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Greater Madawaska

Attractions and Places To See around Greater Madawaska - Top 13

Best attractions and places to see around Greater Madawaska, a township in Renfrew County, Ontario, offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, mountains, and numerous lakes. The prominent Madawaska River flows through the area, historically significant for lumbering and now providing opportunities for water activities. This region presents a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best attractions and places to see around Greater Madawaska

  • The most popular attractions is Eagle's Nest Lookout, a viewpoint that offers expansive views and can be accessed via a short walk from Calabogie Road. It is also a notable spot for hikers.
  • Another must-see spot is K & P Trail: Renfrew to Calabogie, a flat gravel trail on an old rail bed. This trail is ideal for cycling and hiking, offering secluded stretches with wildlife, lakes, and forests.
  • Visitors also love Turtle Pond, a quiet spot surrounded by trees and low wetland plants. It is a peaceful place to take a break and enjoy the atmosphere along a trail.
  • Greater Madawaska is known for its extensive network of trails, numerous lakes, and the historic Madawaska River. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural viewpoints to cultural sites.
  • The attractions around Greater Madawaska are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 20 upvotes and over 20 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Eagle's Nest Lookout

Highlight • Viewpoint

Really nice view. I was not expecting a nice view like this the first time I visited. The lookout can be visited with a short walk from 508 road (Calabogie Rd.) or you can plan a loop and make it an extended walk/hike 🥾 if you park on Barrett Chute.

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K & P Trail: Renfrew to Calabogie

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Flat gravel trail on old rail bed. Surface overall great, some spots with loose gravel, deep holes or deep ATV tracks, but nothing too bad. Quite secluded, low traffic, wildlife, lakes, forest. Restaurants, shops, gas stations near both ends of the trail. Trail connects to the much longer Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (aka Algonquin Trail) in Renfrew and continues as K&P Trail south beyond Calabogie.

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Turtle Pond

Highlight • Lake

Turtle Pond is a lovely, quiet spot surrounded by trees and low wetland plants. It’s a wonderful place to take a break and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before continuing along the trail.

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California Road

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

California Road is a legendary local gravel riding marvel. About 6.5km long, fairly flat and rnning mostly through forest, it's an unmaintained dirt road, that can be somewhat muddy in places, some parts of the year. Features several crown land camp opportunities along it or nearby.

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Segment of the amazing Pakenham to Peterborough Hydro cut. This segment is not too hilly but it's quite sandy and can be quite wet in the lower parts. Definitely min 40mm tyres. Also, be careful during hunting seasons - there's active hunting going on in the area, so bright yellow outerwear would be ideal. (I hear some rifle shots that were a bit too close for comfort and talked to hunters when reaching Bellamy Rd and they said it was dangerous to be in the area without a bright orange top)

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Popular around Greater Madawaska

Hiking around Greater Madawaska

Cycling around Greater Madawaska

Gravel biking around Greater Madawaska

Running Trails around Greater Madawaska

Tips from the Community

Sue
October 29, 2025, Turtle Pond

Turtle Pond is a lovely, quiet spot surrounded by trees and low wetland plants. It’s a wonderful place to take a break and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before continuing along the trail.

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Calabogie Brewery

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Super beautiful with great energy!

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Views are amazing after emerging from the forest.

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We started out in Renfrew today and headed to Calabogie for lunch. Ended up turning around about 10km into the trip. They have recently graded the trail. Lots of loose gravel and large stones, double the size of a person's fist. We loved the trail last year. Will have to try it again later in the season.

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GBTC
November 10, 2022, Eagle's Nest Lookout

Really nice view. I was not expecting a nice view like this the first time I visited. The lookout can be visited with a short walk from 508 road (Calabogie Rd.) or you can plan a loop and make it an extended walk/hike 🥾 if you park on Barrett Chute.

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Ivan K
August 25, 2021, California Road

Highly recommend. During my summer ride, road was completely dry. I didn't pass anyone along the way but could be busy on weekends with ATV guys.

