Fall Is Hiking Season in Kawarthas Northumberland
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.
Wondering where and when you’ll find the best fall colours? Ontario Parks’ fall colours viewing map is an excellent resource.
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.
Local Tip: Summer Roads Flower Company makes for a perfect post-hike stop, with fresh-cut flowers as well as dried flower arrangements, honey, maple syrup, and other market items such as hand-painted cards and pottery.
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).
Local Tip: The Chemong Lodge is a Bridgenorth favourite, offering a gourmet experience in a cottage-country atmosphere.
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.
Local Tip: It’s worth making a detour to see the enormous golden Buddha at Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden.
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.
Local Tip: Be sure to explore downtown Millbrook as well—the historic storefronts are so beautiful they’re often used as a filming location for major productions.
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.
Local Tip: If you’re looking to extend your stay, Fells Meadows is a relaxing, harmonious accommodation a short drive away.
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.
Local Tip: Hollow Brook Highlands is a six-minute drive from Fleetwood Creek. Time your visit right to hit one of their market days and see the highland cattle.
The Ganaraska Forest is the largest contiguous forest in southern Ontario, and that fact alone should pique your interest. The many kilometres of multi-use trail are great for hiking, and make for excellent cross-country skiing once the snow flies.
Local Tip: Looking to take your adventure to the next level? Treetop Trekking is found within the forest bounds, and allows you to explore the forest canopy.
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).
Local Tip: This stop pairs well with the Butter Tart Tour—try nearby Betty’s Pies and Tarts.
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.
Local Tip: If you’re visiting in fall, nearby McQuaid’s Country Market offers a corn maze and pumpkin patch.
This park is best known as a regional favourite tubing spot, but it doubles as a short, picturesque hiking area. Park a picnic and enjoy the rocky landscape—and you might want to throw you swim gear in too.
Local Tip: The Trent-Severn Trail Town Buckhorn lies just to the south, with plenty of options for the visitor.
More Ways to Enjoy the Season
If you’re looking to extend your adventure, or even if hiking’s just not your cup of tea, there’s plenty more to see and do in Kawarthas Northumberland.
