Dufferin County Nature Trails
Welcome to Dufferin County!
Dufferin County is fortuitously positioned on the perimeter of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and within the Greater Golden Horseshoe whose population of 9.4 million is predicted to grow to 13.5 million by 2041.
The “Hills of Headwaters” region is the Ontario highland that is the source of five river systems. The County’s agriculture sector benefits from high-quality Class 1 soils that support cattle, dairy, hogs, sheep, horses, soybeans, winter wheat, corn, mixed farming and potatoes.
Though the County’s growing population and economy are challenging the capacity of many segments of the existing road systems, Canada’s principal airport is within 60 kilometers of Orangeville, and County residents, businesses and producers can access Ontario’s 400-series arteries via Highway 10. The Orangeville Brampton Railway – owned by the Town of Orangeville – serves manufacturers in Orangeville.
Dufferin County’s population reached 61,735 in 2016, with a rate of growth of 8.5% since the 2011 Census that is well ahead of the Provincial and national rates. Sixty percent of the population is in the urban centres of Orangeville (28,900) and Shelburne (8,126). Shelburne had the highest growth rate between 2011 and 2016 – 39% – among southern Ontario communities over 5,000 people. Dufferin County had 24,354 jobs in 2016, with relatively high job concentrations in agriculture, manufacturing and tourism-related sectors. Job growth in Dufferin County kept pace with the population growth from 2011 to 2016, though there is extensive commuting.
You will find some of the best hiking and nature trails in Ontario right here in Dufferin County.
For more information please visit: https://www.dufferincounty.ca/
LUTHER MARSH
The Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area is a biological treasure in the headwaters area of the Grand River watershed. The 5,900-hectare property centres on the 1,400-hectare Luther Lake, created by Luther Dam, built in 1954. Surrounding it are wetlands, fields and...MAIN TRACT TRAIL-DUFFERIN COUNTY FORESTS
This loop trail takes you through the largest of Dufferin County’s forests at 604 hectares. The Main Tract lies next to the Terra Nova wetland complex. As this is a very large property, keep track of where you’re heading and avoid side trails unless you have lots of...McCARSTON’S LAKE SIDE TRAIL
Mono Cliffs is a unique area containing fascinating bedrock and glacial geology, as well as a wealth of natural history features. From the parking area, head north, west and then north again along the farm lanes on the west side of McCarston’s Lake. Here you are...MELANCTHON TRACT TRAIL-DUFFERIN COUNTY FORESTS
The Melancthon Tract is in the Dufferin County Forest, much of which was planted in 1959. The 750-metre trail loops from one side of the property to an adjacent side. Watch for some side trails. Plantation areas are red pine and white spruce, but look also for the...MONO CLIFFS PROVINCIAL PARK TRAILS
What You’ll Like : Mono Cliffs is located on the picturesque Bruce Trail Numerous hiking trails throughout the park Diversity of ferns and cedars Walk through a canyon on the spillway trail or past 30 meter cliffs on the cliff top trail Enjoy the escarpment...MONO TRACT TRAIL-DUFFERIN COUNTY FORESTS
Located in a Dufferin County forest, this trail follows old logging roads. It’s not a difficult hike but don’t expect a perfectly groomed right-of-way. Consider it stroller-accessible, but with difficulty. Although not a developed recreational area, this is a...MONORA PARK
There are 18 kilometres of trails in this town park close to Orangeville. Picnic tables are available beside a large pond on the property. Swimming is not advisable, though. Keep track of your route when you’re walking because trails are not well-marked. The area...OLIVER CREEK SIDE TRAIL LOOP – BRUCE TRAIL
Your hike starts at the beginning of the 2nd Line East access trail at the end of the travelled portion of the 2nd Line East. This 150 metre trail will take you to an intersection with the Oliver Creek Side Trail. Turn left onto this side trail and follow the blue...PRIMROSE/PRINCE OF WALES SIDE TRAILS LOOP – BRUCE TRAIL
This loop trail commences with the parking of your car at a parking lot on Prince of Wales Rd at the beginning of the Prince of Wales Side Trail. The parking lot is 80 metres south of the start of this side trail. Take the blue blazed trail north from the north or...