Scenic Caves Trails

The early Aboriginal peoples called this area Ekarennondi (the Village of Souls). The trails wind through sugar maple, red oak and white birch forests. Hikers will come across a variety of wildflowers along the route. The Hurons told of a sacred place some eight leagues distant. There, stood a rock called Ekarenniondi, marking the path to the Village of the Souls. Nearby could be found the cabin of Oscotarach, who gazed Eastward toward the approaching souls, and who drew away their memories so they could cross to the afterlife unencumbered. Since Jean de Brébeuf recorded these tales in 1636, adventurers, archaeologists and historians have sought the legendary crossing place.



They finally found it here, high atop Blue Mountain . Now you can explore it for yourself, and step through the very portal of the underworld. Explore a labyrinth of caves and crevices. Search near Ekarenniondi for the shadows which marked paths to the mysterious underworld. Explore the hidden natural fortress which sheltered the Petun people from their enemies. Descend into the ice cave - a crevasse so deep and cold that snow and ice often remain here through early summer.

     Know somebody who might be interested in this trail? Share it with them!

---

REVIEW

Have you traveled this trail? If you have any corrections or new information you'd like to send us, we'd love your input. Also, any photos or videos you may have taken of your adventures on this or any other trail are welcome as well. Be a part of our trail community!

    

---

COMMENT & SHARE

Use your Facebook account to comment on this trail and share your experiences below.

---

At the Ontario Trails Council, we do our best to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information we provide on the site. Please remember however, that some of the information you'll find here has been provided by third parties; we can't take responsibility for that information or make any guarantees as to its quality or accuracy. It's also important to remember that while something you read here may have been correct at the time it was posted, Seasons change and the trails change with them! Contact the trail manager or local weather office when planning a trip to avoid surprises, like poor conditions or trail closures.

Please note that when you send us images, you give us the right to use them as we see fit, without limitation or compensation, to promote the Ontario Trails Council.

This site is supported by a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion Active 2010 Recreation Program, The Ministry of Natural Resources, The Ontario Trillium Foundation and trail users like you!