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Table of Contents
Peoples’s Points of View
We like to follow comments on various social media sites; this is what we’ve noticed for Ferris Provincial Park.
2023
This might be a good choice if you are looking for a small, quiet park.
Comfort stations are outdated. Some people thought it was clean and well-kept. Others were definitely not happy with the state of repair.
Don’t expect a beach or any swimming area. There is a dam upstream, and river currents make it dangerous to swim here. Stick to paddling and wear a PFD.
The town of Campbellford is close by and has a very nice bakery.
Pets.
Ferris features a special spot for your furry friends to exercise – a designated pet exercise zone tucked by the day-use parking lot, nestled between the Raney Falls Trail and the picnic shelter. Enclosed with a fence, this off-leash oasis boasts lush grass and shade-giving trees. While this area is all about unleashed adventures, remember that for the rest of the park, a leash is the name of the game when it comes to keeping your pets in check.
Facebook and Website Links
Ferris Official website
Ferris Official Facebook
Information
Phone #: 705-653-3575
Main entrance co-ordinates:
Address: 474 County Rd. 8 Campbellford K0L 1L0
Opening seasons: May 12, 2023 to October 10, 2023
Activities
Camping & Accommodation
Car Camping
Ferris offers car camping on over 150 sites in two campground loops (Valleyview and Bedrock). These sites can accommodate equipment ranging from tents only to large trailers.
Valleyview Loop is set atop a forested drumlin, with some campsites providing a view across the Trent River Valley. The Bedrock Loop has some electrical campsites and is just a short walk to the playground and day-use picnic areas.
Hiking, Biking & Paddling
Hiking
Drumlin Trail System – 3 interconnecting looped trails: Blue 1.2 km (1.0 hour); White 2.5 km (2 hours) and Red 2.5 km (2.5 hours), moderate
The Drumlin Trail System takes you through mature mixed forest, by small wetlands, and along seasonal creeks that have developed on two elongated hills called drumlins. These drumlins were formed thousands of years ago by glaciers and largely left as woodlots by European settlers. The spring wildflowers can be spectacular in spring.
The Blue and White Trails take you near areas where the Ferris family’s sugar houses, shingle mill, granary, and sheep pens once stood. The Red Trail goes around the back of the second drumlin, taking you past the old W. Cock Brickyard. Little physical evidence remains of these pioneering enterprises, but their legacy as the forerunners of today’s vibrant local communities is not forgotten.
Ranney Falls Trail – 1 km (0.5 hours), loop, easy, level
This trail follows the original roadway to Ferris Provincial Park before looping back along the river, where there are magnificent views of the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge and Ranney Falls. The gorge edge habitat supports different vegetation from the rest of the park, including the regionally rare Chinquapin Oak. Look for its unique saw-tooth shape on trees along the trail or on fallen leaves underfoot. The trail finishes by passing through a restful picnic area, perfect for lunch, or a short break.
River Gorge Trail – 3.5 km (2 hours), loop, easy, parts can be wet in the spring. (Yellow markers)
This trail offers magnificent views of the Trent River gorge from the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, before continuing downstream past the old Ferris Quarry and onto the legendary “sheep wash”, now a picnic area. The trail continues south, following the river’s edge for more fantastic views of the Trent River. On your way back upstream the trail travels through meadows and past Ferris’s unique stone fences, some of which have recently been rebuilt.
Biking
There are no dedicated bike trails, but the roadways provide some nice cycling with interesting views throughout the park.
Paddling
Launching a canoe at the park’s south end downstream from the falls and gorge is possible. It is recommended that exploration be limited downstream from the park to avoid the falls and dam.
Maps & Resources
On the Ontario Parks website, there is a park overview and also a campground map. Click here for more information.
Local Facilities
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