By Craig Nicholson—The Intrepid Snowmobiler
Craig Nicholson is an International Snowmobile Hall of Fame powersports journalist, who specializes in writing about snowmobiling.
December 4, 2020
Snowmobiling in Ontario on Ontario snowmobile trails north of Parry Sound provides a great day ride that could turn into something more of a weekend trip. It all depends how much time you want to spend checking out this beautiful trail system in OFSC District 10.
Staging Location
Rose Point Trail on “Top C”, Oastler Park Drive, Seguin Township
From the staging area, riders can start their journey by heading North on the “C Trail”. The Rose Point is a former rail bed which offers a generous width and comfortable terrain that is ideal for new riders or even just a subtle start to the day.
Start of the Ride
Once through the "fitness trail", riders will find themselves entering the village of Nobel. Trail reroutes as a result of the New Highway 400 extension have left snowmobilers with some wonderful new trails that provide easy access from Parry Sound to the Port Carling trail system. Although there have been some changes in the services that are available in Nobel, the ESSO service centre is still operating and serving riders this season. Snowmobilers can top up their tanks, take a quick break and chat with others as this is quickly becoming a convenient stop at the North side of Parry Sound.
The Esso station also identifies a “T” in the trail. The C trail continues to the East onto Portage Lake. The “Carling 402” trail starts at the ESSO and runs along west side Nobel Road on the new trail.
Take the “402” north to the “T” at the “404 & 402”. This intersection is affectionately referred to by locals as “Frankie’s Corner”. Keep to the left at this “T” in order to take the “404” into the heart of the Carling trail system. The trails creep through a magnificent terrain filled with gentle curves and subtle hills. The ride is accented by a mix of rustic rock formations and mature evergreen forests.
The next stop along the way is the “T” at the intersection where the 404 meets the 406 and the 401. This stop is often called “Carling Station”. Although today, the stop is marked only by a set of train tracks, there used to be a train station years ago.
From here, riders can keep to right and select the “401” for their trip north. The trail is a popular route for those that enjoy spotting wildlife from the trail. It is quite common to see deer along this path as sometimes even a moose!
Lunch option 1: Point au Baril
The 401 ends at the Top C trail. At the “T”, take a left and follow the trail to Point au Baril. The Shell Station there is complete with fuel, supplies, washrooms and even a cozy space to enjoy a hot lunch and refreshments. The menu is a simple collection of soup, salads, sandwiches and baked goods. The atmosphere provides for a comfortable and casual stop for snowmobilers on day trips as well as on longer tours. There is ample area information on places to stay and things to do and see during any season. If you decide to stay over, head to Pleasant Cove Resort.
From the Shell, follow the trail back the way you came to the “T” at the 401. From here, stay on the C trail heading east. When you reach the next “T” you will be at the intersection of the C trail and the C104D. Keep to your right and continue on the Top C. This section of the C is often called the “Hydro Line”. This path will quickly intersect with the “604” trail. The 604 is an alternate route towards the small rural village of “Ardbeg” which boasts the popular Logger’s Station House restaurant, fuel and convenience store. See: Afternoon route for further details.
Lunch Option 2: Ardbeg
From the 401 & the C trail, keep to your right and follow the C to the “T” at the Top C & the C104D. Turn left onto the C104D. There are a couple of “T”’s along the way, one is the “604” which is on the right. You will take this trail on your way back after lunch. The next “T” is on the left a little further up and is called the “D102C”. You will continue straight past this “T” and stay on the C104D. This connector trail will lead to a great little trail stop called “Loggers Station House.” In the small village of Ardbeg Here you will find a full restaurant, variety store and even fuel.
After enjoying lunch, return on the trails that led you to Loggers and turn left at the “604” that you passed earlier. This club trail adds some variety to the ride as the path is a bit narrower and bordered by a thick mixed forest. As if exiting a tunnel of trees, the trail opens onto a small lake before re-connecting to the “C” trail. See Afternoon Route for further details.
Afternoon Route Details
From the C trail & 604 intersections, follow the C trail south and enjoy the views along rolling slopes of the hydro lines and the intermittent bush sections along the way.
This trail can be taken all the way down to “Carling T” which is where the C trail splits into the Main C Trail (Locally called: The Mountain Trail) and the Alternate C Trail which is the one that this route used to start out on.
From this intersection at the Carling T, keep to the left and head south on the “C trail (Mountain Trail)”. This route is highlighted by the dramatic terrain- hills, rock cliffs and flowing rivers. There is a popular stop along this trail at the bridge over the Seguin River. It is an ideal location to take a break, snap some pictures or just take in the view!
This trail passes the Quality Inn before travelling through the tunnel under the Highway 400 and stopping that the “T” which connects it back to the C alternate route. At this point- turn right and head back towards the staging area.
Popularly known as The Intrepid Snowmobiler, Craig Nicholson is an International Snowmobile Hall of Fame journalist who specializes in recreational snowmobiling activities. Craig has snowmobiled in every region of Canada and many states. His one-of-a-kind tour book, “Canada’s Best Snowmobiling – The Ultimate Ride Guide”, chronicles his adventures, as does his website and Facebook page.
