The Rouge Valley Trail follows the Rouge River along Toogood Pond located in the heart of Unionville. Toogood Pond was named after Arthur Toogood who owned the pond prior to the City’s acquisition in 1980. The shady four kilometre trail around the pond was constructed in the early 1980s. It has since been a popular spot for leisure walks with a partially naturalized pond and marsh. The pond has recently undergone a number of improvements: shoreline restoration, community planting and cascading pools to accommodate migrating fish.
The Rouge Valley Trail continues south through Austin Drive Park. Austin Drive Park has two storm water ponds that collect the local run off of rainwater, which slowly
flows into the river. This reduces erosion and the amount of sediment flowing into the river during storm events. The park is also the site of a forest regeneration area and famous for bird watching. Songbirds, such as gold finch, cardinals and sparrows, can be commonly seen here with the occasional red tailed hawk
The Rouge Valley Trail also diverges and connects west to the Mildred Temple Park located at Highway 7 and Unionville Main Street. 10,000 Trees for the Rouge Valley and the community have played a role in vegetating Mildred Temple and Austin Drive Parks with the planting of native trees and shrubs in the 1990s.
The Rouge Valley Trail and City of Markham plans to connect the multi-use pathway from Toogood Pond to Bob Hunter Memorial Park. Upon completion, this 15 kilometre trail will be a significant cycling and walking route providing connections through many communities, key destinations and parks.
Link to trail map: Found under Markham drop down menu:
https://www.york.ca/recreation/trails
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): York RegionNearby towns and cities: Markham
Rouge Valley Trail characteristics
Length: 7 km.Difficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Paved and Stone Dust
Trail use: Hiking and Cycling
Accessibility Notes: Accessible
Fees: None
Flora & Fauna:
Not reported yet
Amenities: Washrooms
Attractions: None reported
Contact:
City of Markham 905-477-5530 markham.ca
Find it: Main street of Unionville
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 43.8694610
Longitude: -79.3119880