Chaulk's Run

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The fully serviced chalet is open during ski season when access to trails requires a trail pass. There is no fee for off season trail use, but donations are appreciated.

Chaulk's Run was once a main route to McLean Lake, but now just the portion that connects with Lynx Trail is regularly maintained. After the 1985 fire, the longer part of the trail to the lake was left bare and exposed to wind, making it vulnerable to drifting snow and difficult to keep groomed in winter. Now that there has been some regrowth, refurbishing that trail would be a very good project for some young workers!

Starting the trail from Games Trail, go directly into a lovely mature mixed forest with large birch and aspen in front of Aspen Lookout. Next, follow the trail through some bogs and patches of spruce, climbing gently to Chaulk's Connector—taking that trail back to Games Trail is a favorite circuit. Accessing Chaulk's Run via Lynx allows a thrilling roller coaster route with the best views of Mealy Mountains providing inspiration.

When hiking without snow, waterproof footwear is required as the land is boggy in places.

Lichen/spruce forest alternates with bog and regrowth since the 1985 fire has generally been slow but there's always something interesting to find in a bog! Along the escarpment cut by Chaulk's Brook, there are some nice stands of trembling aspen. Below Aspen Lookout, as the trail joins Games Trail, there is a beautiful area of mature balsam fir, birch, and aspen.