Ron Reid Nature Reserve
This 730-acre property, with over 4 kilometres of the Black River running through it, came under permanent protection in 2018.
Hundreds of donors quickly rallied to ensure we could purchase the property, including a major contribution by the Government of Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program. The funds raised will ensure the organization can care for it permanently.
Ron Reid Nature Reserve was named for Ron Reid. Ron Reid is one of the founders of The Couchiching Conservancy and our first Executive Director. He has made a lasting contribution to the land trust movement in our region, in Ontario, and beyond.
Unique features:
Surrounded by Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park.
Habitat for numerous Species-at-Risk.
Home to Ontario’s only lizard, the Five-lined skink (Endangered).
Recreational opportunities include a walking trail to Ragged Rapids, and excellent canoeing on the Black River.
Directions: To get to the trail head, keep driving along Black River Road (about 3.5km) past the Reserve Signage – you will pass by a sandy parking area on the right (river side), a forested area and an open field area with a small cabin/structure. The trail parking area is on the right. The trail is marked and 900 meters down to Ragged Rapids. FYI there is another trail that connects to the base of the rapids, but that is private property.
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Simcoe CountyNearby towns and cities: Gravenhurst | Orillia | Washago
Ron Reid Nature Reserve characteristics
Length: 1 kmDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking and Canoeing & Kayaking
Accessibility Notes: Not wheel chair accessible.
Fees: None
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported.
Amenities: None
Attractions: None reported
Contact:
courtney@couchconservancy.ca
Couchiching Conservancy 705-326-1620
Find it: o get to the trail head, keep driving along Black River Road (about 3.5km) past the Reserve Signage - you will pass by a sandy parking area on the right (river side), a forested area and an open field area with a small cabin/structure.
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.8020990
Longitude: -79.1205480
We went up the BR rd nearly to Vic Falls. there was a trail running towards the falls but access to the top of the falls was prohibited by HUGE no trespassing signs. There was a yellow metal staircase at the bottom that led to the private property. This trail is nt mentioned here or on the official RR website
Both the Couchiching Conservancy site and the Ontario Nature Trails site point out this private property trail in the Directions section:
Directions: To get to the trail head, keep driving along Black River Road (about 3.5km) past the Reserve Signage – you will pass by a sandy parking area on the right (river side), a forested area and an open field area with a small cabin/structure. The trail parking area is on the right. The trail is marked and 900 meters down to Ragged Rapids. FYI there is another trail that connects to the base of the rapids, but that is private property.