Hiking Petroglyphs Provincial Park - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Petroglyphs Provincial Park: trails, map and practical info

Kawarthas Northumberland • Ontario

4.6 Appreciated by 2 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 19/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
30 ft
Duration
30min

A hidden gem in Southwest Ontario where hiking trails wind alongside the tranquil Cedar Creek through diverse ecosystems. 50 meters of elevation gain across well-maintained paths perfect for wildlife spotting and nature photography.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Petroglyphs Provincial Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

3 community photos

Available trails

Trails Distance Elevation Duration Difficulty GPX
10.02 km 256 m 2h30 GPX
Click a trail to see it on the map

Trail description

{
"operating_hours_section": "

The park operates seasonally from the second Friday in May to the second Monday of October. Operating hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm daily. The park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays in the spring and fall, with the exception of Holiday Mondays. No vehicle access is permitted after 4:00pm, and all vehicles must exit before the gates close at 5:00pm. Checking current schedules before you go is important — both the trails and the Learning Place Visitor Centre follow these seasonal operating hours.

",
"elevation_correction": "The main trail at Petroglyphs Provincial Park covers 1.5 km with about 40 metres of elevation gain, and most people complete it in around 30 minutes to 1 hour. It's rated easy, and that's accurate — this is a trail that families with young kids, older adults, and casual walkers can all handle comfortably."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
2249 Northeys Bay Rd, Woodview, ON K0L 3E0, Canada
GPS coordinates
44.621559, -78.044014
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The petroglyphs provincial park is located in the town of Peterborough, Ontario. To get to the park, take Highway 7 east from Peterborough until you reach the park entrance on your left.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.621559, -78.044014
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.6
1 Reviews
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
A unique cultural experience at Petroglyphs Provincial Park! The ancestral petroglyphs are fascinating to discover, even though access requires an entrance fee. The short 1.5km trail with its gentle 30m elevation gain remains accessible to all fitness levels and takes about 30 minutes to complete. It's unfortunate that dogs aren't allowed, but this policy helps preserve this sacred First Nations site. The park is easily accessible from Highway 7 east of Peterborough, making it a perfect educational stop for families interested in Indigenous history.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
30.00
30min
No
No
No, dogs are not permitted at Petroglyphs Provincial Park. This policy helps protect the sensitive archaeological site and preserve the ancient petroglyphs for future generations.
Yes, there is an entrance fee to access Petroglyphs Provincial Park. The park does not offer free admission, so plan to pay the required fees upon arrival.
No, parking is not free at Petroglyphs Provincial Park. Visitors should expect to pay for parking as part of their visit to the park.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. Check with the park for any seasonal variations or special closures before your visit.
Didn't find your answer?
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Update : June 2026