Field Trail
Quick Facts
Difficulty | easy |
Trail Type | linear |
Distance | 600 m |
Estimated Time | 15 minutes one way |
Surface Type | old road, wood chips |
Elevation Change | 22 meters |
Features | lookout tower, fields |
Trail Markers | none but easy to follow |
Scenery Rating | special features |
Maintenance Rating | well maintained |
Cell Reception | strong |
Dog Friendly | on a leash |
Fees | donations accepted |
Directions
For directions to the park go to the Daly Point Nature Reserve page.
The Field Trail can be accessed from the visitor centre. This trail is used to access all of the other trails in the park.
Map
Description
The Field Trail is the main access trail to all the other trails in the reserve. It bisects the reserve from the visitor centre to the water's edge. The start of the trail is lined with young birch and interpretive signs. The trail is surrounded by an old field that is in various states of being overtaken by bushes.
There is a shelter with benches and a lookout tower along the trail. The lookout tower overlooks a young aspen stand on a hill that descends to Bathurst Bay.
From the Sign
What to do if you encounter a bear...
- When hiking, stay alert and carry noisemakers such as bells or cans with rocks inside.
- Be especially alert when travelling during strong gusting winds as most animals will not be able to hear or smell you in advance.
- Always keep young children within sight.
- If a bear woofs, snaps its jaws, slaps the ground or bush or bluff charges: YOU ARE TOO CLOSE! Back away slowly. Go inside if possible and wait for the bear to leave. Do no let your dog loose.
- Make loud noise or throw something to scare it away.
- Speak in a loud voice so that the bear recognizes you as a human. Do not scream, whistle or growl at the bear.
- Back slowly away from the animal. Do not turn your back and keep bear in sight.
- If you are alone, raise your arms over your head and slowly wave them to appear larger and therefore more intimidating. If you are in a group, stay together - DON'T SPREAD OUT!
- Throw rocks or sticks at the animal.
- DO NOT CLIMB A TREE! All but the heaviest bears can easily climb almost any tree.
From the Sign
The Field Trail
The Field Trail runs through old fields that were farmed for over 300 years but are now reverting to forest. Plant succession takes several years. First grasses and herbaceous plants called "pioneer species" invade the bare ground. Next vines and shrubs take root, followed by pines and hardwoods. Watch for white-tailed deer grazing on a large variety of plants. They prefer a forest with small grassy openings. The patchy edge community is a good place to see warblers, sparrows and other songbirds as there is an abundance of food and nesting places.
Other Trails in this Park
Trail Last Hiked: March 25, 2017.
Page Last Updated: Dec. 16, 2018.