Hey guys,

I headed into Craig Lake area this morning and the entire road is in great condition.

From Highway 11 to Kawawaymog Lake is 18 kms or 25 mins on a combination paved/gravel road that is wide and flat. Then directly at the Kawawaymog office there is a fork in the road to the right. Take that approx 8 km. This road is flat and in good condition, however there are a couple of depressions and two water holes (not deep at all and solid underneath) but nothing that would prevent a car to pass through or around.

After 8 km you will come to another fork. Straight ahead through the overgrown road, or to the right up a hill. Keep going straight through the overgrown road and less than 400 meters you will be at the put in.

Note: there are overhanging young poplars, maple and pine that WILL scratch your vehicle. This is only in a few areas and can be easily removed with a small hand saw or machete. I drive a a 4x4 and use it. So this doesn't bother me. But if drive one of those fancy trucks like Sean(Ajax) has , well you may want to trim some of these small overhanging trees back a tad.

After you travel 8 km past the Kawawaymog Lake office, you will reach this fork as describe above...

[IMG][/IMG]

Along this short route you will encounter this...

[IMG][/IMG]

this...

[IMG][/IMG]

and this...

[IMG][/IMG]

Again, nothing to scary.

*Note: This next set of photos was taken on the way out.

PARKING AREAS: There are three areas to park that will collectively hold approx 12-15 vehicles. (or more)

This area is at the fork in the road before entering the over grown road. This is just out of view of the fork picture I posted earlier..

[IMG][/IMG]

Next, about 75 meters in is this area on the side of the road...

[IMG][/IMG]

Then about 75 meters from the put in is another parking area. You can see the put in from this parking area...

[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

Approaching the put in....

[IMG][/IMG]

The put in...

[IMG][/IMG]

So, there is no gate, road is in excellent condition, and only a short drive from the highway (35mins tops) I'll be tripping with Chris at this time but I wish you all a safe and enjoyable get-together.

If you have any other questions, just ask. I'll keep an eye on this thread.

Cheers
Shawn

I posted this in the May get-together thread as well.

Cheers
Shawn

Kool, thanks Pathfinder! Even if I can't see the photos.

Hey Pathfinder, thanks for the photo report!

Question; You've seen my Cougar (a pretty low ride), do you think it could make it through some of those water ways? I'm thinking of bringing my explorer, but wanted your input first!

Again, thanks!

Jeff P
http://algonquincanoeing.blogspot.com/

Wow!
Sean, you ARE awesome!
What an amazing report, and thank you for doing this.
I owe you big time, as I was the one that personally requested this recon of you, Let me know in any way I can to repay you sir!
I also have a picture(framed) in mind for you as a thank you of sorts. Hope this will suffice in the meantime.
We can meet up later on this summer!
Thanks again.
Hopefully my rusty car can swim through those mini-ponds, heh heh!

Pathfinder = Shawn.

So, this road is definitely "public access"? No signs, no gates, etc?

Hmmmm...

How long a drive from South River is it to the put-in?


Great work, Shawn. I just knew you would post photos.

And good thing you did...one person's "not so bad" is another person's "ohmigodareyounuts????"




Barbara

Yes yes Barbara, you are absolutely right, I just messed up in my excitement, is all.
Sorry Shawn.

JeffP,

When I said car, I wasn't including sports cars! Ha ha.

Hmmm...your Cougar is fairly low. I'm not entirely certain on that one Jeff. There are two dips that may cause problems with the front of your car. I recommend that you don't take the Cougar, only because of how low that style of car sits.

If it were me and I had the option of taking an Explorer, I would, most definitely, take that vehicle over the Cougar. At the very least, It would eliminate any concerns or worries.

Also, time frame from Huntsville to the put in is 1.5 hours, give or take 10 mins.

Markus,

You don't owe me a thing. In fact, I will do that any time you need me too. Just ask.

Cheers
Shawn

Barbara,

30-35 mins.

Markus,

No sweat, I'm used to it and I don't correct anyone either. I know if I am being referred to. That's good enough for me.

Cheers
Shawn

I'm not Shawn so I can't comment on physical signs, but I'm sure it's public access. It is of course outside of the park - remember, travelling on roads inside Algonquin is ILLEGAL.



Jeff

--

Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry - abrweb.ca

My Algonquin Park Map - Accurate, Detailed, Free - Version 2.0!

It's when you're excited that it's really, really, really important to get names correct.





Barbara

I know it's outside the Park, but that doesn't always guarantee it's "public access".




Barbara

As Jeffery stated, no signage.

The only signs you will see are the ones identifying camps, cottages, homes and the sort. The only Park sign along the 8km stretch is the one at the put it identifying the portage. You can see this in one of my photos.

In fact, I considered driving through the river and continuing on to see what was beyond...but I quickly noticed the yellow portage sign and realized that was the park boundary.

Another note that I forgot to mention. If you drive to the put in, you will have to back up for about 75 yards to turn around safely. Be careful of the soft shoulders at this time of year. I did an 8 point turn around at the put in, but I was very very careful and have 4x4. (which won't do you any good if your wheels slip over the edge too far)

Cheers
Shawn

I know - just an additional comment.



Jeff

--

Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry - abrweb.ca

My Algonquin Park Map - Accurate, Detailed, Free - Version 2.0!

Thanks a bunch Pathfinder.
We're definitely a go for Craig Lake.


Stainless

Hi Shawn,

I take it the portage sign in the picture is the P200 that leads to the little pond? Is that the case. Just trying to get a bearing on where to go. I am thinking of heading up on the Friday.

I recall my last trip to the area. There was a huge thunderstorm and trees were coming down all over the place. We had to cut things out of the way so we could keep driving in. A great guy that had a cottage was in front of us, when he found out we were going to have to setup and tent it for the night he offered us accommodation at his cottage.

S.

I'm going to make a custom map of the area.... but that should be the 3500m portage. So, we travel Left towards Nahma.



Jeff

--

Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry - abrweb.ca

My Algonquin Park Map - Accurate, Detailed, Free - Version 2.0!

P345 ?

Go left to the 200 then the 345 then you'll be on Nahma




Jeff

--

Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry - abrweb.ca

My Algonquin Park Map - Accurate, Detailed, Free - Version 2.0!