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Rushing River

Rushing River Provincial Park

Biking

Cycling on park roads is a great way to get around and an enjoyable way to explore the park. Visitors are reminded that Ontario law requires helmets to be worn by those 18 years old and younger, when biking on roads, including those in provincial parks.

Birding

Bird watchers will want to take to the trails to enjoy songbirds, warblers, sparrows, vireos and other species that call Rushing River home.

Boating

Two ramps, one on each side of the park, allow for convenient launching of boats and docking. Boaters are reminded that the channel is a posted no wake zone for public safety and protection of fragile shorelines.

Canoeing

Short term rentals, complete with delivery, are available from the privately operated Rushing River General Store, less than one kilometre south of the park. For those venturing out onto one of Eagle-Dogtooth Provincial Park’s canoe routes, the park rents canoes for a minimum of three days. These canoe routes begin at Rushing River Provincial Park and range in length from 32 kilometres to 103 kilometres. For more information on canoe routes, contact the park directly at (807)548-4351.

Discovery Program

Join Discovery staff at an Exploration Station during the months of July and August. Bring along your Discovery Activity Book (or pick one up at the Exploration Station), and use the equipment and materials provided to explore the park, observe plants and animals, and discover the wonders of nature. Be sure to share your observations with park staff! For more information keep an eye out for weekly calendar of events posted throughout the park.

Fishing

Rushing River is a popular destination for fishing. Dogtooth Lake is home to walleye, pike, Smallmouth Bass and Lake Trout. Fishing licences are available from the Rushing River General Store outside the park.

Hiking

Beaver Pond Trail - 1.1 km loop, 45 minutes, easy
This short loop trail starts next to campsite #102 and takes hikers to a quiet beaver pond full of fragrant water lilies. It’s an excellent trail to see forest songbirds, Great Blue Herons, a host of flowering plants and wildlife. Plan an early morning or evening stroll when the birds and shoreline wildlife are most active.

Granite Knoll Trail 2.7 km loop, 1.5 hours, moderate
This trail meanders along the shoreline of Dogtooth Lake over millions of years of geological history and then swings back through open Jack Pine forest and over gnarly granite hummocks. See a forest that burned once and will surely burn again and hear the songs of warblers, sparrows and vireos that make the forest home.

Lower Rapids Trail 1.8 km loop, 1 hour, easy
This scenic loop trail begins at the entrance parking lot on Highway 71. It follows what may be an old portage around the rapids and waterfalls. Watch for waterfowl on the river and listen for the call of the Green Frog and the almost constant singing of the Red-eyed Vireo.

Pine Ridge Trail 500m linear, easy
This short trail starts at the main day use area and travels the ridge towards the Park Office and exit. Explore the ridge of tall Red Pine trees and take some time to look out over the campsites below. As always, wear proper footwear, bring your camera and enjoy the walk.

Swimming

Rushing River has four sandy beaches with excellent swimming areas, all of which have a shallow roped-off section, ideal for children.

Winter Activities

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Rushing River under a blanket of snow. Parking, washroom and picnic shelter facilities are available next to the rapids.
Winter day use permits may be purchased at the park’s self-serve fee station.

Cross-country skiing
Eighteen kilometres of groomed skate and classic cross-country ski trails await your discovery, with offerings for both beginners and experts alike. A map of the park’s ski trails is available online.

Snowshoeing
Visitors can explore the park’s hiking trails on foot or by snowshoe. There are no designated snowshoeing trails.