Casque Isles Trail: McLean's Segment

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Swimming · Views · Waterfall

• Casque Isles Trail

The Casque Isles Trail is a signed and groomed recreational hiking trail that offers scenic vistas to the visitors who wish to share in Lake Superior's majestic and rugged beauty in Ontario, Canada. Beginning in Rossport, passing through Schreiber and ending in Terrace Bay, the total length of the Trail is 53 km. For those who do not wish to attempt the entire trek, the Trail is divided into 5 Segments; each with it's own Access point from Hwy 17 and each presenting it's own unique wilderness experience. These Segments vary in length and difficulty so that both the advanced and the beginner hiker can enjoy the North Shore.

Inspiration for the trail's name came from a quote by Dr. John J. Bigsby—a physician, geologist and member of the British commission in Upper and Lower Canada—who wrote about Lake Superior's north shore from atop Pic Island in 1823. To quote:
"As I turned towards the land, tall casque-shaped islands were seen here and there, full of sinuosities and overlooked by pleasingly grouped hills of conical or waved outline from 600 to 800 feet. I was well repaid for the trouble of the ascent."

1. MCLEANS SEGMENT 14 km

• Access: (A1) Rossport, across Hwy 17 from East entrance, (A2) 1 km east of Hwy Maint. Garage, (A3) Sox Lake Road (unmarked Road .5 km east of Railway overpass near Lakeshore Rd.), (A4) Rainbow Park, Whitesand Campground.
• Highlights: Raised beaches, glacial erratics, Rossport Heights & Terrace Heights Lookouts, Rainbow Falls.
• Interesting and varied geography.
• Runs north of CP Rail mainline with good views of Lake Superior.
• Suitable for children accompanied by adults.