In 1967, planning for a hiking trail was one of the Centennial projects of the Oil Capital Kiwanis. By 1969, the independent Waskahegan Trail Association was formed with Fred Dorward, a Kiwanian, as its first president. The Waskahegan Trail Association is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to building and maintaining the hiking trail. A president and board of directors administer the affairs of the Association according to registered bylaws.

Thanks to the volunteer work of members, the generosity of landowners and the assistance of many government and non-government organizations, the trail continues to grow. Presently, the trail is 309 km long.

For the overnight backpacker the trail has a network of Association, private, and public campgrounds. All have toilet facilities, and some have shelters and campfire rings. Members may purchase a comprehensive guide book with detailed trail maps, and information about the area and facilities.

The only permitted activities on the trial are hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Bicycles, animals and powered vehicles are not permitted on any part of the trail. 

A large part of the trial is located on private property with many fence crossings via stiles so that cross-country skiing is not practical on many parts of the trail. Our agreement the landowners does not allow for the opening of any gates, or travel on any routes other than the marked trail. The association and its members place a very high value on the generosity of the individual landowners that allow us to use their personal property and we will make every effort to ensure that the trust of the landowners is not abused.

Hiking the Waskahegan Trail can be hazardous. There are no special markers to flag the many potentially dangerous hazards. Animals both domestic and wild may be encountered along the trail. Most of the trail in remote from help and travelled infrequently. We recommend travel on this trail with at least one companion. All persons that travel on the Waskahegan Trail must accept total responsibility for their own individual safety and well being. Do not travel on this trail if you do not want to accept this condition. There are many scheduled group hikes with a leader during weekends that permit hikers to travel on the trail with additional security that comes with traveling with companions.

As well, please read the FAQs, Etiquette, Rules or download our Brochure - for additional information about our Trail.