Walking Path

At one time it was possible to walk all the way around the Lake just above the high water mark. Over the years this fell out of fashion as focus changed. As a result many cottagers adopted the space with their own projects to the point that many folks do not remember when the trail was a busy footpath. In the more undeveloped areas, the path quickly became impassable due to a lack of maintenance and numerous treefalls.

Shortly after being formed, The Davidson Lake Association undertook to reopen the trail in the area that has been least developed as a wilderness/conservation walking path. Through the hard efforts of a number of volunteers over the last several years this 3 kilometer path has been cleaned out, deadfalls removed, short walk ways and several small bridges over water ways have been put in place. Each year a small work party cruises the trail to remove debris from the fall, winter and spring storms and conduct minor improvements such as the placement of a picnic table near the old beaver lodge in 2016.

In 2024, the Association hosted a ‘name that trail’ competition, naming three of the main trails to officially be part of our history.  Work continues to create new, and maintain existing trails.  Keep an eye out for our next trail grooming event and join us to help out!

Accessing the Trail

On the north side the trail begins at the end of Carlin Lane where it dead ends at Rick Boyd’s shed/garage. Swing to the right up the tractor trail and then bear left at the sign, this will take you through a small clearing facing the lake and follow the wilderness trail in through the woods immediately alongside the lake.

On the south side proceed along Sandy Cove Lane until you reach the Sandy Cove Bible Camp where you will need to bear left onto Loon Lane. Shortly (200m) after this you take the first road to the left where there is a trail sign.  After another 150m you should see a sign on your right which indicates the beginning of the wilderness trail.  Cars can park in the wide area on Sandy Cove Lane at the Bible Camp.

What you may see

Most of the wilderness trail will take you through old growth Acadian Forest which is becoming rarer every year as forest industries harvest mature stand of woods. Trees to be seen include White Pine, Eastern Hemlock, Balsam Fir, Eastern White Cedar, Maples and Birches.   Some of the smaller plants include Hazelnut, Purple Irises and Lady’s Slippers.

Birds – Larger birds that have been seen in this area include: Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Bard Owls, Sharp Shinned Hawks, Great Blue Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers and Loons, various ducks but mostly Mallards. On the smaller side you may see Chickadees, White and Red Breasted Nuthatches, Pine Siskins, American Gold and Purple Finches, Juncos, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers and Ruby Throated Humming birds.

Animals – On occasions Moose and Whitetail Deer are seen along the shore line particularly around dusk or just after dawn. Resident Beaver can be sometimes be seen and it is not unusual to see otters in the late winter early spring. The normal residents usually consist of Rabbits, Weasels, Coyotes, Mink, Red Squirrels and various Mice and Voles. Rarer sightings have been made of Pine Martin and Fishers.

Our trails are accessible summer and winter.  In the summer, you can walk along the lake, or take a wander along the brook.  Please note the brook trail can be a little boggy at times.

In the winter, there are several options for snowshoes to enjoy.  We’re very proud of our trail system and hope you enjoy our efforts to maintain this preserved part of our lake.