In 2007, Ms. Hope Smith donated 113 acres on the south side of Boyd’s Creek, just north of the village of Washago to the Conservancy. This precious tract of green space is now known as the Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve, in memory of her grandfather, one of the early settlers in this area.
The Reserve is located in the core of The Land Between and showcases the diverse habitats found in the transition zone along the southern edge of the Canadian Shield. This property provides vital habitat for species in danger of disappearing. Species such as the Blanding’s turtle, milksnake, eastern hognose snake, and the five-lined skink, Ontario’s only lizard which are found in this region.
Visitors are welcome to walk the newly created trails or canoe Boyd’s Creek.
The walking trail begins at the trailhead located at the Riverdale Drive cul-de-sac and wanders through a mix of habitats to Boyd’s Creek. Local volunteers have created a well-marked and maintained trail system that is in three sections: Hope Smith Trail (green) 1 km; Boyd’s Creek Loop (red) 0.3 km; and Rock Chair Loop (yellow) 0.3 km.
Directions:
Directions to the trailhead begin in downtown Washago (corner of County Road 169 and Muskoka Street): Drive north on Muskoka Street 1.7 kms to Cooper’s Falls Road; turn right onto Cooper’s Falls Road and travel 1.7 kms to Riverdale Drive; turn right onto Riverdale drive and travel 2.9 kms to the Property Sign on the right, just before the cul-de-sac. Park on the side of the road, NOT in the cul-de-sac.
Link to trail map: https://e4u.8f2.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Alexander-Hope-Smith-Website-Map-Avenza-July-2021.pdf
2oldguyswalking website has a great review of this site, with maps and images. Go here to read this review.
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Simcoe CountyNearby towns and cities: Washago
Trail feature tags: Boardwalk
ALEXANDER HOPE SMITH NATURE RESERVE characteristics
Length: Hope Smith Trail (green) 1 km; Boyd’s Creek Loop (red) 0.3 km; Rock Chair Loop (yellow) 0.3 km.Difficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Boardwalks and Natural
Trail use: Hiking and Canoeing & Kayaking
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible
Fees: None
Flora & Fauna:
Rare species such as butternut, eastern hog-nosed snake, five-lined skink and Blanding’s turtles mix with local sedges, ferns and wildflowers.
Amenities: None reported
Attractions: Boardwalks
Contact:
The Couchiching Conservancy 1485 Division Road West, Orillia, ON General inquiries Tel: 705-326-1620
Find it: Directions begin in downtown Washago (corner of County Road 169 and Muskoka Street): Drive north on Muskoka Street 1.7 km to Cooper’s Falls Road; turn right onto Cooper’s Falls Road and go 1.7 km to Riverdale Drive; turn right onto Riverdale drive and go
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.7601080
Longitude: -79.3177200