Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve in Greater Napanee

Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve is an amazing place to go hiking in Ontario all year long. It’s a lesser visited, non-operating provincial park, established by Ontario Parks. It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter many other hikers at this hidden gem, so you may end up having this beautiful natural space all to yourself.

A non-operating provincial park means that there aren’t any visitor facilities like at many other Ontario provincial parks. There aren’t any restrooms or parking lots, but there’s plenty of space for your vehicle at the side of a desolate road by the park entrance. Come along with me for my hike at Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve, one of the best things to do in Greater Napanee.

Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve Map

Here is the trail map for the sole trail at Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve, Oivi’s Trail. The trail is divided into eight distinct regions where you’ll encounter different habitats and highlights. These areas are marked by sign posts as you walk on Oivi’s Trail:

1. The forest returns to upland surrounding the wetland
2. The forest belt is at the wetland edge
3. The wooded wetland, a deep swampy area
4. The central upland area, surrounded by wetland
5. The flowering fields in the upland area
6. A sand and gravel area of the upland
7. The shrub fen with its many ferns, sedges and orchids
8. A lovely birch grove at the lakeside (a scenic picnic spot)

Take note of these different areas on your walk and observe the varying landscapes and perhaps even wildlife on your hike. You won’t really need to reference a map as the trail is a simple out-and-back path. There’s really only one way to go, and the trail ends at Mud Lake. While there isn’t a need for trail blazes, you will see the sign posts on your journey.

Hiking at Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve

Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve features Oivi’s Trail with a total distance of 4.8km roundtrip. It is a relatively flat path with a few little inclines and declines on the way. It is an 800 hectare park situated at the headwaters of Otter Creek of the Salmon River system.

This provincial nature reserve protects a rare fen, which is a botanically rich wetland featuring large, shallow depressions. It’s one of the largest wetlands of its kind in southeastern Ontario. Some areas around this park are recognized as both a provincially significant wetland and a provincially significant area of natural and scientific interest.

In the middle of the nature reserve, you’ll find Mud Lake, which happens to also be the halfway point of the hike where the trail reaches a dead end. I suggest having a picnic here (there is a picnic table) or hiking before sunset so you can watch the sun go down over the lake.

Mud Lake is a shallow body of water surrounded by 19 different habitats, including fens and coniferous swamp forests. These swamps and wetlands occupy a large basin that’s 7-8km long and 2-3km wide. There are also rare species that live at Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve, like the Olive Hairstreak Butterfly and Cooperís Hawk. You might also be able to spot carnivorous pitcher plants, as well as a wide variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians and plants.

Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve was established in 1993 during the 100th anniversary of Ontario Parks. Dieter Menzel provided the financial support to protect these lands in collaboration with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ontario Parks. Menzel dedicated the park to his late wife, Oivi, a nature and wilderness lover who sadly passed away at a young age. The nature reserve officially opened in 1997 with the unveiling of the plaque in honour of Oivi.

Plan Your Visit

Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve is approximately 20 minutes north of downtown Napanee. This is a non-operating provincial park, so there aren’t any facilities or restrooms. Plan accordingly. You can park at the side of the road at the trail entrance.

You’ll see a blue sign with the name of the park on it. Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is free to visit and it’s open year round. Hiking with dogs is allowed here, just as long as you keep them on a leash.

More Hikes in South Eastern Ontario

Looking for more hiking trails in south eastern Ontario? I’ve got a great list of suggestions for you. You can also browse all trails on our handy trail map.

• Lemoine Point Conservation Area
• Frontenac Arch Biosphere Trails
• Potter’s Creek Conservation Area
• Marble Rock Conservation Area
• Jones Creek Trails (1000 Islands National Park)
• Landon Bay Hiking Trails (1000 Islands National Park)
• Hiking Guide for the 1000 Islands Region
• Gray’s Creek Conservation Area
• Guindon Park
• Hiking Guide for the Bay of Quinte Region
• Presqu’ile Provincial Park
• Proctor Park Conservation Area
• Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area
• Sager Conservation Area
• HR Frink Conservation Area
• Sheffield Conservation Area
• Topsy Farms on Amherst Island
• Rock Dunder Nature Reserve

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