Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve
The rustle of maple leaves in the wind far above your head and the smell of wild leek below your feet are only a few of the delights you will encounter at the Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve. This 371-hectare (916 acres) nature reserve in Grey County contains a remarkable, mature maple-beech forest that is a rare example of pre-settlement woodlands in southern Ontario.
Designated as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI), Kinghurst Forest is a special place that offers the naturalist a rare glimpse into Ontario’s natural past.
Many of the trees are 250 to 300 years old, tower over 30 meters high, and clearly show the vertical stratification characteristic of a true, old-growth forest.
A spectacular show of wildflowers greets visitors in the spring, as do provincially rare plants such as Hart’s-tongue fern.
Part of the Kinghurst West Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest, the “north 40” property consists largely of upland forest dominated by sugar maple, with patches of beech and hemlock throughout.
Parking can be found on Concession 4 at the second gate on the west side of the road. Here you can access the Krug Trail (3.6km), which runs the entire length of the property, or walk south along Concession 4 to access the Old Growth Trail.
From Concession 6, you can also enter the main trail through the pedestrian entrance on the right of the red gate.
Directions: To visit Kinghurst Forest, follow Highway 6 north from Durham to Dornoch and turn west onto County Road 25. Travel about five kilometers to Concession 4 and turn north. The road passes several pasture fields and starts to curve, with trees closing in on either side. On the west side of the road, you will see the first of two gates. Beyond this gate is the entrance to the Old Growth Trail (2.5km) that runs to Concession 6.
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Grey County
Nearby towns and cities: Chesley | Durham
Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve characteristics
Length: 3.6 kmDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible
Fees: none
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported.
Amenities: none
Attractions: none
Contact:
info@ontarionature.org
Ontario Nature 1-800-440-2366, 416-444-8419
Find it: See directions in the trail overview section
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.3320160
Longitude: -80.9084620
Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve Image Gallery
Photo credits:
Don Knight