Drone view of Port Hope Waterfront Trail
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Trails to Discover

Northumberland County Trails

The green spaces in Northumberland are one of the key attractions in the region. Whether you’re looking to go for a relaxing nature walk to look for birds and native plants, an energetic hike to a beautiful view, an adrenaline-boosting mountain bike ride – or even a winter fat bike ride, Northumberland is takes pride in our beautiful trails. Some of the trails are even suitable for ATV or off-road driving and in the winter you’ll enjoy beautiful trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

download the printable and accessible map guide.

top down drone view of trail in Northumberland Forest

Northumberland County Forest

The Northumberland County Forest offers visitors an opportunity to learn about and appreciate plants and wildlife, while also preserving our ecosystems and providing many ecological benefits to the region. The forest covers 5,500 acres of Northumberland County in Alnwick Haldimand Township, south of Roseneath.

Over 50 kilometres of trail provides many recreational opportunities including ATV-ing, cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking, off-road motorcycling, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. They also offer 3 different short-loop universal trails that provide access to nature to a wider audience of people. Keep scrolling for more information on universal trails.

Learn more about the Northumberland Forest
Two people and a dog walking away from the camera to look at a view at Lookout Mountain in the fall

Ganaraska Forest

The Ganaraska Forest is southern Ontario’s largest, contiguous forest and it’s just an hour’s drive east of Toronto. Operated by the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA), the forest boasts hundreds of kilometres of trails that inspire visitors to hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and just appreciate nature. The forest is even home to Treetop Trekking allowing you to enjoy the forest from the canopy as you zipline through the trees.

Along with stunning trails, the Forest is also home to the Ganaraska Forest Outdoor Education Centre, which includes public washrooms and shower facilities for Forest users.

Click through to the GRCA website to learn more about when and where you can enjoy your favourite activities, as well as costs involved for day passes.

Learn more about the Ganaraska Forest
2 cyclists riding on a trail in the Ganaraska Forest in fall

Northumberland Land Trust

The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) is a local, community-based organization dedicated to protecting nature through land conservation in the area. Their team manages 2,275 acres of critical wildlife habitat over multiple nature reserves

Currently, they have 5 nature reserves that are open to the public including: Lone Pine Marsh, Munn Nature Reserve, Wilkinson Nature Reserve, Laurie Lawson Outdoor Education Centre and the Wilhelmina Woods Nature Reserve.

In addition, the Northumberland Land Trust manages 9 reserves that are open by appointment. With all of these green spaces, it’s easy to find a place to connect deeply with nature, explore and enjoy the areas the NLT as worked so hard to preserve.

Learn more about the Northumberland Land Trust
girl walking near a pond at Laurie Lawson outdoor education centre

Universal Trails

Northumberland County Forest has three universal trails. These unique trails offer a wide, sturdy, smoother experience with gradual sloping grades to minimize barriers to accessibility. In addition, benches are available throughout the trail so no visitor needs to go more than 364 metres before finding a place to rest. Parking spots designated for accessibility are also available at each trailhead.

These trails support Northumberland County’s vision of providing accessible recreational opportunities to more residents and visitors in the forest.

Universal Trails are available at:

  • Carstairs Universal Trail (3.2 km with four possible loops from 750 m to 2.2km)
  • Beagle Club Heritage Trail (1 km)
  • Porcupine Trail at Woodland Trailhead (1 km)
Learn more about Universal Trails
Accessible trail in the Northumberland Forest

Conservation Areas

Ganaraska Millennium Conservation Area

Ganaraska Millennium Conservation Area sits adjacent to the Ganaraska River, at the GRCA Administrative Offices. A two kilometre looped trail meanders around a wetland that was once the Molson Pond, across the river from Port Hope Conservation Area. The Conservation Area is used for passive recreation, including nature appreciation, wildlife observations, picnicking, hiking, dog-walking and fishing. Visit the link to find out more about activities and restrictions.

Learn more about Ganaraska Millennium Conservation Area

Nature Reserves & Sanctuaries

Hazel Bird Nature Reserve

Visit oak savannah and tallgrass prairie habitats on this Nature Conservancy of Canada reserve in Hamilton Township. The 3.2 km hiking trail takes you through fields and woodlands and includes interpretive signs, benches, and a great view. You’ll experience protected habitats that are being restored by the Conservancy and its supporters and volunteers.

Map your way to Hazel Bird Nature Reserve

Provincial Parks

Ferris Provincial Park

Located on the shore of the Trent River in Trent Hills, this 200 hectare park offers several trails. There is also a lookout towards beautiful Ranney Falls. The 91 metre Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge is an exciting feature of the Park. Nine metres above the gorge, the bridge connects the 5km granular Rotary Trail (along the banks of the Trent Canal) to Ferris Park. This helps to form the Trans Canada Trail.

Learn more about Ferris Provincial Park

So many trails... take your time and explore them all

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