This fall, escape to Kawarthas Northumberland for hikes and brews

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While we were stuck in the confines of our homes for what felt like forever, we found ourselves dreaming of wide open spaces, jumping into pristine lakes and tasting food that didn’t come from a greasy takeout bag.

When restrictions lifted and places began to open up again, so did our spirits and our senses, which were desperately seeking new adventure and a much needed change of scenery.

Thankfully, the picturesque Kawarthas Northumberland region answered our call for nature and the great outdoors. Just under two hours northeast of Toronto’s construction and concrete lies a region rich with tempting freshwater lakes and rivers, quaint villages and scenic trails just waiting to be discovered by us screen-fatigued city dwellers.

Quench your thirst for nature’s beauty on spectacular hiking trails, then quench your thirst for real with a pint (or more) of local craft beer or cider. As fall approaches (sorry, we said the ‘f’ word), there’s nothing better than following a crisp, colourful hike with the crisp taste of a Kawarthas Northumberland cold one.

Scenic trails are just waiting to be discovered by the screen-fatigued

The Kawarthas Northumberland region has a proud brewing heritage full of brew-masters who continually create award-winning craft beer, wine, spirits and cider. Pair your hike with servings from a local brewery or distillery and the destination will make the journey so much sweeter, trust us.

There are plenty of fall hikes (check the sidebar) that pair perfectly with a number of local craft creators. Try complementing the Ken Reid Conservation Area’s interconnected trail loops with a visit to the iconic Pie Eyed Monk brew pub in Lindsay, or pairing Bobcaygeon Wilderness Park’s mature forest with the Old Dog Brewery (yes, they have pooch inspired brews). There’s a trail and a brewery for everyone — furry friends included.

You could make a whole trip just out of the Northumberland County Forest with its vibrant array of colourful, leafy trees and breathtaking lookouts, followed by pit stops at Northumberland Hills Brewery and Williams Street Beer Company in the lovely lakeshore town of Cobourg. Beer not your cuppa? Rice Lake Cider in Baltimore or 401 Cider Brewery in Colborne (at the Big Apple!) are there to wet your whistle after a long day of exploring the fall foliage.

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For the adventurer, the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area gets its name from a series of caves formed thousands of years ago throughout the park’s 15 km of trails that wind through forests and across limestone plains. If that sounds like your kind of haven, pair this trek with Haven Brewing Company in Peterborough. If you’re still up for more trekking after a refreshment, Jackson’s Park in the centre of Peterborough is an oasis within the city.

And the best adventure of all? Well, the one that leaves you feeling full to the brim, of course.

9 fall hikes and craft breweries you need to try

1. Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge (Ferris Provincial Park) with Church Key Brewery

2. The Northumberland County Forest with Northumberland Hills Brewery, Williams Street Beer Co., Rice Lake Cider or 401 Cider Brewery

3. The Great Trail with house brews from McGillicafey’s Pub

4. Stoney Lake Trails (Kawartha Land Trust) with the Publican House Brewery

5. Warsaw Caves Conservation Area with Haven Brewing Co.

6. Emily Tract with The Bobcaygeon Brewing Company

7. Balsam Lake Provincial Park trails with Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.

8. Bobcaygeon Wilderness Park with Old Dog Brewery

9. The Ken Reid Conservation Area with Pie Eyed Monk in Lindsay

For more hiking information, head to fallroutes.ca