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Murphys Point

Murphys Point P.P. is located on 2243 Elm Grove Rd. in Perth, ON. The park is known for stunning rocky beauty on the Frontenac Arch and a great settler history. It is on Big Rideau Lake. We visited in July 2024.

History

The area nearest Big Rideau Lake was divided up by the British government for Loyalists to use. These Loyalists built the bulk of the historical sites on the property, such as McParlan House and the Lally Homestead. In the early 1900s, the area near the Lally Homestead was mined, under the name "Silver Queen". They'd dig for mica, apatite, and feldspar. Not only this, there are ruins of sawmills on the Silver Queen Mine Trail, too. The government of Ontario acquired the land in the 60s, and the campground was established in 1967.

I am not sure were the name "Murphys Point" originated from. "Murphy" is a common surname of Ireland, and "Point" just means peninsula.

What the Park Offers

Murphys Point offers:
- swimming on two sandy beaches
- paddling, including a designated route
- mine tours - MUST BE BOOKED PRIOR TO
- biking on McParlan, Loon Lake, and roads.
- motor boating allowed on Big Rideau Lake
- birding for many rare species, see wetlands
- discovery programs at amphitheatre, beach
- fishing for smallmouth, trout, and pike
- skiing and snowshoeing come wintertime

NOTE: guide for Sylvan and Silver Queen Trails available for borrowing at trailhead or sale at the park store.

The best trails are:

Silver Queen Mine Trail - 2km, easy

THE trail at Murphys. Book a tour date and explore the mine or enjoy views from above. Notice the glittery mica that lines the trail. (no bikes except the first portion)

McParlan House Trail - 1.8km easy

The most underrated trail at Murphys Point goes along Hogg Bay to the scenic Black Creek Falls (pictured at the header), and the bridge across them. Continue to see the historic McParlan House. (bikes recommended)

Loon Lake Trail - 1km, easy

A short trail that walks alongside Loon Lake, connecting to McParlan House. Bring your camera as you may spot a loon or two. (bikes recommended)

Lally Homestead Trail - 0.8km, easy

A short trail that highlights the Lally Homestead, a former farm that overlooks the mine and the Black Creek Marsh behind it. (can be biked, although not recommended)

Visiting the Park

NOTE: SILVER QUEEN MINE, LALLY HOMESTEAD, AND BEAVER POND TRAILS ACCESSED FROM OUTSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE - FURTHER UP COUNTY ROAD 27.

Drive in. There'll be a long one-way road. You'll eventually see a park store on the right, but you continue straight. Road curves right. Dump, day use area and exit on the left, gatehouse to the centre, Hogg Bay Campground on the right. Continue straight to find Ash Hill Campground on the right and comfort stations on the left. Continue to find Fallows Campground on the left. The road goes over vast hills before arriving at the boat launch. See park map supplied below.

Interesting Species

Note that the photos in this section are not explicitly from this park, they are good photos of species that live here.

Loons - lots of 'em (this is a duck, by the way)

Smallmouth Bass

Green Frogs

Tips and Advice

NO BEGINNER BIKERS - so, so many hills!
Hike up the Silver Queen Mine Trail and back down the Beaver Pond Trail - just a nice landscape variation.
Book the Silver Queen Mine Trail several days in advance.
Go fishing by the docks at the boat launch - loaded with panfish, bass, and the occasional larger specie.

SPOTLIGHT: Silver Queen Mine

The main attraction of Murphys Point is the mine. Funny enough, it was voted to be one of the "7 Wonders of Lanark County" (sign above). You can just hike the trail and see the rocks, the mica, the signage, etc. OR you can enter the mine with a guide. To enter the mine itself, book a reservation for a tour at the gatehouse (dates vary), hike up the trail, grab a hardhat, and listen to your guide delve into the history of the mine, how it was used, the impacts, the benefits, etc. There are lots of signs (all above, use right click and "open image in new tab" to read) all along the trail creating a very interesting and informative experience.

Opinions

Nash

Tres bon. Very nice park, cool history. The beach was meh was everything else felt clean and intriguing. 7/10 flat.

Maps: www.ontarioparks.ca/pdf/maps/murphyspoint/park_map.pdf

I cannot upload the two trail guides (Sylvan, Silver Queen Mine) because they are not free - I may be sued.

Scanned Aug 1, 2024 at 10:11:56 PM.pdf

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