One of the best parts about being in Kawarthas Northumberland is easy access to a wide range of beautiful, diverse hiking trails. And there’s no better time to hike than fall, when the bugs have died down and the leaves are on full display. To help you choose your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of several trails that showcase the best of season.
John Earle Chase (Anchor Bay Rd, Curve Lake)
The many stands of hardwood make this an ideal spot to visit in fall, as you’ll likely be surrounded by rich colours. The yellow trail is short and less densely forested, allowing you to see deeper into the woods and down to Pigeon Lake. The red trail provides a cozy forest path, while the blue provides a mix of both. Sling all three together for a distance of about 7.5km (and hit the village of Bridgenorth afterwards if you work up an appetite).
Selwyn Beach Conservation Area (2251 Birch Island Rd)
Walking along Selwyn Beach Conservation Area’s shady trails regularly provides lovely views across Chemong Lake. When the trees along the shoreline are changing colour, it’s a sight to behold. The sandy beach makes this a popular summer stop as well, but you’ll likely find the secluded forest trail equally attractive.
Millbrook Valley Trails (1 Needlers Ln, Millbrook)
Millbrook is a picturesque small town all on its own, but when you consider the many trails within walking distance of the main street it becomes all the more irresistible. Climb Medd’s Mountain behind historic Needler’s Mill, or stick to the straight and level Station Trail. Those are just two choices in an interconnected and beautifully varied trail system.
Fleetwood Creek (902 Ballyduff Rd, Pontypool)
The view from the Valley Trail lookout at Fleetwood Creek is pure autumn pleasure—you’ll be looking down at the canopy of the forest and sweeping Kawartha Lakes landscape. If that view inspires your wanderlust, the east and west forest trails will let you explore further.
Peter’s Wood (996 McDonald Rd, Roseneath)
Peter’s Wood is an ecologist’s dream and a wonderfully serene short hike. Despite being only about a kilometre long, the trail feels much grander because it represents the last remaining stand of old growth forest in the Oak Ridges Moraine. The trees tower above you as you wind your way alongside a stream, with interpretive guideposts available if you’d like to learn more about the local ecosystem.
Hazel Bird Nature Reserve (9636 Beavermeadow Rd E, Baltimore)
This is another Northumberland County gem that shows the diligent care conservationists have put into protecting the local landscape. Hazel Bird Conservation Area has been restored to a pre-colonial state, with volunteers removing Scotch pine and other invasive species. The original tall grass prairie is thriving once again, and as you progress around the trail you’ll also encounter black oak savannah, a sand barren, and oak woodland. It’s an inspiring, enlightening place to explore (just be aware unleashed pets are not allowed, as they can disrupt the delicate natural balance).
Ganaraska Forest (10585 Cold Springs Camp Rd, Campbellcroft)
The Ganaraska Forest is the largest contiguous forest in southern Ontario, and that fact alone should pique your interest. The main kilometres of multi-use trail and the availability of Treetop Trekking right within the forest bounds will seal the deal (just be aware a day pass is needed to visit).
Windy Ridge (998 Mt Horeb Rd, Omemee)
At 1.8km this trail won’t provide a whole day’s worth of hiking, but you’ll probably be tempted to linger a long time for a picnic. The aptly named Windy Ridge provides a commanding lookout across the landscape outside Omemee—and in the fall the view promises to be especially gorgeous.
Emily Tract (Peace Rd, Omemee)
Emily Tract is a delight for fall hikers. You’ll pass through beautiful deciduous forest and climb ridges that afford a unique view of the terrain below. Footbridges over a quiet stream complete the picture, and plaques with ecological info provide insight on the area’s unique features. Both trail loops combined cover a distance of about 3km.
These routes are far from the only fall hiking options in Kawarthas Northumberland. See our Hiking page or Soft Adventure blog post for more ideas!
