trails
Lace up your hiking boots and explore over 40 scenic trails across Huron County’s stunning landscapes. From shaded forests to lakeside paths, each trail offers a new adventure. Enjoy the sounds of rustling leaves, birdsong, and the chance to spot wildlife along the way. Whether you’re craving a peaceful solo walk, a fun family outing, or a refreshing hike with friends, there’s a trail for everyone. Wander woodland paths, tackle rugged terrain, or stroll at your own pace. Breathe in the fresh air, soak up the views, and don’t forget to pause for that perfect nature photo!
HINTS & TIPS:
Planning to hit the trails? Don’t forget these items to ensure you are prepared.
- The what3words app allows you to find, share and navigate to precise locations. Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
- Wear comfortable, water-resistant hiking boots, as some trails may be wet, particularly after a rainfall.
- In every condition, hiking poles may add to the enjoyment of your hike.
- Dress in layers for flexibility and comfort in any weather condition.
- For longer hikes, bring along snacks or lunch.
- The sun can be persistent! Wear a hat and sunscreen for proper protection.
- Stay hydrated! Bring along at least 1 liter of water.
- For a hiking route map, check out our Hiking Guide.
Bannockburn Conservation Area
Difficulty: Moderate, some hills
Length: 1.9 km
Start: 76249 Bannockburn Line
The 2 km trail loop located on Bannockburn Line is home to six different natural communities: wet meadow, white cedar, deciduous forest, marsh, old field, and mixed scrub. Early morning walks reward hikers with sightings of deer, grouse, and numerous songbirds.
Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail
Difficulty: Easy to experienced, conditions vary depending on the section
Length: 132 km
Start: Several access points, visit the website for information.
The Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail, or G2G, is a 132 km trail along the former CPR Railway line abandoned in 1988 and now a highly accessible public recreational trail for non-motorized use – walking, hiking, running, cycling, snowshoeing and skiing.
Note: The Menesetung Bridge is closed for repair in 2025
Goderich Millenium Trail
Difficulty: Level 2
Length: 2 km
Start: Goderich Millenium Trail (Nelson Street entrance) Goderich, ON N7A 3Y1
Dramatic vistas, intimate woods and expansive floodplain – all couched on the southern bank of the Maitland River Valley. This section descends into the Proudfoot Historical Tract and the Maitland River Valley floodplain. Proceeding upriver, enjoy the panorama of the valley before climbing to the top of the river bank.
Gorrie Walking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 km
Start: 2068 George Street, Gorrie
Stretching alongside the Maitland River and neighbouring the Maitland Vally Conservation Authority. Come explore and learn about the history of Gorrie, facts about different native animals , enjoy our interactive activity and don’t forget to document your trip at the photo opportunity located at the Trail Head located at 2068 George Street.
Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Length: 13 km of trails and 18 km of dyke tops
Start: Several access points off of Hydro Line Road and Conservation Road
Located along the South Maitland River, the Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area consists of seven different coloured trails and dyke systems, each offering a large variety of ecosystems, wildlife, vistas, and plants that can be seen on the trails and viewing stands.
MacNaughton-Morrison Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 4 km loop
Start: From Hwy. #4, turn east at Hill St. to MacNaughton Park; or from County Rd. #83, turn south on Morrison Line (entrance across from Morrison Dam Conservation Area).
This 4 km trail winds through the scenic Ausable River Valley between MacNaughton Park in Exeter and Morrison Dam Conservation Area. The variety of trees, birds, and wildlife make this an ideal setting for nature enthusiasts.
Moreland Tract
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Length: 4.5 km
Start: From Nile Rd. take St. Augustine Line north and turn east for 2.5 km on Hawkins Line.
Purchased by the County in 1963, over 60,000 trees were planted here as part of a province-wide effort to reforest farmland. Forest management is a key activity on this property, and the main logging trails provide ideal hiking opportunities.
Redmond Tract
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Length: Main Loop – 1.9 km; Hardwood Loop – 0.54 km
Start: From Donnybrook Line turn onto Westfield Rd. heading east. There is a main parking area on the south side of the road.
Featuring upland maple forest and towering white pines, the 150 acre tract offers year round hiking. As a “working forest,” the Redmond Tract provides sustainable harvests of wood products while providing prime fish and wildlife habitat.
