Trails are open: Grab your bike or go for a hike today!

Posted : April 9, 2018

Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.

Local cycling enthusiasts and hikers know that York Durham Headwaters has the best trails north of Toronto. From meandering hikes through wooded wonderlands to adrenaline-packed cycling paths, YDH is the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes!

Hundreds of kilometres of trails to blaze

Our network of trails cross three regions of rolling recreational trails that are perfect for hiking and cycling.
We like to begin with the Cold Creek Conservation Area, which is home to a wide range of unique plants and animals to discover along their 6.6km of marked nature trails. Adventure seekers take note: in July and August, the conservation area opens its rock climbing tower to visitors over the age of seven!

Another natural wonder is the Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area, which protects an ecologically sensitive area of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Hikers and cyclists can explore 7km of trails that span sugar maple forests, pine plantations, open meadows and sand barrens.
Just 10 minutes north of Toronto, the Kortright Centre for Conservation is an oasis of calm. Pack your binoculars because you’re sure to spot wildlife including whitetail deer, rabbits, ducks and other fine feathered friends tucked within the 16km of hiking trails.
Kortright Spring Walk
For sheer variety, hikers enjoy the Darlington Provincial Park, which offers four trails ranging from 1km to 2.6km. History buffs take note: there is a pioneer cemetery on the Burk Trail, on the way to a stunning lookout over Lake Ontario. Pack paper and crayons to make some etchings of these historical gems.

Spring is sprung, the trails are clear – it’s time to get your bike in gear!

The secret is out – YDH is THE hot new Ontario cycling destination for off-road single track and double track mountain biking! The Albion Hills Conservation Area boasts 50km of fast rolling terrain and long downhill stretches. As an added bonus, cyclists can make the most of spring’s mud by renting fat tire bikes on-site for two-hour or full day blocks.
Smiling cyclist cycling
Long distance cyclists rave about the Elora Cataract Trail, which follows the old Canadian Pacific rail line and is part of the Trans Canada Trail. Fill your lungs with fresh country air as you cycle 47km of trails through rolling countryside, through the historic town of Fergus and all the way to the Forks of Credit Provincial Park.

Weather not cooperating?
Mother Nature didn’t get the memo that you want to hit the trails?
Let’s talk Plan B.
joyride 360
Canada’s largest indoor bike park, Joyride 150 is just plain awesome for cyclists of all ages and abilities! Bring your bike or rent one of theirs, and hit the pump track, jump lines, cross country track and more. And psst – the park also has outdoor dirt jumps, which are open when the weather is fine.

What are you waiting for?

There’s no better time to get outside! But before you go, sign up for our e-newsletter to get the jump on all YDH biking and hiking news.

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