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abcschuetze
November 9, 2020, California Road

California Road is a legendary local gravel riding marvel. About 6.5km long, fairly flat and rnning mostly through forest, it's an unmaintained dirt road, that can be somewhat muddy in places, some parts of the year. Features several crown land camp opportunities along it or nearby.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best outdoor activities to enjoy around Greater Madawaska?

Greater Madawaska offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore trails like the K & P Trail: Renfrew to Calabogie, which is excellent for cycling and hiking. The Madawaska River is perfect for boating, canoeing, fishing, and even whitewater rafting. In winter, Calabogie Peaks Resort offers skiing and snowshoeing, while summer provides hiking opportunities on Manitou Mountain.

Are there any scenic viewpoints or natural landmarks worth visiting?

Absolutely. The most popular scenic spot is Eagle's Nest Lookout, offering spectacular views after a short walk from Calabogie Road. Other notable areas include the Manitou Trail, which provides breathtaking vistas of Manitou Mountain and Red Arrow Rock, and the Cherry Point Picnic Area with outstanding views of the Madawaska River.

What kind of hiking trails can I find in Greater Madawaska?

Greater Madawaska boasts diverse hiking trails. For a challenging experience with stunning views, try the Griffith Uplands Trail, a 10 km loop across four mountains. The Manitou Trail offers a medium difficulty 9 km hike through pine forests. For easier options, the Madawaska Nordic Trail provides 18 km of gentle paths, and you can find more easy hikes in our Easy hikes around Greater Madawaska guide.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the area?

Yes, families can enjoy several spots. Turtle Pond is a quiet, peaceful spot perfect for a break during a walk. Many of the lakes, such as White Lake and Centennial Lake, offer opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and gentle water activities. The K&P Trail is also suitable for family bike rides on its flat gravel surface.

What historical or cultural sites can I explore in Greater Madawaska?

The region is rich in history, particularly tied to the Madawaska River, which was vital for early inhabitants and lumbering. While the historic Black Donald Village is now submerged, you can visit Burnstown, a charming hamlet from the 1800s known for its local art and artisans. The Hydro Dam Road also offers a view of the impressive Mountain Chute Hydro Dam, a significant part of the river's modern history.

Where can I go cycling or mountain biking?

Cyclists have excellent options. The K & P Trail: Renfrew to Calabogie is a flat gravel trail ideal for cycling. For gravel riding enthusiasts, California Road is a popular 6.5 km unmaintained dirt road through the forest. Additionally, the area features an extensive network of ATV trails that can be used for mountain biking, offering scenic routes on abandoned rail lines and forest roads. Explore more routes in our Cycling around Greater Madawaska guide.

What is the best time of year to visit Greater Madawaska?

Greater Madawaska is a year-round destination. Summer is ideal for water activities on the lakes and river, hiking, and cycling. Fall offers stunning foliage, making it a beautiful time for scenic drives and hikes. In winter, Calabogie Peaks Resort becomes a hub for skiing, snowshoeing, and pond skating, while trails like the Madawaska Nordic Trail are perfect for cross-country skiing.

Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' attractions in the area?

Beyond the main highlights, consider exploring the extensive network of ATV trails for a unique way to see the scenic beauty of the region's forests and abandoned rail lines. Geocaching is also a popular activity, with over 70 geocache sites offering a fun way to discover hidden spots by walking, hiking, riding, or paddling.

What water activities are available on the Madawaska River and local lakes?

The Madawaska River is excellent for boating, canoeing, fishing, and even whitewater rafting in certain sections. The township is home to numerous lakes, including White Lake, Centennial Lake, Black Donald Lake, and Calabogie Lake, which provide opportunities for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

What do visitors enjoy most about Greater Madawaska?

Visitors consistently praise the stunning natural beauty and the variety of outdoor activities. The expansive views from Eagle's Nest Lookout are a particular favorite, often described as unexpectedly beautiful. The peaceful atmosphere of spots like Turtle Pond and the secluded nature of trails like the K & P Trail are also highly appreciated.

Are there any provincial parks in Greater Madawaska?

Yes, Greater Madawaska is home to Centennial Lake Provincial Park and Matawatchan Provincial Park. These parks offer natural areas to explore and enjoy the outdoors, providing opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing the region's natural beauty.

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Hiking around Greater Madawaska

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