Home to Barrie’s south end, the Ardagh Bluffs Natural Area is located between Ardagh Road and Mapleview Drive, west of Essa Road. It boasts over 17 kilometres of recreational trails and has a total area of 518 acres. Most of the area is zoned Environmentally Protected (EP) and houses a variety of different species. The Ardagh Bluffs Recreational Trail System will be used for walking and hiking, and the City would like to remind users that the use of motorized vehicles within the Bluffs is prohibited and dogs must be on leash. As well, due to limited parking facilities, users are asked to be aware of municipal parking by-laws on streets including no parking in front of mailboxes and fire hydrants. Please be respectful of the Bluffs and local residents, bring litter-less lunches and snacks, and dispose of any litter in the proper waste receptors.
City Staff has implemented a trail marking scheme and map system that includes four main trail systems which are identified by coloured squares, and several secondary and tertiary trails identified by triangles and circles. If you are out enjoying the trails, please be respectful of the work and do not paint over the markers or add your own. The City markers are being set in place for your safety and future use of the area. Trailhead signs have been installed.
There is lot parking at the Peggy Hill Team Community Centre at 171 Mapleton Ave, Barrie
Link to trail map:
https://www.barrie.ca/sites/default/files/2022-07/Ardagh-Bluffs-Trail-Map.pdf
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Simcoe CountyNearby towns and cities: Barrie
ARDAGH BLUFFS NATURAL AREA characteristics
Length: 17 km of recreational trailsDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: not wheelchair accessible
Fees: None
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported
Amenities: Washrooms at Holly Community Centre
Contact:
City of Barrie 705-726-4242
Find it: 134 Cumming Drive, Barrie, ON
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.3465780
Longitude: -79.7163390
We spent the afternoon in Ardagh Bluffs. This is a perfectly hidden gem smack dab in the middle of Barrie. Beautiful trails with plenty of shade for you who like to be out in the summer but who are not a fan of the sun cooking you while you hike. Well maintained trails. However, we were there May 30th and the mosquitoes were really bad.
But we recomend this trail.
Thanks for sharing Matt & Melody! I hope others will take advantage of visiting this hidden gem smack dab in the middle of Barrie.