r/KillarneyPark

I’m excited to share a brand new backpacking map, for the La Cloche Trail!

→ www.mapsbyjeff.com ←

It's designed specifically for backpackers – completely reimagined from the ground up.

So, what makes it different?

— Key features —

It combines two views of the trail:

• An overhead map for understanding how the trail is laid out
• A terrain profile to help you visualize elevation and difficulty

• Distance is built into every part of the maps:

• Each trail segment has its distance marked
• There’s a point-to-point distance chart showing the distance between any two campsites/starting points
• I’ve added a scale ruler printed along the map border for measuring arbitrary distances

• Hills:

The slope of a trail segment plays a huge role in dictating how easy/tough it will be. That’s where the colour-coded hill icons come in. For each hill, they show:

• How long it is
• How steep it is
• How tough it is (Steep, Very Steep or Crazy Steep)

And if you want even more detail, elevation shading and prominent 5m contour lines make it easy to understand terrain anywhere along the trail

• Landmarks:

When you’re deep in the forest, it’s easy to lose your bearings. To help, each map highlights key landmarks along the way – distinct spots like creeks, campsites and side trails, so you can check them off as you pass and always know where you are

• Helpful Notes:

Some of the most useful trail information doesn't fit neatly into an icon. That’s why I’ve sprinkled helpful notes throughout the maps – highlighting everything from spots where the trail isn’t immediately obvious, to campsites with difficult water access, and other useful details.

• Points of Interest:

As always, these maps are jam-packed with points of interest along the way – spots like waterfalls, lookout points, and old logging ruins

Compared to my paddling maps, these are significantly more detailed and zoomed in:

• Overhead View – 30%+ more zoomed in (1:32,500)
• Side View – 150%+ more zoomed in (1:16,750)

Practical details:

• 39g, printed on waterproof plastic (no map case needed)
• Of course, the maps come with digital versions too – for iOS/Android (ArcGIS Earth & Avenza Maps), Garmin GPS, and Mac/PC (JPEG, Google Earth Pro & GeoTIFF)

→ www.mapsbyjeff.com ←

As always, it’s completely free to view it online.

Let me know if you ever have any questions or feedback. I’m always here to help!

Hi everyone,

I’m going on my first backcountry camping trip in Killarney with a few friends from July 9–11. None of us have done backcountry camping before, but we have hiking experience and have hiked longer than 16 km.

Our plan is:

Day 1: H5 Cave Lake
Day 2: H16 Three Narrows
Day 3: Hike back out

I’m not too worried about the 16 km hike back because we are prepared for it to take most of the day. My main questions are about food, bugs, food storage, scented items, swimming spots, and ticks.

For food, I’m not really sure what to bring besides ramen and mac and cheese. Are eggs okay to bring and fry in the morning, or is that a bad idea for backcountry camping? Any simple meal ideas for a first trip would be really helpful.

For bugs, what should we expect around July 9–11? Should we be worried about mosquitoes, blackflies, deer flies, or ticks? Also, what bug repellent do people recommend for Killarney? Is spray better, or should we bring a lotion/cream-type repellent?

What precautions should we take to prevent tick bites while hiking and camping in Killarney? Should we be using a specific repellent, etc.? Any advice on what has worked for you in that area would be appreciated.

I’m also confused about the bear-bag/food-storage situation. Would a 20 L dry bag with rope be enough to hang food and scented items from a tree? Or is there a better setup people recommend for this area?

I also read that we shouldn’t keep any scented items in the tent. Does that include deodorant, toothpaste, sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm, hand sanitizer, soap, etc.? Should we avoid wearing deodorant completely, or is it okay as long as the deodorant itself gets stored with the food/bear bag overnight? Same question for toothpaste, should we brush away from camp and then store it with the rest of the scented items?

Another question: what do you guys think about swimming in Topaz Lake? It looks like it’s on the way from H5 Cave Lake to H16 Three Narrows. Is it worth stopping for a quick swim? Are there any other nice swimming spots along this route or near these sites that you would recommend?

I’m trying to make sure we’re prepared and don’t make any obvious first-timer mistakes. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Just got back from first visit - great weather, bugs tolerable, hikes and scenery amazing.

Seemed like lots of washrooms were either incomplete construction projects, broken facilities (no water) or had Out of Order signs on them.

Luckily the park was only about 20% occupied but I fear once schools put out the lack of functioning flush toilets will be intolerable.

Thought the construction projects were supposed to be done for the season - which was why bookings were delayed?

Disappointing — no communication from Park admin on this important topic!

I have a rather expensive carbon kevlar solo canoe I plan to bring with me. I'll be staying at the George Lake campground the first night. I'm hiking The Crack the following day. After that, I'll be paddling into David Lake from Johnnie Lake to hike Silver Peak day 3. For George Lake and The Crack I'll have my canoe tied to my car the whole time. For Silver Peak I plan to leave it at the trailhead off David Lake.

Would it be wise of me to bring up a lock for any or all of these moments? Has anyone ever heard of a canoe being stolen while someone is hiking?

First time visitor this summer. We are staying at lake George down in the walk in stites.

Are there biking trails at the park?

Was wondering if it was worth bringing our bikes up.

Thanks

G