McKenzie Conservation Area

For a nature and hiking experience on Newman Lake, the McKenzie Conservation Area is the place to visit. You can hike all the trails in a figure 8 loop seeing the reserve in just a few hours. The highlight is Turtle Rock on the shoreline of Newman Lake, thought to have been used by early Native Americans. The majority of the trails are not that particularly interesting but the conservation area is a nice place to unwind after work and stretch the legs. Keep an eye out for Bald Eagles who nest in the area, as well as moose, elk, White-tailed deer, coyote and black bear. The wetlands are home to painted turtles and frogs.

From the parking area, there are two trails that form the main loop. Take the Bedrock Ridge Trail and return on the Turtle Rock Trail (an old road). The further optional loop at the south end of the property is not that interesting but it is where we spotted the most wildlife.