The best walks and hikes around Kincardine
4.4
(735)
7,671
hikers
30
hikes
Hiking around Kincardine offers routes along the Lake Huron shoreline, through forests, and beside the Penetangore River. The area's landscape is defined by its waterfront paths, conservation areas, and connections to provincial park trails. The trail network provides a mix of paved surfaces and natural paths suitable for various activities.
Best hiking trails around Kincardine
- The most popular hiking route is View of the Loch – Rhododendron Tunnel loop from Kincardine, a 8.5 mile (13.6 km) trail that takes 3 hours 33 minutes to complete. This moderate hike features a mix of forest paths and open sections with views of the water.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Devilla Forest loop from Kirkton, a moderate 6.9 mile (11.1 km) path. The route follows well-maintained forest tracks with minimal elevation change.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Peppermill Dam – Keir House & Farm loop from Kincardine, a 5.0 mile (8.1 km) trail leading through woodland and past a reservoir, often completed in about 2 hours 6 minutes.
- Hiking around Kincardine is defined by lakeside trails, river valley paths, and forested conservation areas. The network includes easy, family-friendly walks and longer, more moderate routes.
- The routes in Kincardine are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 2,800 hikers have used komoot to explore Kincardine's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 10, 2026
3.7
(10)
26
hikers
11.1km
02:51
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(12)
130
hikers
11.4km
02:57
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(7)
73
hikers
2.59km
00:39
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
79
hikers
14.3km
03:43
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
32
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Path round to here from back of college has quite a few trees down. Okay to climb over/under but would be a struggle to bike. Accessible from north though.
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Muddy path round the side of the loch in some places, but overall decent to walk on
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If you are visiting the Tulliallan Gate house in Kincardine, you might be interested in learning about its history and architecture. The gate house is part of the Tulliallan estate, which was once owned by the Blackadder clan and later by Admiral Lord Keith, a naval hero who fought alongside Nelson. The current castle, built in 1818-20, is a Gothic and Italian style mansion set in 90 acres of parkland. It is now the home of the Scottish Police College and the headquarters of Police Scotland. The gate house is a striking entrance to the estate, with a round tower and a pointed archway. You can admire its design and enjoy the views of the Firth of Forth from the nearby Kincardine Bridge.
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Folklore suggests that this stone was cut to hold the standards of the Scottish army that may have fought the Danes here in the 11th century. Unfortunately, this doesn't really make sense - why two holes? why square as the standards would almost certainly have been on round timbers etc. It's more likely that it's the base stone for a medieval stone cross or other standing stone. Maybe a parish marker stone or some estate boundary. It could have also held wooden gallows. Anyway, it's an interesting stop and worthy of a good speculative conversation...
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Much of Devilla Forest was once part of the rich Tulliallan Estate with the castle to the west. Some areas of the woods have been planted with what was then considered exotic specimen species like rhododendron trees. These are very pretty, especially when in bloom but do spread and the dense canopy and thick leaves stop any other plants from growing.
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Peppermill Dam is an artificial loch built to control the water supply to the paper mill downstream. It's a pretty place to walk on the edge of Devilla Forest.
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Part of the Davilla Forest, a good area for some off road fun.
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The Standard Stone is unknown in origin but is an interesting artifact, possible a holder for Standard at some Inter-Clan battle or event. It lies amidst the 'Squirrel Trail' in the Davilla forest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there around Kincardine?
There are over 30 curated hiking routes to explore around Kincardine. These range from easy lakeside strolls to more moderate forest treks, offering something for every skill level.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes?
Yes, the area has many options suitable for families. The Hiking loop from Kincardine is a short and easy walk perfect for all ages. Additionally, the trails around the Kincardine Rock Garden and the waterfront boardwalk are popular with families for their gentle paths and scenic views.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Kincardine?
Most multi-use trails in the Kincardine area are dog-friendly, but it's always best practice to keep your dog on a leash and respect local signage. Be sure to check specific regulations at trailheads, particularly when entering provincial parks like Inverhuron.
What are the waterfront trails like?
The waterfront trails offer stunning views of Lake Huron. The Pink Trail, for example, features a mix of boardwalk, sandy beach sections, and paved paths. It passes by landmarks like the Kincardine Lighthouse and is perfect for watching the sunset.
Which trails are best for bird watching?
The Yellow Trail is a prime spot for bird watching as it passes by a marsh. Stoney Island Conservation Area and the Tower Trail Wetlands in the nearby MacGregor Point Provincial Park are also excellent choices, with viewing platforms and diverse habitats that attract various bird species.
Can I hike in Kincardine during the winter?
Absolutely. Many of the multi-use trails, such as those in Stoney Island Conservation Area, are accessible year-round for activities like winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Always check trail conditions beforehand and dress appropriately for the weather.
What is the general difficulty of the trails?
Kincardine offers a balanced mix of difficulties. About half of the trails are rated as easy, perfect for casual walks. The other half are moderate, like the Devilla Forest loop, which involve more distance or slight elevation changes. There are very few technically difficult hikes, making the area accessible to most hikers.
What kind of hiking is available in nearby provincial parks?
Inverhuron Provincial Park, a short distance from Kincardine, offers a beautiful sandy beach and several trails through its pristine landscape. The Kincardine to Inverhuron Provincial Park (KIPP) Trail is a 12-kilometer paved path that connects the town directly to the park, ideal for a longer hike or bike ride.
Are the trails just for hiking?
No, many trails in the Kincardine network are multi-use. Besides hiking and walking, they are popular for cycling, trail running, and, in the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Bruce County Rail Trail is a notable example of a path enjoyed by both hikers and cyclists.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Kincardine?
The trails around Kincardine are highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the beautiful Lake Huron shoreline views, the well-maintained paths through serene forests, and the variety of routes available for different activities.
Are there any challenging trails in the area?
While most trails are easy to moderate, the Green Trail is considered the most challenging in the local system. It follows the Penetangore River and features many winding side trails and more rugged terrain, offering a more adventurous hike.
Is there a fee to use the hiking trails?
Most of the trails within the Municipality of Kincardine, such as those in Geddes Park and along the waterfront, are free to access. However, be aware that entry fees are required for provincial parks like Inverhuron Provincial Park.
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