Rock Dunder Nature Reserve
World Class Hiking in Eastern Ontario
Rock Dunder is a natural treasure that lies within the UNESCO Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve
Experience world-class hiking in Eastern Ontario at Rock Dunder Nature Reserve, a hidden gem nestled within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, one of Canada's 19 Biosphere regions. With over 7 kilometres of trails and rising 275 feet above Morton Bay, Rock Dunder offers breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and woodlands.
A supporter pass is required for entry to the Nature Reserve. Your pass directly supports the conservation and stewardship of lands within the Rideau Corridor.
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Important Information
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About
Rock Dunder Nature Reserve
Rock Dunder is located just south of the town of Morton. To get here, take Stanley Lash Lane west from Highway 15 and drive 1200 metres to the parking lot and trail head. Located at the portage leading to the Gananoque River system and down through the heart of the Biosphere Region, Rock Dunder provides a natural rest for canoeists traveling the Rideau Waterway.
Renowned for its stunning summit vista, this popular destination attracts both locals and tourists throughout the seasons. The summit loop trail leads you to one of the region's highest peaks, unveiling spectacular panoramas of the Rideau Waterway. The reserve strikes a perfect balance between preserving natural habitats for wildlife and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, allowing the community to appreciate the regions incredible beauty while protecting the environment.
The Trails
The Summit Loop is a 3.9km climb which runs alongside Dean's Island through a variety of forest, offering sneak peaks over rocky cliffs. The summit offers a panoramic view of the Rideau Waterway.
The Morton Bay Loop comprises two moderately steep sections to and from a small peninsular outlook over Morton Bay. The hike is 2km through mixed forest.
The Scout Cabin Trail is 1.55km with the first half of the trail being quite gentle, leading to a water outlook with a bench. The second half of the trail is more rugged leading down to the water's edge on Morton's Bay.
The History of Rock Dunder
In 2006, members and supporters of the Rideau Waterway Land Trust came together to raise funds for the purchase of Rock Dunder. After nearly 40 years of using the site as a wilderness camp, Scouts Canada decided to sell Rock Dunder in order to allocate the proceeds toward upgrading other camps that are better suited for younger campers. RWLT’s acquisition of Rock Dunder ensures this significant property remains undeveloped and accessible to the community.
Before the Boy Scouts acquired Rock Dunder, the property was owned by Stanley Lash, a professor of civil engineering at Queen’s University. In the 1960s, the Boy Scouts set out to find suitable camping sites for their campers. Fortuitously, Scoutmaster Sandy MacLachlan found himself in the same neighborhood as Stanley Lash, and the two connected immediately, forming a lasting friendship. By 1965, the Scouts officially acquired the Rock Dunder property. One of the first hikes at this newly acquired site was led by Sandy, with his young son, now a RWLT Board Member, participating as a Boy Scout.
From 1966 through the 1970s, Rock Dunder became a popular camping destination for the Scouts. In the fall of 1970, the 10th Kingston troop undertook a significant project by disassembling a log farm building from north of Smith Falls. They transported the logs back to Kingston, where Sandy modified the structure in his backyard by adding windows, frames, and a door. After these improvements, the building was disassembled once more and transported to Rock Dunder, where it was reassembled under the guidance of Scoutmaster Dave Hornby. This structure became known as Cabin 1 and was first used for winter camping during the winter of 1971-1972.
Following this, the Fort Henry troop expressed interest in constructing their own log cabin at Rock Dunder. They transported their logs by water, resulting in what is now referred to as Cabin 2. The largest of the cabins, known as the education cottage, was built last, completing the vision for the Scouts’ facilities at Rock Dunder.
important
Parking & Rules
Open for hiking from sunrise to sunset, May 15 - Nov 15. Absolutely NO TRESPASSING is permitted after hours or in the off-season.
Purchase your Day Pass or Season Pass ahead of time online or at the gate when you arrive.
RWLT does not control arrival and departure times of visitors. A supporter pass does not guarantee a parking place. When on-site parking at Rock Dunder is full, visitors can park along the shoulder of Highway 15, past the NO PARKING signs.
Cars parked illegally may be ticketed or towed: the OPP enforces the NO PARKING areas.
Visitors need to be mindful of traffic when walking along the highway shoulder towards the Rock Dunder entrance off Stanley Lash Lane.
Busses can not enter Stanley Lash Lane and must drop passengers off on the side of Highway 15.
School Group Passes (18 and under) are $75.00. Please email us at info@rwlt.org to inquire.
Dogs must be leashed at all times and owners must pick-up their dog waste.
Drones are not permitted at Rock Dunder.
NO HUNTING. NO FIRES. NO CAMPING. NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES.
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How to find Rock dunder
Location & Contact Information
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Rideau Waterway Land Trust, P.O. Box 42, Elgin, Ontario, K0G 1E0 Canada