Experience Simcoe County’s Top Golden Trails for an Unforgettable Fall Hiking Adventure
Fall hiking in Simcoe County isn’t just about covering ground; it’s an immersive journey through vibrant forests, offering exhilarating challenges and stunning vistas that ignite a true sense of adventure and accomplishment. 90 minutes north of Toronto, Central Ontario’s leaves transform into a breathtaking tapestry of crimson and gold, and the call of the trails becomes irresistible for anyone looking to experience Canada’s most stunning time of year. So, lace up your boots and prepare to discover the unparalleled beauty and serene tranquility of Simcoe County’s autumn landscape, where every step leads to a new discovery.
Nottawasaga Bluffs Trail & Key Hole Trail
3.5 km | Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
This 400-acre conservation area in Clearview Township offers a full day of exploration and adventure, with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside and glimpses of the area’s history. Explore the Nottawasaga Bluffs Trail and see where settlers once toiled to cut a living out of the wilderness. Timber and limestone proved to be big businesses for this area, resulting in the establishment of nearby communities like Singhampton and Glen Huron. Connect with the Bruce Trail as it makes its way through the property to extend your hike or venture down one of its side trails to catch a variety of unique features.
Highlight: The Key Hole Side Trail offers an other-worldly experience in the fall. The pathway leads up a slope through large rock faces, passes through small crevices and ends with a tight squeeze through a small hole in the wall. There is a way around this keyhole if you can’t quite fit.
Caution: Conditions can be slippery with wet leaves, mud, and slick rocks in the fall. Dress appropriately and take safety precautions before heading out
More to explore nearby in South Georgian Bay:
FEATURE STORY: Hiking Adventure in South Georgian Bay
By Steph & Quintin of @Attemas.Outdoors
“My husband and I recently got home from a jam-packed weekend adventure through South Georgian Bay in Simcoe County. It was our first time exploring the local towns, trails and beaches in the area and it will not be our last!”
Check out this two-day weekend itinerary featuring scenic hiking through Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation featuring the Keyhole Side Trail and and Wasaga Beach trails including the outlook of the Oxbow Sand Dunes.
Scanlon Creek Conservation Area
3.5km | Difficulty: Moderate
The Scanlon Creek Conservation Area is a hikers’ haven, a picnicking paradise, a birder’s delight and a photographer’s
dream. Explore the forests, marshlands and large rocky boulders transported by ancient glaciers to their final resting place. Enjoy the vibrant fall leaves while seeing plenty of birds and other wildlife as you hike the expansive trail system covering most of this 286-hectare greenspace. Serving both environment and recreational needs, the park is a nature preserve for flora and fauna.
More to explore nearby in South Lake Simcoe:
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
25 km of trails | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre offers a wonderful variety of trails for the whole family and every user, with many of the trails following boardwalks and raised pathways over the wetlands. It is a great spot for bird watching and seeing wildlife in the marsh. Extend your experience with a fall canoe or kayak paddle along the Wye River, or take part in a Birds of Prey demonstration.
Highlight: Don’t miss “Beyond the Boardwalk”, an Eco-Art Installation by artist John Notten, that features four large scale art pieces along Wye Marsh’s trails that blends sculpture, storytelling and environmental reflection.
More to explore nearby in the Heart of Georgian Bay:
Grant’s Woods & Scout Valley Loop Trails
4 km | Easy
The Couchiching Conservancy helps protect land to sustain crucial habitats for plants and animals and create a healthy community. For nature enthusiasts looking to connect deeply with nature, some of their properties offer hiking trails that truly glow in the fall.
Scout Valley Nature Reserve encompasses 228 acres, with a trail system that winds through the park’s natural landscape of forest and streams making it a popular destination for passive recreation. Three loop trails are located on the Scout Valley property – Algonquin Trail, Sugarbush Trail and Homestead Trail.
Just outside of Orillia, the Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve features a series of loop trails in a mature upland forest that is a great spot for bird-watchers with diverse flora and fauna. The Periwinkle Trail has been upgraded to a fully accessible trail by reframing the trail, laying new stone, flattening it, removing hazards, and refinishing a bridge. To help continue the sustainable operations of The Couchiching Conservancy there is $5 contribution to use the Nature Reserve (or by membership).
More to explore nearby in North Lake Simcoe:
Experience Simcoe County Trails Guide
Discover the natural beauty and cultural history of trails in Simcoe County. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, there is a trail for you! You can hike, bike, ski, snowmobile, horseback ride, and more. There are over 110 km of Trans Canada Trail open for use in Simcoe County plus trails in abandoned rail lines, and in our county forests.
Tips for a Fall Hiking Adventure
To make your fall hiking experience both safe and profoundly memorable, keep these essential tips in mind:
- Layering is Your Best Friend: Fall weather is notoriously fickle. Wear multiple breathable layers (base, mid-layer, outer shell) that you can easily adjust to stay comfortable as temperatures fluctuate throughout your hike.
- Waterproof Your Gear: A sudden shower can turn a perfect day into a soggy one. Ensure your outer layers, boots, and backpack are waterproof or water-resistant to stay dry.
- Navigation & Safety First: Even on familiar trails, fall colours can alter the landscape. Carry a map, compass, or GPS device, and let someone know your route and expected return time.
- Footwear Matters: Choose sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and excellent traction for potentially slippery leaves and muddy patches.
- Hydrate & Fuel: Carry plenty of water and energy-rich snacks. Fall hikes, especially challenging ones, still demand proper hydration and fuel.
- Respect the Environment: Stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems. Carry out all trash, and give any wildlife you encounter plenty of space, especially as they prepare for winter.
- Capture the Moment: Bring a camera to capture the stunning autumn colours and share your accomplishments with others, inspiring their own adventures.
More Trails to Explore
Find the trail that suits your adventure! The Simcoe County Forest expands more than 34,000 acres with over 720 km of recreational trails creating scenic trail systems for all walks of life. Simcoe County also features over 110km of the Trans Canada Trail as well as the Ganaraska Trail and Bruce Trail.
