happy Trails

By JeNNifeR BRieN

Looking to stretch your legs somewhere close to home but craving a change of scenery? Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll, more challenging terrain for mountain biking or a stroller-friendly family walk, here are some hidden gems for you to explore!

FOLLOW THE RULES

Always explore in accordance with York Region Public Health Guidelines (york.ca).

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CroSS CoUNtrY SkiiNG nokiidaa Trail

Nokiidaa Trail

Where to access it: Aurora, Newmarket and East Gwillimbury

This 20-kilometre (km) trail connects Aurora, Newmarket and East Gwillimbury and incorporates Newmarket’s popular Tom Taylor trail and Fairy Lake Park. There are several access points with many other local trail connections. Much of this trail is paved, smooth gravel or boardwalks making it ideal for walkers, cyclists and strollers. Let your dog run free at the off-leash dog park in Newmarket’s George Richardson park. If you’re on your bike and need a minor tune-up, the bike repair station at Newmarket Riverwalk Commons makes a great pit stop. While you’re there, shop local at one of the many cool shops on Main St. and grab a bite to eat. ThornTon Bales conservaTion area (99 sTePs)

Where to access it: Just west of Bathurst St. and Mulock Dr. on 19th Sideroad

Located along the Greenbelt Route and part of the Oak Ridges Moraine, Thornton-Bales offers challenging terrain and is famous for its steep slopes and rugged beauty. Nicknamed “99 Steps” (count them!), it’s the perfect place to tire out older kids. Bikes aren’t allowed on this trail, but cyclists can make minor adjustments at the bike repair station and lock up their bike to explore on foot. Heads up: parking is limited (only eight spots) and on street parking on 19th Sideroad is prohibited and enforced. An accessible trail entrance leads to a new lookout a short distance away, putting the forest canopy at eye level for all ages and abilities.

99 Steps

Fun FacT:

The change in vertical elevation from the top of the 99 steps to the bottom is a larger change in elevation than the drop over Niagara Falls!

dave kerwin Trail & Peggy woods Trail

Where to access it: Woodspring Ave. in Newmarket or Gilpin Dr. north of Bonshaw in East Gwillimbury

These two trails connect for a 3.7 km route through the forest. Located on the west side of Newmarket and East Gwillimbury, this scenic trail runs between Davis Drive and Green Lane. The main trail is perfect for young families and there is a playground along the route.

scanlon creek conservaTion area

Where to access it: 2450 9th Line, Bradford

Scanlon Creek is great for just about any activity with 10 km of trails and four loops to keep you moving. Bring your four-legged friend to the Bark Park! Fenced and double gated, this three-acre off leash area is the crème de la crème of dog parks. Take the kids to the Discovery Play Garden or stop to smell the flowers at the Native Pollinator Garden.

Scanlon Creek Conservation Area

Scanlon Creek Conservation Area

Special thanks to Lake Simcoe Region Conservation for helping with the info in this article. Visit them at lsrca.on.ca for more places to explore! rogers reservoir conservaTion area

Where to access it: 2nd Concession, East Gwillimbury

Featuring even terrain, this 4 km trail is perfect for walking, jogging and cycling. Walk through a canopy of trees along the river’s edge and check out the new viewing platform overlooking a wetland restoration project. Keep your eyes open for turtles, kingfishers and more!

shePPard’s BUsh conservaTion area

Where to access it: At the end of industry Street in Aurora. there is also an entrance off of industrial Parkway south

This beautiful area of Aurora features more than three kilometres of hiking trails, two picnic pavilions and several historic buildings, including a maple syrup evaporator hut and the Sheppard family house. You can almost taste the maple syrup as you walk among the sugar bush buildings, which also makes a great back drop for family photos. This pretty trail features a fish-friendly bridge on the East Holland River. If you’re in the mood for a longer trek, you can connect to the Nokiidaa Trail or Oak Ridges Trail.

Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

Sheppard's Bush in Aurora

Stay on Track with the Avenza Maps

Available for iOS and Android, this free app allows you to download many trail maps in York Region. Once the maps are downloaded your phone’s GPS tracks your location and you won’t have to use data or have access to WIFI. david Tomlinson naTUre reserve

Where to access it: in Aurora at Stronach Aurora recreation Centre (SArC), on Wellington Street East up to Johnathan Bales Parkette on Hartwell Way

If serenity and wildlife are on your wish list, check out phase one of the new David Tomlinson Nature Preserve in Aurora. Named after a local environmentalist and landscape architect, the trail is fenced so as not to disturb the wildlife that lives in the area but there are two large viewing platforms. Phase 2 work is currently slated to begin in Summer 2021.

york regional foresT

With 22 tracts and 150 km of trails to explore, the York Regional Forest offers a variety of terrain for any activity you are looking to do. The Bender and Graves Tract has an off-leash dog area off McCowan Road. The Brownhill Tract is 15 km long and offers some of the best mountain biking terrain in the Greater Toronto Area! Accessible trails are located at the Hollidge Tract, North Tract and Hall Tract. To find the trail that’s right for you visit york.ca.

Fun FacT:

Some of the best dog sledders in Ontario train in the York Regional Forest.

York Regional Forest With 22 tracts and 150 km of trails to explore, the York Regional Forest offers a variety of terrain for any activity you are looking to do. The Bender and Graves Tract has an off-leash dog area off McCowan Road. The Brownhill Tract is 15 km long and offers some of the best mountain biking terrain in the Greater Toronto Area! Accessible trails are located at the Hollidge Tract, North Tract and Hall Tract. To find the trail that’s right for you visit york.ca.

York Regional Forest