The Dewberry Trail is a little baby trail in the Mer Bleue sector of Ottawa’s Greenbelt. What it lacks in size (it’s only 1 km long) it makes up for in personality. There are tons of birds flying about, fun boardwalks to traverse, and on the day I went, the combination of snow falling and sunlight streaming through the trees was… *chef’s kiss.*
It intersects with Trail 50 so you have the option of adding on a bit of a longer hike if you wish.
And last year I saw a couple guys UNICYCLING on it which I have never seen anywhere else in my life. So I’ve got to conclude that the Dewberry Trail is the best trail in all of Ottawa for unicycling. Tell your friends!
The Dewberry Trail. Short but lovely.
Quick Facts
Length: 1 km
Difficulty: SUPER Easy (on a scale of easy-moderate-hard)
Trailhead Coordinates: 45.406021, -75.518002
Washroom at Trailhead: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes (not in winter)
Cell Reception: Good
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Parking: Right at the trailhead.
Cost: Free.
Open: Year round.
Getting There
The Dewberry Trail is a loop that begins right at P23 in Ottawa’s Greenbelt. You can use these coordinates to get there: 45.406021, -75.518002.
The parking lot at P23 has room for about 20 cars, but there’s also additional parking on the road. The outhouse across from the lot is open year-round.
As if it wasn’t easy enough to find being at the end of the road it’s on… There’s this big sign too!
The Trail
At the back of the parking lot, on the left-hand side, the trail starts right behind a large map that’s posted.
The loop splits immediately from this spot, so whichever direction you head in, you’ll be on the Dewberry Trail.
At the trailhead there are quite a few birdfeeders put up, so this is a great spot for bird watching because you’re guaranteed to see a ton!
On the day I went, I chose to hike the Dewberry Trail clockwise, for no particular reason.
Heading to my left, I quickly crossed over Trail 50. I walked through beautiful mixed forest and crossed over a short footbridge. For the most part, the trail was wide enough that you could walk side by side with someone. Although in the winter it’s technically supposed to be a cross country ski trail as well, so if there are good tracks set, it’s polite to avoid walking on them.
I always enjoy spotting leftover trail markers on Greenbelt trails.
Halfway Point
After hiking just 500 metres I had reached Point J, which was posted despite there not really being anywhere else to go except for the trail that I was on. There was no consistent trail marking other than this, but the trail was so well established that it would be impossible to lose.
At 700 metres I reached Point K, where the trail once again passed back over Trail 50. A tiny bridge brought me back onto the Dewberry Trail on the other side. This last section of the trail was only 350 metres long, and just as easy as the trail that came before it.
Checkpoints along the trail, with maps posted.
Trail Thoughts
Since the trail was so flat, I was able to cover the entire length of it in about twenty minutes. Since I was wearing my son and he was napping, I actually walked it twice. On the day that I went there was fresh snow falling off the trees, and with the sunlight streaming through the branches I could have happily walked the loop any number of times.
This trail would be perfect for little legs just learning to hike, or as a quick addition to Trail 50. It’s also a really good one to keep in mind if the boardwalk at the Mer Bleue Bog seems just a little too busy!
The Dewberry Trail isn’t long or fancy, but it’s still a beautiful trail that we’re lucky to have. Also please don’t carve your name into trees, ever.
