A Picture Perfect Fall Hike Awaits Outdoor Adventurers In Nipigon

hike for health stairs
 

Great views of Lake Superior and spectacular fall colours are among the reasons that you may want sign up for the 18th annual"Hike for Health" on the picturesque Nipigon River Recreation Trail from Nipigon to Red Rock. The trail is the venue for the annual  “Hike for Health”  a community fundraising event for the two Superior north shore communities held each year on the last Saturday in September! This year - Saturday September 26.

And don't forget to bring your camera as the pictures you take will be postcard perfect.

This annual event held every year on the last Saturday of September is a run/hike along the scenic Nipigon River Recreation Trail that connects the neighbouring towns of Nipigon and Red Rock on Lake Superior's north shore. 2014 will mark the 17th anniversary of this long running fundraiser that provides funding for maintenance of trail along with supporting other community charities.


The hike co-hosted by the Land of the Nipigon Waterways and the Nipigon Rotary Club is a charity fundraiser raising monies for local and area needs.The fall event attracts participants from across the region including Thunder Bay which is only just over an hour's drive east on the Trans Canada Highway.

hike for health scenicview


The event is held along a 10 km rugged trail where hikers enjoy spectacular views from three lookouts overlooking Nipigon Bay on Lake Superior near the start of the hike from Red Rock. Later hikers face a challenge of a flight of stairs leading to a more relaxed trek on the leisurely portion of the trail beside the Nipigon River and its wetlands heading to finish at the Nipigon Marina. The trail is part of both the Trans Canada Trail as well as the Voyageur Trail systems and is one of the top scenic trails in Northwestern Ontario so once again, don’t forget to bring your camera!

hike for health river

The day begins at 8AM with registration at the Nipigon trailhead at the marina. The shuttle to Red Rock leaves at 9AM, where hikers are greeted with a free continental breakfast hosted by the Red Rock Fish and Game Club. The hike starts at 10AM at the Red Rock trailhead. Bring your water bottle as water stations are found along the hike, and a free lunch and entertainment greet the hikers at trail's end in Nipigon starting at noon. If you want to run the trail, the start time is 8:15AM and runners return to Red Rock on the same trail.

hike for health start

There are tons of prizes for pledges over $50 with top prizes going to the person who raises the most money. There are early bird prizes as well but pledge forms need to be received by the entry deadline date to qualify. Registration costs for the 2013 event were $25/adults and $10/children 14 and under.

This is a family affair; hikers from as young as three to over eighty years old have taken part in the hike. Dogs are also welcome to join the fun but must be on a leash. Sturdy footwear recommended.

More information on the hike as well as pledge forms can be found on the Hike for Health website.

We hope you will mark the date September 27 on your calendar and join the annual Hike for Health. See you on the trail!

About Kirsten Spence

Kirsten is a freelance writer living in Northwestern Ontario near the shores of Lake Superior where her passion for the outdoors has led to amazing discoveries in the area.  Kirsten has worked for many Not-for-Profit trail organizations in Ontario including Trans Canada Trail, The Park-to-Park Trail Association and volunteers with many other regional trail groups to develop trails.  She is an avid hiker, beekeeper and gardener amongst many hobbies.  Kirsten lives outside of Thunder Bay, ON with her husband Jim on their hobby farm - Hurkett Hill Farm.  Her passion for self-sustainability and homesteading has brought back a simpler life of hard work and rewarding lifestyle.  

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