View of the Lower Madawaska River near Crooked Rapids

Explore Lower Madawaska River’s South Side

Date:
Time:
Calendar:

Location: Near Griffith at the border of Renfrew County and Addington Highlands

Join us for a gorgeous hike along the less-travelled south side of the Madawaska River. We’ll follow an easy gravel and dirt trail over creeks, past wetlands and through mature forest to a scenic spot near Crooked Rapids. Protected as part of the Lower Madawaska Provincial Park, you’ll get a close-up view of the river’s stunning geology, native plants like cardinal flower and white turtlehead, rare liverworts, abundant birds and maybe even otters. This is your chance to explore the Lower Mad without running the rapids!

Hike is 5 kilometers total out and back, with gradual ups and downs leading to a short side trail to the river. We’ll stop near Crooked Rapids for lunch and spend some time exploring the site, one of the prettiest spots along the Mad.

sculpted rocks along the south bank of the Lower Madawaska River
A rocky island at Crooked Rapids on the Lower Madawaska River
Cardinal flowers in bloom along the Lower Madawaska River
Bay-breasted warbler with a green caterpillar in its beak along the Lower Madawaska River
Meadow katydid near Crooked Rapids on the Lower Madawaska River

Hikers should pack snacks, lunch and lots of water. We will take a lunch break mid-hike. Dress for the weather and bring sun, rain and bug protection; long pants or hiking gaiters are recommended. As always, be aware of ticks and poison ivy.

Activity Level3 – Moderate 
Duration:Five hours
Distance:5 kilometers
Elevation Gain:50 meters 
Price:$50 per person

There is no rain date and the hike will proceed as scheduled unless we experience inclement weather such as thunderstorms or high winds. If it is cancelled, you will have the option to book an alternate outing or receive a refund. Please see the Upland Booking and Cancellation Policy for details.

To start your registration, please fill out the form below. You will receive email notification when it is submitted. See under the form for more info on booking.

Browse calendar icon

Browse our calendar or list of events to find the location, time and adventure level that fits you. Search for your special interest, or read trip reports to see what past events were like.

Fill in registration form icon

Fill in the form on the hike listing and click Submit. We’ll send an email when your form is received. Note: Registrations are not confirmed until we receive your payment. See step 3!

send e-transfer icon

Send an e-transfer in the amount stated on the form to the address info@uplandnature.com. Please note we use Interac Autodeposit. You will receive email confirmation of payment.

If you haven’t signed the Upland waiver, we’ll send you a digital copy to sign in advance. Or, you can print, sign and bring it with you to the hike. Please note: All attendees must submit a signed waiver each year in order to participate in Upland hikes.

For more information on bookings, please see the Upland Booking and Cancellation Policy.

For other questions, please see the Frequently Asked Questions.

Calendars
Days of the Week
Time of Day
List
Grid
Plain
View of wetlands from California Road, Lanark County

California Road, Lanark

at calendar-day
A view of Limestone Lake in Greater Madawaska

Limestone Lake Trail

at calendar-day
view of the trail at Aird Creek MapleCross Nature Reserve

Free Hike: Aird Creek MapleCross Nature Reserve

at calendar-day