In what promises to be a natural adventure that began millions of years ago, the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority’s annual hike at the Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area will focus on two major geologic events that shaped our backyard.
The hike takes place this Friday, July 26.
“The Eau Claire Gorge and the Amable du Fond River were shaped by two geologic events – faults and glaciers," said Sue Buckle, NBMCA Manager Communications and Outreach. "Geologist Larry Dyke, whose passion for geology fostered a long career with the Geological Survey of Canada, will be our guest guide on this walk through the earth’s history,”
The 120 ha (400 acre) Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area is rich in history. The highlight of the 1.9km trail is the spectacular Amable du Fond River waterfall which drops 12m (40ft) through the 18m (60ft) high walls of the Gorge.
“Hundreds of millions of years ago, as the earth's crust cracked, the rock along these fault lines shifted. As the glacier moved through the area, it dug deep into the fractured rock moving it out of the fault zone leaving behind the steep-sided gorge known as the Eau Claire Gorge through which the Amable du Fond River flows,” said Buckle.
You can register for the hike, and reserve a seat on a bus which departs North Bay at 8:15 a.m. by calling NBMCA at 705-474-5420. The bus departs from the New Ontario Brewery, 1881 Cassells St. but you must call to reserve a seat.
Fee for the hike and bus are by donation; pay what you can. The hike, which begins at 9:30 am, is sponsored by Eagle Tree and Landscaping Services.
Portions of the trail are rugged and steep so you need to be reasonably fit, physically well and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the 1.5-hour hike.
The Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area is located in Calvin Township. From Highway 17, travel east towards Mattawa. Turn on Highway 630 and follow the signs. Entrance to Eau Claire Gorge is on the right (Graham Rd).
If you are meeting at the Gorge, call first to register. 705 474-5420.
