Beer Barrens (Sept 15–Oct 31, 2021) Courses & FAQ
10k Course
The 10k course follows the perimeter of the lake and one little jog back up to the top of the trails to form a lollipop and a stick. You’ll see all of Hardy Lake and enjoy the rolling hills. In the “waterfall” section there is a downed tree that partially blocks the trail (hopefully it will be cleared soon). It’s mostly rock underfoot, so it does not drain well. There will be some muddy sections if it’s rained, please plan accordingly.
Follow pink 10K signs and pink arrows. Park in the main lot, and start at the centre entrance to the trails (closest to the RED Muskoka Township sign). There are 4 trail offshoots that are marked on the map with red X’s to help keep you on the right track!
6K Course
The 6k course follows the bottom of the lake and loops around the “waterfall” section. There is a downed tree that partially blocks the trail (hopefully it will be cleared soon).
It’s mostly rock underfoot, so it does not drain well. There will be some muddy sections if it’s rained, please plan accordingly.
Follow pink 6K signs and pink arrows. Park in the main lot, and start at the centre entrance to the trails (closest to the RED Muskoka Township sign). There are 2 trail offshoots that are marked on the map with red X’s to help keep you on the right track!
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Hardy Lake Provincial Park is easy from Hwy 400 (North from Barrie, South from Parry Sound). Take exit 177 for Go Home Lake Road/Muskoka Rd 38 toward Regional Rd 32/Bala. In Bala, turn right onto Frank Miller Memorial Rte/Muskoka District Road 169. The parking lot will be on your left after about 8km – you’ll pass Clear Lake brewing on your right when you drive through Torrance! It will not be a long drive to victory and beer after your run!
Part of your registration is being donated to the team that manage Ontario Parks and who kindly offered to let us put signs up in the park to help you navigate. Hardy Lake is a truly beautiful place to visit and we’re so lucky to share it with you for our last run in the series.
For more information visit Ontario Parks.
Ontario Parks Rules
Please obey all Ontario Parks rules.
- You do not need a parking permit or pass to access Hardy Lake’s trails.
- No littering (on-site garbage disposal is limited – if you pack it in, pack it out)
- Have your dog on leash at all times (the trails are heavily used, so safety first!).
- There is a porta-potty on site… Use at your own risk!
- The Park is popular in the fall – if you can complete your run mid-week you will have a less busy trail network to yourself. If you are running on the weekend, we’ve seen it be less busy later in the afternoon (and then the pizza is extra tasty from the Cottage next to the brewery).
From Hardy Lake parking lot, turn right onto Hwy 169 and head back to Torrance. Clear Lake will be on your left just before the railway tracks.
Clear Lake Brewing requires indoor masks, but with their huge outdoor beer garden, you won’t need them on for long. Also, pups are allowed to come with you into the beer garden on leash to your table. This isn’t really COVID info, just good-to-know info!
Please continue to stay safe!