Wes Branson
The locally named Forty Mile an Hour Hill.
Words by Wes Branson
Sometimes it takes a couple of wheeling trips at the beginning of the season to get into a consistent groove on the trails where correct lines are always chosen and a day in the backcountry goes smoothly.
However, water crossings, rock crawling, and handling steep grades all take some serious skill and the adage of ‘if at first you don't succeed, try, try again,’ applies to off-roading. I certainly found that recently on a trail run to Effingham Lake, located near Bon Echo Park, located just north of Cloyne, ON.
My wheeling group of friends remains fairly consistent and on one particular trip, the final destination was a secluded beach on Effingham Lake. For this run, I drove my 2014 Jeep Wrangler; Sean and Tori were in a brand new Jeep JL; Jay was running his 2016 Subaru Outback; Cody was manning his 2018 Ram 1500; and Shawn was in his 2009 GMC Sierra, which he calls ‘rusty but trusty.’
Wes Branson
Riley’s JK along the trail.
As we made our way north from Kingston, ON, the drizzle had already started, signifying the challenges that would come. We turned off Hwy 41 onto Machesney Lake Rd. and proceeded on the trails through the forest.
Once we were in the thick of things, we came to a water crossing and debated about driving through it. Since it looked as if it had been crossed by other wheelers recently and seemed shallow with a firm bottom, I decided to go for it.
As I proceeded into the existing 4x4 tracks with my Wrangler, I immediately realized that I should’ve inspected it further. I drove into a large sinkhole about 1.2 m (4 ft) deep. My off-roader bobbed for a brief second and then settled in the water.
Wes Branson
The group rallying up before the run.
I attempted to power forward with no luck. I then backed up with the same results. It was at this point that the engine shut off and my heart sank with the Jeep. After a quick tow on the winch to get out, an examination revealed the snorkel did its job but all the fluids were contaminated. It was my rookie mistake - and overconfidence - that ended my day.
A few months later, all of us regrouped and attempted to reach Effingham Lake again, taking Machesney Lake Rd. This time two more wheeling buddies joined us including Riley in his 2018 JK and Clint in his uber-cool 2004 Land Rover Discovery.
The weather was perfect and our spirits were high as we made our way along the same route. We were determined to get to the lake. It consisted mostly of fire service and logging roads, which didn’t require much skill, and we had a general idea of the area.
Jay Godin
The authour’s Jeep after his first attempt on this trail system.
As we stopped to regroup, we met a few four-wheelers. After inquiring about the trail conditions to the lake, they explained the Subaru would have some trouble getting through. Jay - as well as the rest of the group - took that as a challenge and we confidently pressed on.
Running through the woods, it was so far so good as we passed rustic campsites, picturesque lakes, hunting camps, even a crumbling shell of a long-abandoned 1950s GMC Suburban. We then turned off Machesney Lake Rd. and on to an unmarked logging route where the terrain became a little more demanding.
Once we were over a narrow culvert crossing, which led deeper into the forest, there was a long, steep hill with lots of rocks jutting up. While these conditions are not that uncommon, most of us maneuvered successfully to the top. But the hill was a little more challenging for Jay’s Subaru and needed some spotting - not to mention a good deal of acceleration - but he made it up.
Clint Legg
Jay in his relentless Subaru.
Our next challenge was another rocky climb with two lines to consider. The locals call this section Forty Mile an Hour Hill, which commemorates a long-gone speed sign. One of the lines was straight and open but had a muddled approach and hard break-over angles. The other line swung wide but was less steep but had a smooth, slick rock that could pose another issue.
Being the lead vehicle, I slowly and steadily manned my Wrangler up the more technical side and then got out to see if anyone needed some spotting. Riley eased his Jeep up behind mine with Clint in his Discovery behind him. Cody was up next and decided that the bypass was best as he wanted to preserve his running boards.
Jay went next in his low-slung Subie. After picking his line carefully, he kept his revs up on the Subies’ flat-four engine. It struggled for traction and slowed to a stop. He then made another attempt with the same result. He made one more attempt and following a lot of wheelspin, revving and a whiff of a burnt clutch, he successfully reached the top.
Cody Fendley
The final - and scenic - destination at Effingham Lake.
Shawn in his Sierra and Sean and Tori in the JL brought up the rear and we then experienced a rough descent littered with oil pan-threatening rocks. Jay skillfully maneuvered his Subaru around and through without any issues and we all breathed a sigh of relief.
We drove the remaining distance to Effingham Lake and then parked at the beach. We unpacked our coolers, brought out the BBQ, set up an awning, and sat back and enjoyed the setting as we congratulated ourselves on a successful second attempt.
A week later Jay needed to replace his clutch and front diff, leaving us to ponder if Effingham Lake had the last laugh.