Trail Overview

Pike Bay is on the South end, with Purgatory Cove on the North. This trail is located right beside Lake Huron. This is a rocky gravel path through lush green forest. Although there is some tighter vegetation, there is plenty of space for full-size without pinstriping. Nice introductory trail for beginners and for learning your vehicle with minimal risk. A worthwhile offshoot while exploring the Tobermory or Lions Head area.

Photos of Dave Lauer Memorial Trail

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Difficulty

Larger rocks are hiding along the trail, but nothing extreme to traverse. After heavy rain or early in the season can have lots of waterholes, however the ground remains quite solid when you stay on the trail.

History

This area was historically used for logging, requiring large barge ships to enter the small bay. On November 21, 1883, a barge "Etta" was being towed by a steamer "Eclipse" from Tobermory to Southampton. Encountering gale-force winds, the two ships were separated during the night. The Etta was cast adrift and ran ashore on Little Pike Bay beach. The sole crewmember then walked 16 miles to Wiarton to file a report with the Port Authorities. The seven crewmembers of the Eclipse all perished when the steamer capsized in Lake Huron near Pine Tree Harbour.

Technical Rating