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  for reports and advisories &  for videos. |  E-mail
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| The more than 50 kilometres of trails centred around Spectacle Lakes, and taking in Bear and Burnetts mountains, are located 20 km west of Barry's Bay (Ontario) along the Hwy 60 (Algonquin Route) corridor and 31 km east of Algonquin Park. The trails are accessed from 5 trailheads as indicated on the trail map. Vehicle parking is only available along shoulders of public roadways — exercise vigilant caution. Trails are not recommended for recreational use during HUNTING SEASON (check Notices for dates). 
 The 50-kilometre trail network is comprised of three interconnected sectors, namely – Bear Mountain,The sectors are delineated on the downloadable and printable maps.
 Type of activity use for each trail is based on requirement to minimize ecological damage and to conform with land-use guidelines from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry.
The table below identifies the authorized activity use for each trail. Download version of trail activity use table (JPG).
Immediately below are maps with trail season-use symbols.  Hiking and bicycling (off-road non-motorized) are permitted on designted trails as per Activity Use Chart at right. Map with symbols indicating permitted activity on particular trails. Download version (high resolution) JPG image or PNG image.
 (PDF version of Bulletin)
 Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (backcountry style) are permitted on designted trails as per Activity Use Chart at right. Map with symbols indicating permitted activity on particular trails. Download version (high resolution) JPG image or PNG image.
Extensive snowmobiling activity in Burnetts Mountain sector precludes use of these trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Trails in the other sectors are ungroomed — use is for back-country type of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Only advanced skiers should make use of these trails. The back-country trails are not mechanically groomed, and the deeper snow found there can make skiing conditions considerably difficult. For your safety, we recommend that you carry a small first aid kit, extra clothing, a snack and trail map. Do not snowshoe or ski alone, ensure that someone knows your itinerary and carry some means of communication. Cell phone service is now available in the area.  The trail network was designed to provide links between all the primary trails. This allows the user to plan a couple of hours on the trail or make it an all-day outing, and to take just a short jaunt or a more vigorous endeavour covering as many kilometres you care to do. All trails have vantage points offering stupendous panoramic views in all seasons. See photo gallery to get a taste of what awaits you.  Names were assigned to the trails to reflect geographic location, geologic feature or animals and birds observed along route. Maurice's Dream honours the trail network's visionary and Ramblers Way in homage to the trail-builders.   Trail names carved in wood are mounted at all junctions, with arrows indicating direction of trail. Coloured discs mark the route of trail, with colour for each trail matching that shown on the map.
 There are 5 access trailheads to the trail network. Sign combination "SLBM TRAILS" & "USE AT OWN RISK" marks the trailheads.
 A variety of interactive and static maps are available to be viewed, and trail maps can be downloaded into an electronic device or printed. Quick-link to season-use trail maps for download or printing. > Non-winter | > Winter
 Take a quick tour featuring highlights of sights and activities on the trail network by watching this slideshow. For a more comprehensive view of the trails through the four seasons go to the photo gallery.  Virtual Tour (functions best in desktop mode)  Take a self-directed virtual hike on the trails to satiate your curiosity of what awaits you. The virtual hike can be a useful tool to plan the route(s) of your next hike on the trails.
(functions best in desktop mode)  A wide selection of videos are posted on the SLBM Trails YouTube channel featuring actual hikes on the various trails through the four seasons.  The videos were recorded in 2.7K HD and, when viewed on large monitors, give the sensation (3D effect) that you are actually hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing along the trails. The videos can complement the above virtual hike utility as a planning tool to map out your next adventure on the SLBM Trails.
 A brochure with trail map is now available through, inter alia, visitor information centres, selected tourist facility operators, outdoor equipment and gear retailers, and recreation service providers in the Ottawa and Madawaska valleys. See Links for list of locations where brochure is currently available (indicated by **).
 To help you plan a visit to enjoy the trails here are calendars for (year link image PNG file & print link PDF file)
 There are four distinct seasons in the Madawaska Highlands and Upper Madawaska Basin. For current weather conditions and forecasts check out the Weather page.
 To plan an extended visit to the Madawaska region check out the Links page for leads on other trails, meals, accommodations, activities, etc.  Got a question or comment? Go to
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