SLBM is an acronym for Spectacle Lakes (SL), Bear Mountain (BM) and Burnetts Mountain (BM), which are the three defining sections of the trail network.

The trails are on crown land with permission of the Ontario Ministry of Natrual Resources & Forestry.

There is no one entity that formally owns the trails. The trail network was designed and installed by the MT Group as a millennial project.

No public funds were utilized to install the trails.

Yes.

MT Group volunteers conduct an annual inspection and maintenance of the trails in the spring — early May.

Users can help to identify maintenance issues at other times of the year by
    >  e-mail: slbmtrails@gmail.com or
    >  use the convenient e-mail response form on Feedback page.
Please be specific as to location and nature of maintenance required.

The trails are intended for public use by individuals who enjoy outdoor (non-motorized) recreation, have a healthy respect for nature (flora & fauna) and are ecology-minded.

WARNING: Use trails at own risk.

No.

Use of the trails is on the honour system — there are no daily patrols.

WARNING: Use trails at own risk.

Yes.

To conform with land-use guidelines from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and to fulfill requirement to minimize ecological damage a Trail-use Guide has been developed.

Garbage — pack it out ! Respect for nature means leaving it as you found it.

Yes.

As the trails are in their natural state (uneven surfaces) it is important for your safety to have appropriate attire, footwear, equipment, etc. Following are recommendations.

• Loose fitting clothing to facilitate ease of movement.
• Sturdy hiking footwear (no street shoes, runners, etc.).
• Hiking poles or walking stick.
• Plenty of drinkable water or other thirst-quenching fluids.

Consult bulletins on Information Bulletins page for more info and guidance — Hiker Equipment for the Trail & Summer Hike Survival.

Old logging, mining and homestead roads were minimally rehabilitated and incorporated as backbone to trail network.

Foot trails devised to resemble herd trails — surfaces left as is (no grading).

Trail routes marked with colour disks and no trees were removed to create wide swaths.

Trail routing avoided sensitive vegetation and areas that would be prone to excessive erosion.

The trail network straddles Hwy 60 (Algonquin Route) between Barry's Bay and Madawaska. Eastern side of network is 14 km west of Barry's Bay and Western side is 31 km east of Algonquin Park East Gate.

See location map.

For directions see interactive road map.

There are five access points to the trail network.

See trail map. More detail on trailhead access points here.

Vehicle parking is only available along shoulders of public roadways. Park well off to right on shoulder.

Exercise vigilant caution when exiting and entering your parked motor vehicle.

Obey all posted provincial and municipal road signs.

There are winter parking restrictions imposed by the Township of South Algonquin. Refer to Bulletin 2023-01 for information and guidance — (1) PDF version / (2) image version.

Check Notice Board to verify whether there are temporary changes to parking arrangements.

Yes — available in print and digital form. Go to Maps page.

Trail map and trail-use guide is also included with printed brochure.

Yes.

Full colour brochure (sample) includes trail map and trail-use guide.

Go to Links page for listing where free copy of SLBM Trails brochure is available for pickup (indicated by **).

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