Hiking

Hirundo has over seven miles of trails through varied habitats. We invite the public to enjoy Hirundo's trails free of charge any day of the week between dawn and dusk.

Want to help maintain our trails? Join our volunteer team or make a donation at one of our on-site donation boxes or through the website by clicking HERE.

We'd love for you to leave us a review on Facebook or Google.

About our Trails

Beyond Gate 1, down the 1/2 mile long the dirt road, is the Pine Tree parking area that provides access to the Parker Reed Shelter, Lac D’or (Lake of Gold), our universal all access trail, Trail of the Senses, several interpretive trails, and scenic hiking trails. Outhouses, picnic tables, benches, and a screened observation room are available here. Gate 2 provides access to several trails including the Needle and Leaf interpretive trail, outhouses, benches, and an old trapper's cabin. Gate 3 is the location of our Visitor Center, canoe/kayak launch, equipment rentals, and provides access to several trails.

Please note: trails beyond Gates 1 and 3 interconnect.

Waterproof shoes are recommended when hiking on the trails particularly in spring and after heavy rains. The Trail of the Senses, which is graded and packed gravel, is the only exception.

1/13

Trail of The Senses

Our Universal All Access Trail

Two trails, Pond (.5 mi) & Meadow (.15mi), created specifically for mobility & sensory impaired visitors to experience wilderness.

Wide, hard-packed, ADA accessible trails with guard rails.
Easy parking lot access, benches throughout trails & observation areas
Interpretive signage that encourage a multi-sensory exploration of nature.

Click to Learn more.

Pushaw Stream Trail – 0.9 miles:

This trail follows Pushaw stream for much of its length and connects Gate 1 & Gate 3 trailheads offering beautiful views of sparkling water. With moderately steep inclines, rolling up and down through the forest this trail offers views of Lac D'or as well as the stream and forest. This trail connects with Pond, White Pine and Conifer trails creating 0.9 - 1.7 mile loops (45-60 mins depending which route is taken.)

Please note: The beginning of this trail is rocky and has exposed tree roots. People with balance issues might find it difficult. During springtime and heavy, sustained rains this trail will flood.

Thorn Plum Trail – 0.3 miles:

The trail is named for the unique spiny and twisted thorn plum (Hawthorn) trees that populate this trail. Pass through dense thorn plum forest and come out into the field where you might catch glimpses of our swallows hunting and flying back to their nesting boxes.

Lady Slipper Trail– 0.8 miles:

The lady slipper trail can be accessed from both Gate 1 & 3 trailheads. Pass through the forest on a relatively flat trail.

Please note: During sustained, heavy rains large puddles will form, should this happen during freezing temperatures we recommend caution, and ice grippers.

Wabanaki Trail – 0.4 miles:

Take a walk down the Wabanaki trail and immerse yourself into the deep and rich history of our area. Our 'People of the Dawnland' signage recounts the story of the Wabanaki people who lived on this land and the findings from the Hirundo site, a 5000 year old campsite located along the trail. In addition to rich history, and lush vegetation this trail offers views of both muskrat and beaver lodges.

Please Note: parts of this trail flood in springtime, and trail may be closed at these times.

White Pine Trail – 0.3 miles:

This aptly named trail meanders through a thick forest of White Pines. Enjoy the scent of the pine, the cool air, and the feel of the soft moss covered rocks under-foot.

Please Note: Parts of this trail has exposed tree roots and bridging over wet areas. People with balance issues might find it difficult.

Conifer Trail – 0.3 miles:

This trail never seems to have a distinct trail path, giving it a sort of “wild” feel like you’re just wandering through the forest exploring, but don't worry it's abundantly marked and easy to follow. There is one small, but moderately steep hill about midway through the trail.

Please Note: parts of this trail can flood in springtime, or during heavy rains

Field to Forest Interpretive Trail

On this trail you will experience some of the various habitats of Hirundo including fields, mixed forests, pine grove, and a glacial moraine. Pass through the field studded with Tree Swallow nesting boxes, into the woods and over a moraine to a pine grove where the trail is blanked with soft pine needles. This trail passes the Big Spring, where you might hear frogs croak or spot a turtle, and returns back to open meadow. Interpretive signs along this trail highlight geological, wildlife, and ecological topics.

Please Note: Parts of this trail can be wet in the spring or after heavy rains.

Needle and Leaf Trail – 0.5 miles:

The Needle and Leaf Interpretive Trail leads you along a leaf covered path through varied forest areas where you will encounter signage on a variety of ecological topics.

Beech Trail – 0.9 miles:

This moderately hilly trail has both open and densely forested sections and offers an interesting view of the contrast between beech forest on one side, and hemlock on the other. Stop at the overlook about halfway down the trail.

Trapper's Trail – 1 mile:

Starting from the Gate 2 trailhead, the Trapper’s Trail is a wide open easy trail along an old logging road. Enjoy the sights and smells of hemlock and beech forest and catch a glimpse of a small trapper's hut at the end of the trail.

Hemlock Trail – 0.8 miles:

The Hemlock trail will lead you through dense hemlock forest, enjoy the quiet and stillness around you. Bridges will provide you access over a few wet spots on this trail.

Please note: The bridging along this trail is not always level and can be slippery if wet. As such it can be difficult for people with mobility or balance issues to navigate.