Water and land trails weave through the Marmora landscape, offering links to the area's prized natural assets. Paddlers can tackle whitewater challenges along the Crowe River Water Trail when spring thaws create Class II rapids on the otherwise calm river. The 9-mile paddle from Marmora to Campbellford takes about five hours and passes through scenic countryside, parks and Lock 16 of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Marmora's land trails are another gateway to experiencing nature. Walkers and bicyclists can trek the nearly 2 mile-long Brian Goodchild Memorial Trail, while the Marmora Mine Trail, the Nayler's Common Wetland trails and the Marmora Crowe River Trail welcome hiking, biking and four season motorized sports. Some of these trails are linked to the Trans Canada Trail, one of the world's longest trail systems.
Situated in a region rich in iron ore, Marmora's past includes a thriving mining industry. Visiting the abandoned Marmora Mine located on the outskirt's of town sheds light on an important industry that once employed many locals. The site was mined from 1955 to 1979, producing iron ore pellets for New York state steel mills. Fed from underground water sources, the pit eventually filled with water and is now designated as a lake. Encompassing 85 acres, the lake plunges to a depth of 656 feet at its deepest point. Take note that while the locals use the lake as a swimming spot, the activity is discouraged by the land's owners. Remains of the mining operation's water-powered refinery are visible along the east bank of the Crowe River.
Dickey Lake and Crowe Lake lie within the municipality of Marmora, creating numerous recreational opportunities. Boating enthusiasts and anglers can access the waters from launches found on both lakes. Anglers on Dickey Lake typically cast for lake trout, smallmouth bass and rock bass. Crowe Lake contains walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and yellow perch, among other species. Glen Allan Park offers boat access to Crowe Lake for fishing, water skiing and power boat fun. The lakes are also central to community celebrations. The Crowe Lake Water Association sponsors a Pike Fishing Derby -- held in February and July -- and the Canada Day weekend Lighted Boat Parade, also held in July.
It's musher mania every year at Marmora's SnoFest. The community's signature celebration, held in February, hosts dog sled races in six divisions ranging from 40-mile, 10-dog contests to ski-joring. Other favorite celebrations include the Crowe Valley Lions Club Country Music Jamboree in June and the Marmora Country Jamboree in September. Paddlers celebrate in April during the Marmora Area Canoe and Kayak Festival. Highlights include a down river race, freestyle events and guided river trips. Canada Day festivities, Thursday night summer concerts at Memorial Park and the Marmora Santa Claus Parade in December are other family-oriented events open to visitors throughout the year.
