Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area

Something for Everyone!

Sault Ste Marie is fortunate to have the natural splendor of Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area, located between Fifth and Sixth Line, east of Great Northern Road (Hwy.17 N). The Highlands offer magnificent scenery including breathtaking waterfalls and 35 kilometres (22 miles) of nature trails. Hundreds of hectares of forests with creeks, lakes and wetlands create the ideal habitat for more than 70 species of birds and 18 species of mammals.

In the winter trails are groomed for cross-country skiing by Hiawatha Highlands (a division of the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club). The ski trails wind their way through the Conservation Area, Kinsmen Park, the City’s Wishart Park and Crown property surrounding the provincial fish hatchery appealing to both novice and expert skiers. While skiers pay to use these trails in the winter and early spring, there is no charge to hikers the rest of the year.

Within the Highlands is Kinsmen Park 97 hectares (240 acres) of land maintained by the Kinsmen Club. The park includes one of the most spectacular views of the Crystal Falls from the Crystal Creek Trail. For visitor safety and to prevent further exposed tree root damage, a wheelchair accessible boardwalk was constructed beside the trail. Although each trail within the park highlights unique terrain the park also includes a baseball diamond, children’s playground and picnic area.

Other Area Attractions

Mockingbird Hill Farm - Vistors to the area can tep back in time and explore a pioneer farm.

Mountain Bike Trails - This area offers diverse opportunities for mountain biking. The Pinder Trails located in the Hiawatha Highlands Conservation offer 5.2 km of easy to moderate trails for riders. The Red Pine Trails are more accomodated to riders with moderate (Intermediate) skills and begin and end in the Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area off of Landslide Road. The Crystal Creek Trails are located in Kinsmen Park and offer 9.4 km of moderate to difficult trails for more advanced riders. (See Map Below)

Tarentorous Fish Culture Station - allows visitors to see various trout species being reared for the Ministry of Natural Resource’s fish release program. You are encouraged to call ahead to confirm the facility will be open on the day you intend to visit (705) 949-7271.