Robertson Tract
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Length: 2 km
Start: From Blyth Rd. take Pinery Line south toward the Maitland River. Pinery Line bisects the Robertson Tract and ends at the Maitland Trail.
In 1936, the Robertson brothers started planting trees on marginal farmland, making Robertson Tract one of the oldest plantations in the County. The brothers left their family farm to the County as a legacy for future generations and a permanent natural buffer to the Maitland River.
Sawmill Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2 km
Start: From Highway 21, just north of the bridge in Bayfield, turn right on Old River Road and proceed 0.5 km and turn right at Sawmill Road. The trail entrance is at the end of this cul de sac.
One of the Bayfield River Valley Trails, the 2 km Sawmill Trail features a range of historical and natural points of interest. Naturalists will enjoy the changing terrain, varied plant life, and the telltale signs of abundant wildlife.
Serenity Nature Reserve
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.5 km
Start: 70050 Corbett Line, Grand Bend, ON, N0M 1T0.
Serenity Nature Reserve is owned and managed by the Phil McNamee Charitable Foundation for the purpose of preserving a natural environment where the public can enjoy nature. This is our effort in making nature more accessible for families and individuals who want to connect with nature.
Sheppardton Tract
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Length: 6.5 km
Start: Located on the east side of Hwy. #21, 8 km north of Goderich.
Named for the nearby pioneer village of Sheppardton, this 280-acre property is the largest of the Huron County forests. Because it contains a significant wetland within 2 km of Lake Huron, part of the property is classed as a rare “coastal wetland.”
Stevenson Tract
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Length: West Main Loop – 2.32 km; East Main Trail – 0.54 km
Start: Located on County Rd. #16 (Morris Rd.) halfway between London Rd. and the village of Brussels just east of Clyde Line.
Explore a piece of Ontario’s reforestation legacy on the beautiful mixed forest trails of the 200 acre Stevenson Tract. Bi-sected by the Maitland River and the Sunshine Creek, the tract features prime fish habitat and some of the best hiking trails in the county.
Taylor Tract
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Length: 2 km
Start: Located on Harriston Rd. (County Rd. #87), 1 km east of Fordwich Line.
Taylor Tract contains many Eastern White Pine, making it a great place to marvel at our provincial tree. The level topography and relatively solid surfaces provide a great hiking venue for all ages and abilities.
Varna Nature Trails
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: Taylor Trail – 1 km; Mavis Trail – 2.5 km
Start: These looped trails start at the Stanley Community Centre, 1.6 km west of the village of Varna on County Rd. #3.
The Taylor Trail is an accessible short trail that will delight users of all ages. The gravel pathway passes through
a variety of landscapes with gentle slopes and no stairs.
On the Mavis Trail, walkers begin in a quiet pine meadow and after crossing a 65 foot bridge, will then meander along a heavily wooded path that eventually leads to a lovely, tranquil lookout over the charming Bayfield River.
Wawanosh Valley Conservation Area
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3 km loop
Start: 38854 Nature Centre, Blyth
The Wawanosh Valley Conservation Area offers a scenic 3 km trail loop that crosses the Belgrave Creek, passes through meadows with hedgerow plantings, and down a steep hill to the cedar lowlands at the river. A boardwalk leads through the hemlock forest to the hardwoods and red pine plantation.
Wingham Community Trail
Difficulty: Easy, east side of river, moderate (hilly) west side of river
Length: 2.5 km loop, 1.1km east of Josephine St.
Start: Several trail access points. The trail crosses Josephine St. near the railway tracks. Note: No winter maintenance available.
The Wingham Community Trail runs from east to west, meandering along the old abandoned rail bed, crossing the Maitland River, and then it makes a loop around the Turnberry Flood Plain Conservation Area to take you back.
Wroxeter Walking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.92 km
Start: The Wroxeter Walking Trail has two trail heads, one located at 4 Harriston Road, Wroxeter, and the second in town at 1030 Water Street, Wroxeter. Both locations have small parking areas, benches, and picnic tables for a rest stop.
Enjoy the view of the Maitland River and a large variety of native trees. There is an interactive Tic-Tac-Toe game located near the junction of the two paths, with areas to sit and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the river, native bird species, and have a picnic.