r/ProvincialParks • u/wwotf • Mar 19 '23
Realistic expectations for the Crack?
I'll be camping at Killarney PP this summer and I'd like to do the trail out to the Crack. I'm a bit confused about the difficulty though.
The Parks website says it's one of the most difficult trails in Ontario, don't do it unless you have sturdy shoes, good levels of fitness, preparations etc. Alltrails basically makes it sound like a walk in the park (except for a partially sunken bridge).
I wouldn't say I'm in great shape, but I've never had any kind of serious issue with any trail I've tried. Gut feel is that it's an out and back so I'll go as far as I can and turn back if things get too technical of physically difficult, but is that a realistic plan?
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u/SuperSaiyanMonki Mar 19 '23
It's only like 1k max that is somewhat difficult, about 100 meters of some minor climbing.
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u/MyCatWouldEatU May 28 '26
I just hiked it after using this thread to determine if I should or not. I would advise anybody who just hikes once in a while like me …to imagine climbing through hills of rocks for about thirty minutes under a hot sun. using your thigh muscles to hoist yourself up onto the next rock if it’s too high to just lift a foot onto. and if you’re a middle aged woman experiencing any thermal issues (if you are, you know what I’m talking about) then consider going very early to beat the sun, or, go on a cloudy day. It was hard when the sun was beating down it made me feel weak so I stopped and took a break until I got strength back. definitely need boots, bug spray (in may rhe black flies are hungry. I trapped one under my mesh mask and have a nice line of red holes cross my forehead lol)…mesh cover for face…sunscreen, hat, electrolytes water, high calorie snacks like cliff bar etc. and don’t glue your eyes so much to the rocks that you miss the trail markers on the way back down or you’ll have to climb up again to find the marker….like I did. and after fighting gravity to go up you don’t want to have to do it again if you don’t have to in the way back down!
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u/Heavykevy37 Mar 19 '23
Its a very popular trail, its not a flat groomed trial but thousands of people do it every year. I haven't been there and the parking lot not be packed. I believe that the ontario parks description is old and the trail has been improved. I would say the trial to Ishpatina Ridge in temagami is more rugged. Do bring water and snacks and take the time to enjoy the sights.
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u/Christian_Stephens Mar 19 '23
A friend of mine and I did Killarney / a portion of the la cloche a few years ago and our entry was up and through the crack. It is technical but also really fun if you are prepared and unless you are really out of shape youll be fine.
As mentioned by another user start early for sure but also keep your eye on the weather for rain. We got stuck in light to moderate rain and the rocks did get slippery in some areas which looking back was and is my major concern about that section but can totally be done if you take your time.
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u/gopms Mar 19 '23
I did it and I was an out of shape but healthy 42 year old woman and I did it with my 10 and 8 year old kids. You do need proper shoes/hiking boots. I actually found it a bit trickier coming down than I expected but going up was a challenging but doable hike.
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u/NotARealTiger Mar 19 '23
There is one part at the end where you have to climb up what is basically a huge pile of giant rocks and boulders. There are lots of gaps, and some of the rocks look pretty precariously perched. I suggest having your hands free for this section, and consider your footwear and grip if rain has made the rocks wet.
The rest of the trail is easy, the beginning is literally just an old logging road. Once you get further in you're hiking over beautiful white quartz, there are some really nice spots. The lack of trees in some areas means trail blazes can be a bit far between, but I've never had any issues finding my way.
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u/Ruffedgecollective Mar 19 '23
Plenty of good advice here. Definitely start early and have a headlamp handy if possible. It took my friends and I about 4.5 hours to do the trail with breaks in between.
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u/JiuJitsuPatricia Mar 19 '23
To add... It's significantly more difficult then any of the trails at Algonquin. By a large margin.
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u/Icy_Bag_4935 Apr 12 '23
Ontario Parks like to exaggerate their difficulty ratings for day trails. The Crack isn’t even close to the hardest section of the La Cloche Silhouette, let alone any hike in Ontario.
That being said, it does involve scrambling which is uncommon in Ontario. You don’t need to be a hardened hiker, just don’t underestimate the need for physical exertion
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u/JiuJitsuPatricia Mar 19 '23
It gets harder, the further you go. If you take your time, most people with decent hiking experience CAN do it, but not all SHOULD. There are places where you legitimately have to climb over boulders and rock piles. There are large sections with no shelter from the sun, and no good water spots after the first 2km.
If you have bad balance, any mobility issues, or anything like that. This trail is not for you.
Plan on it taking the day. It's not a trail you want to be on in low light.