Riding Mountain - Gorge Creek

Gorgeous vistas and varied landsape in Riding Mountain National Park

Statistics

Directions

Head East out of Wasagaming on PTH #19. After a fairly enjoyable 25km drive through Apen forest and over several Beaver-filled creeks, you will arrive at the trailhead. It is on the North side of the road, directly across from the South Escarpment trail. It is clearly marked.

Details

This trail meanders along, up and down the slopes of the Manitoba escarpment. It crossed through areas of dense aspen forest, stands of ancient oaks and mature Birch/Maple forest. The terrain is highly varied, including damp forest floors, Bentonite hills and steep flakey shale 'cliffs'. There are man-made steps with ropes to hang on to for a few of the steeper climbs / descents, but not all. Water did not pose much of an obstacle on this trail as the bridges were sound and looked to be well maintained. Muddy conditions could make portions of this trail harder to trudge through. There is a long (2-3km) section of this trail that is HEAVILY flanked with Poison Ivy. Wear long pants - there is no avoiding it.

There are some lovely vistas to be found on this trail. Looking out over the escarpment onto the Manitoba plains, you can see the town of McCreary in the distance from portions of the trail.

There is no potable water along this trail. Pack enough for the journey.

It is possible to hike this trail one way (with a pickup at the other end) or to use this trail to access the North and South Escarpment trails.

There are some steep ascents and descents, which can be a bit challenging. None of them require climbing so for the most part, this trail is only moderately difficult.

Photographs

GPS Waypoints

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