These trails are apart of the Upper Assiniboine Delta that originally emptied into the ancient glacial Lake Agassiz. It covered most of eastern Manitoba when it began its final decline about 7500 BC. The Arden gravel ridge, running northwest to southeast, is approx 3 km east of the trail system and marks the final shoreline before the lake emptied. |  |
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| Large tracts of the Delta were heaped up by the wind into sand dunes 25-100 feet high soon after the withdrawal of the glacial lake. The hills have an extremely uneven contour and are now partly covered by small trees and bushes. The intervening hollows quite often contain boggy areas or small ponds, making this region a unique element in the topography of the area. This area became locally known as “the Brown Sugar Mountains” because of the colour and texture of the sand. |
This fragile ecosystem is home to a wide variety of mammals, birds, and plants that have co-existed with nomadic peoples for thousands of years. Enjoy the trails during the changing seasons, discover the plants and animals that grow and live in this desert-like area. View the wildflowers that bloom in their appointed time, and reflect on the origin of the ancient hills. Whether you hike, ski, bike, or hunt, remember that this unique area is now our responsibility to preserve for future generations.
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Directions: From Neepawa go 6 mi east on #16 Highway, turn and go three miles south on Rd 81W. It is just a short jog to the right into the parking lot and trailhead. |
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