Located in Bracebridge, adjacent to a birding hotspot known as the Henry Marsh, the Cross Family Nature Reserve contains a creek that is the outflow from the marsh. The property is home to species at risk and the donors had a deep desire to maintain the property in its natural state in order to protect wildlife habitat.

The Muskoka Field Naturalists describe Henry Marsh as follows on their website:

Henry Marsh and the surrounding woods and meadows provide critical habitat for local breeding birds. Golden-winged Warbler, Red-shouldered Hawk, Least Bittern, American Bittern, and Pied-billed Grebe have all nested here. During spring and fall migration the area is an excellent location to find songbirds, and the thermals rising off the ridge of land to the south of the marsh are inviting to hawks. Otters and beavers are seen frequently, along with the occasional Moose and Black Bear. Eastern Coyotes have also been heard howling and yipping at night. Dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, and moths are also attracted to the wide variety of flowering plants.

Cross Family Nature Reserve is just one of the many nature trails and hiking trails you can find throughout Ontario by using the search features of OntarioNaturetrails.com

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Cross Family Nature Reserve characteristics

Length: 4 km.
Difficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible.
Fees: None

Flora & Fauna:

Not reported yet.



Amenities: None

Attractions: None

Contact:
Muskoka Conservancy 705-645-7393

Find it: End of Henry Rd, off of Beaumont Drive, Bracebridge,ON



GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 45.0255820
Longitude: -79.3243870