Hiking along Duschenay Falls in North Bay

I had often passed through North Bay on my trips through the Nipissing region, but I had never really stopped there. During our recent road trip to Killarney Provincial Park, we therefore decided to take a break there, to stretch our legs and explore a few of the town’s trails. First stop: Duschenay Falls.

The Duschenay Falls trail network is conveniently accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 17). It is undoubtedly one of the most popular places for hiking in North Bay. The small parking lot was almost completely full when we stopped there on a Sunday afternoon.

Before starting my hike, I had looked at the trail map. I knew I wanted to see the falls, but I also wanted to make it to what appeared to be a lookout over Lake Nipissing. Once we arrived, my dog Suki and I set off on the trail, which gains elevation from the very first metres.

I was surprised by how quickly we reached the falls that gave their name to the trail. In fact, after a steep climb through the trees, we arrived at Duschenay Creek and the falls of the same name.

I think the falls may be more impressive in the spring, but the place was still pretty. The trail continues along the creek, offering several viewpoints of it. At one point, it is possible to cross it and follow a trail that runs along the other side. But as I mentioned earlier, I also wanted to make it to the lookout over Lake Nipissing, so I decided to say goodbye to the creek and take another trail to venture farther into the forest.

These trails are part of the trails on the Nipissing University campus. Several of its trails intersect, offering many different hiking options. I started by following the South Duschenay Valley Trail. It was narrow, but generally well maintained.

Then, we took the Rigormortis Trail. This trail is considered one of the most difficult in the area (with a name like that, it was to be expected). The trail is rocky and steep and gains elevation quickly. Yes, it is more difficult than the other trails we covered that day, but it didn’t seem all that bad to me.

We then took a short detour onto the Lookout Trail, which, as its name suggests, leads to the lookout offering a view of Lake Nipissing. I was a little disappointed by the view. Lake Nipissing is one of the largest lakes in Ontario (if we exclude the Great Lakes) and it is truly impressive. But the view was partly obstructed by trees and the lake was too far away for me to really appreciate how large it is.

After this detour, we continued our hike on the Siniikaa Trail, another narrow trail that allowed us to continue exploring the mixed forest in the area.

At the very end of the trail, we began to see the buildings of Nipissing University. After a few more metres on the South Duschenay Valley Trail, then on the Evergreen Stream Trail, we arrived on the university campus, where we decided to end our hike. In total, we covered 3 kilometres with an elevation gain of 169 metres.  The perfect activity before getting back on the road toward other adventures!