• at 2.3 km. bear north (right)

• continue north for 4.0 km. to Matawin River bridge

Section 5 - Matwin River to Shabaqua (6.5 km)

The Shabaqua Road north of the Matawin River bridge is accessible by vehicle from Highway 11/17. It is recommended to use a SUV or truck. The south end of this section is a rarely used forest access road. The north end is more active, eventually connecting to township roads and Highway 11/17. Parking is available at the Mataiwin River bridge. For parking at Shabaqua, ask the owners of the restaurant for permission to park there. From the Matawin River bridge:

• continue north for 0.1 km.

• bear east (right) at the intersection

• continue on Shabaqua Road northerly for 3.5 km. to intersection (Haner Road)

• continue northerly for 1.2 km. to Shebandowan River bridge

• continue on Shabaqua Road northerly for 1.7 km.

• at intersection bear right (north) continue on Shabaqua Road 1 km. to Shabaqua (Highway 11/17)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Back-packing (multi-day hiking): 

Backpacking combines hiking with wilderness camping, in which you carry your life on your back as you traverse through diverse landscapes. It requires careful planning and self-sufficiency, as you’ll be spending one or several nights under the stars, far from modern conveniences. 

Below is a Trail Mileage Chart for the Shabaqua Trail to assist in your hike planning. You can also access an up to date mileage chart here. You can shorten and adjust your planned hike to suit your needs.

SINGLE DAY THRU-HIKE:

Trail Distance: 45 km.

Start location: east trailhead Kakabeka Falls, ON (48.39838, -89.70080)

End location: west trailhead Shabaqua, ON (48.59329, -89.88872)

Notes: 

• limited parking at east trailhead (Highway 590/Sovereign Road)

• limited parking west trailhead (Shabaqua)

• trail follows township roads, snowmobile trails, old unused/lightly used logging roads, and new trails

• highest trail elevation 558 m./1,830 ft. (48.46342, -89.83055)

• waterfall viewing/swimming at Matawin River

• exercise caution - anticipate active logging operations, automobiles, atvs.

2 DAY SECTION HIKE (multi-single day)

Trail Distance: 45 km/28 mi

1st section: 23.2 km/14.4 mi. 

Start location: east trailhead Kakabeka Falls, ON (48.39838, -89.70080)

End location: KM 13 Road (48.47923, -89.86288)

Notes: 

• limited parking at east trailhead

• limited parking on Adrian Lake Road at KM 13.6 - trail is 0.6 km. east of Adrian Lake Road

• trail follows township roads, snowmobile trails, old unused/lightly used logging roads, and new trails

• highest trail elevation 558 m./1,830 ft. (48.46342, -89.83055)

• exercise caution - anticipate active logging operations, automobiles, atvs.

2nd section: 21.8 km/13.6 mi.

Start location: KM 13 Road at Adrian Lake Road (48.47923, -89.86288)

End location: west trailhead Shabaqua ON (48.59329, -89.88872)

Notes: 

• limited parking at KM 13 road/Adrian Lake Road - trail is 0.6 km. from Adrian Lake Road

• limited parking west trailhead (Shabaqua)

• trail follows township roads, snowmobile trails, old unused/lightly used logging roads, and new trails

• exercise caution - anticipate active logging operations, automobiles, atvs.

2 DAY BACK-PACK HIKE (overnight):

Trail Distance: 45 km/28 mi

Day 1: 23.2 km/14.4 mi. 

Start location: east trailhead Kakabeka Falls, ON (48.39838, -89.70080)

End location: KM 13 Road (48.47923, -89.86288)

Notes: 

• limited parking at east trailhead

• limited parking on Adrian Lake Road at KM 13.6 - trail is 0.6 km. east of Adrian Lake Road

• trail follows township roads, snowmobile trails, old unused/lightly used logging roads, and new trails

• exercise caution - anticipate active logging operations, automobiles, atvs.

• highest trail elevation 558 m./1,830 ft. (48.46342, -89.83055)

Day 2: 21.8 km/13.6 mi.

Start location: KM 13 Road at Adrian Lake Road (48.47923, -89.86288)

End location: west trailhead Shabaqua ON (48.59329, -89.88872)

Notes: 

• limited parking at KM 13 road/Adrian Lake Road - trail is 0.6 km. from Adrian Lake Road

• limited parking west trailhead (Shabaqua)

• trail follows township roads, snowmobile trails, old unused/lightly used logging roads, and new trails

• waterfall viewing/swimming at Matawin River

• exercise caution - anticipate active logging operations, automobiles, atvs.