Kukagami Lodge Ski Trails

 

Yellow Brick Road 7 km - moderate    This is the trail you ski in on.  It winds through a great variety of wildlife habitats and forest types.  Some of the tracks found on this trail include weasel, lynx, fox, wolf, moose, hare, partridge, otter, squirrel, mice, and marten.  Also notable along the trail are the remains of mining activities dating back to the 1890's.  The cabin was for prospectors working in the late 20's.  The head frame, ore car and shaft at Fortune Lake also date back to this era.

 

Red Fox Trail 8 km - moderate   Follow the YBR backwards for the first 4 km, then loop back on the Red Fox.  After crossing the Bear Trail intersection (about a kilometer out), the trail skirts a swamp at the south end of Kukagami Lake.  Watch for the few, tall, old white pines towering over the younger pine and spruce forest just after you leave the lake.  There are a couple of good hills on the return run.

 

Old Mill Trail  4.5 km - moderately difficult    A few interesting hills grace this trail.  A large stand of oak at the top of the second hill also has a few ancient white pines.   At the mill site, you'll see a large wooden artifact.  What is it?   The foundation for the mill is off to the left side of the trail, just before the trail turns away from the pond.

Sugar Bush Loop  1 km - easy    This trail leaves the Old Mill Trail at about the halfway point.  It will take you into our Sugar Bush, where we spent late March boiling sap to make Sunday morning's maple syrup.  It is a beautiful mature maple forest, with a scattering of huge, old yellow birch.

 

Porcupine Trail  1 km - moderate      This trail starts behind the sauna, crosses the swamp out back, then climbs a very steep hill to the top of the cliff.  Here is a good view of the lake and the lodge area. Use this trail as a scenic beginning to the Old Mill trail.

 

Bear Trail  6 km - very difficult    The Bear Trail was designed to climb and glide over as many hills as Allan could find.  The hills are steep, long and fast.  Recommended for very good skiers only.   This trail intersects with most of the other trails.  Turn left at any intersection for a quick return to the lodge.

Bear trail is labeled in numbered sections.  Ski “Bear 2” to see an amazing view of the south end of the lake.

Heron Loop  4 km - moderate   This loop takes off from the last part of the Bear Trail, about a half km from the lodge.  It tours some lowland areas where you are likely to see otter tracks and their tunnels into the watercourses.  Don’t forget!  The return to the lodge is on the Bear 6!

 

Bunny Trail  1 km - very easy    A fine introduction to night skiing.  No hills.  The Bunny takes off from the Old Mill Trail at the swamp, and skirts the edge of the cliff where the porcupine used to live. 

It comes out behind the lodge, on the lake.  Ask Kate to guide an “Ice Cave” tour!

 

Loon Trail   2½ km  - very easy    When lake conditions are good, Allan sets a track along the edge of our bay, on the lake.  This is a wonderful trail to warm up or cool down.  Also very nice for a night ski.

 

Snowshoe Trails:

Feel free to borrow a pair of snowshoes at any time.  Just let us know which direction you are headed!

On snowshoes, you are not limited to following a trail – go wherever you like!  The two official snowshoe trails let you get out deep into the woods.             Please do not snowshoe on top of the ski tracks.

 

Red Pine Trail  3.5 km - The first half takes you deep into the woods, then along the top of the ridge, winding through some very beautiful forests.  After a couple of downhills and up again, the trail comes out at a high point at the end of the bay.  There are some beautiful views as the trail curves back down toward the lake.  Return on the trail or the lake.                   Allow at least 2 hours to do the whole trail.

 

Grey Wolf Trail  8 km – A gentle climb through open birch and poplar forests, and up to the Scenic Outlook.  From there, the trail turns back into the forest: deep spruce then more open hardwoods.

When you come out at the Luggage Trail you can use it to return to the lodge, or continue on the Wolf Trail.  It goes through varied forests and downhill to a pond where you will find the ruins of an old cabin.  From there, follow the watercourse north, and back to the lodge.  Many animal tracks can be found, especially along the edge of the waterway.                         Allow at least 3-4 hours to do the whole trail.

Use the Luggage Trail to make your own loops in conjunction with the Wolf Trial.  Take a map so you know which way to return to the lodge!  (look for green/white arrows)    Always tell us where you are going!

 

Luggage Trail   We use the snowmachine on this trail to bring in supplies - and your luggage!  It is usually hard-packed, which makes it nice for walking on, with or without snowshoes.