Edition 26: August 13, 2002

Wherever you stand in Haliburton County, from early September to late October, you will find yourself surrounded by colour. Our Highlands hills and valleys are a daily fireworks explosion of colour. Just choose one of our fine, FOBBA-inspected bed and breakfast homes ... and you'll be in the heart of Colour Country.

When you stay at Stouffer Mill you'll look out over glittering Halls Lake, and walk out the door into 130 acres of private woodlands, following trails lovingly carved out and tended by your hosts. All of nature's colour is there before you, including ponds and wetlands.

At Mountain Lake Lane you have the privacy of your own lakeside retreat; and, if the water still holds some of summer's warmth, can jump in for a swim ... while all around the forests present their autumn splendour.

The Stone House, just north of Minden, prides itself on its rustic elegance. Here, too, you enjoy private walking trails that take you through fields of fall wildflowers and deep mature woods.

The Wild Swan and Minden House are located right in the village of Minden. And that puts you on the shores of the Gull River, a happily meandering river that is deceptive in its calm since it is mere minutes from the foaming, crashing waters of the Minden Wild Water Preserve. As the waters course and shout over rocks and spillways, one is struck by the contrast with the tall trees serenely lining either shore, silently dressed in their glorious fall regalia.

A stay at Kinmount House Century Home places you at the southern terminus of the 37 km Haliburton County Rail Trail, a walkers' and cyclists' dream for viewing an ever-changing panoply of wildflowers, plants, and dazzling fall colours.

Sunny Rock is tucked tranquilly away at the very end of a winding country road. The waters of the Drag River tumble by, a sound complement to the colourfully wooded surroundings. Nearby trails offer the autumn explorer inexhaustible pleasure.

Trailside House sits right on the edge of the Haliburton County Rail Trail and is an ideal base for walkers and cyclists. An 8 km walk or ride to Haliburton Village will take the hardy wanderer past extensively varied woods, wetlands, and lakes.

A visit to Inukshuk Manor puts you within easy access of Green's Mountain. A hike to the top will reward you with a spectacular 360º view of the fall colour as far as your eye can see. Also nearby, the old IB&O rail trail offers a good day's cycle and great colour viewing.

At The House in the Village you're in the village of Wilberforce, close to the southern entrance to Algonquin Park, Ontario's largest provincial park. Even closer is the northern end of the IB&O rail trail.

In Haliburton Village you have your choice of seven attractive bed and breakfasts, each with its own distinctive personality, but all offering a warm welcome. York Duncan House, Highland Stone Cottage, and Head of the Lakes give you lovely shoreside views of Head Lake. Down Home, Sunnyside, The Riverside, and Country Charm are all located on quiet treed side streets near the town centre. Within easy reach of all is Glebe Park, a trail system with different loops totalling 10 km and perfect for autumn colour viewing. Skyline Park puts you way up high with a panoramic view of village and surrounding countryside. The village is the northern terminus for the Haliburton Rail Trail with, as noted above, wonderful opportunities for walking or cycling through always varying foliage. Head Lake waterfront is almost completely paved and provides an easy .5 km walk with closeup views of the lake and colourful hills beyond.

A stay at Swiss Acres, Meadow Wood, or Eagle Lake brings you to an area noted for its fall colours. Close by is the world-renowned Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve, over 50,000 acres of rolling hardwood forests, lakes, rivers, and wetlands - and hiking trails galore. Of special interest is the immensely popular Walk in the Clouds which takes you well above the colour-splashed treetops of the forest. (Book early!) For other superb views of the area's spectacular fall scenery, try the three Stanhope walking and lookout trails.

At each of these B&Bs, your hosts will happily offer more ideas and information for your fall colour viewing enjoyment - along with a tasty breakfast, superb night's sleep, and the warmest hospitality anywhere. For more information on any of them, visit www.bbcanada.com/associations/haliburton.

Special Attractions

Haliburton Forest "100/50/50" Ultra Run - September 7
The Haliburton Forest 100/50/50 offers ultra runners a choice between 50 kilometre, 50 mile and 100 mile runs through some of the most beautiful scenery the area has to offer. Test your endurance at this sanctioned event.

Leslie M. Frost Natural Resources Centre
A public education, training and conference facility operated by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Offers 9.5 km of interconnected hiking trails including interpretive walks.
Wild Weekend Getaway - October 4-6. For ages 5 to seniors. Guided canoe trips, nature walks, and more. Hosted by professional presenters and guides.

Central Ontario Loop Trail (COLT)
Join us for Trail Fest, October 5 - 6. Trail activities will include walking, geocaching, bicycling and horseback riding. There will also be fund-raising events sponsored by organizations such as the United Way and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

COLT consists of 450 km of public trails in the counties of Northumberland, Peterborough, Hastings, and Haliburton, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. To find out more about Haliburton's part in the festivities, e-mail info@trailsandtours.on.ca

The Haliburton Highlands B&B Association
www.bbcanada.com/associations/haliburton

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