Barnum Creek Nature Reserve is a spectacular example of the diversity of ecosystems in the Haliburton Highlands. The Reserve includes habitats ranging from Tolerant Hardwood Forest, Mixed Wood Forest, Marsh and Swamp to Open Upland Successional Forest habitat which is reclaiming former agricultural land. Similar habitats are found immediately south of the property and onto a large tract of Crown Land that is known to provide habitat for Species at Risk (SAR) such as Blanding’s Turtle, Whip-Poor-Will and Five-Lined Skink. The Open Upland Successional Forest habitat is known to provide suitable habitat for numerous Species at Risk known to occur in Haliburton County.
A significant component of the property is comprised of mature maple forest with abundant ground cover including wild leek, blue cohosh, leatherwood and maidenhair fern. Calcareous soils, which are limited in the Haliburton Highlands, are derived from fingers of marble, dolostone and limestone extending into the granitic rock that dominates the landscape.
The property is bisected by Barnum Creek which drains from Barnum Pond, located approximately 2 km east of the property, and flows into Barnum Lake, located approximately 6 km west of the property. The creek changes in nature as it passes through the property from a wide marshland on the east, to a narrow flowing creek, and finally to a series of beaver ponds. The creek serves as important habitat for moose, deer fox, wolf, beaver, porcupine and muskrat. Blue Heron and a wide variety of bird species are abundant. In addition to providing important habitat, the wetlands also deliver important ecological functions such as flood attenuation, groundwater recharge/discharge, water filtration and carbon sequestration.
There are seven kilometers of trails to enjoy in all seasons. Trails range from easy to challenging.
Location: #1118 Gould Crossing Road (Google Maps mistakenly calls Gould Crossing Road, Cowan Road. There are two signs together on Gelert Road. One says Gould Crossing Road, the other Barnum Creek Nature Reserve.)
Directions: From Minden: Take South Lake Road (County Road #16) to Gelert Road. Turn left and follow Gelert Road to Gould Crossing Rd. It is approximately 24 km from Minden.
From Haliburton: Take Gelert Road (County Road #1) to Gould Crossing Road. The Nature Reserve is 5 km southeast of Haliburton Village.
Link to trail map: https://www.haliburtonlandtrust.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HHLT_BarnumBrochureFinal-2020-07-092.pdf
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Haliburton CountyNearby towns and cities: Haliburton
Barnum Creek Nature Reserve characteristics
Length: 3 trails totaling 7 kmDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking, Cross-country skiing, Snowshoeing, and Cycling
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible
Fees: None
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported.
Amenities: None
Attractions: None reported
Contact:
admin@haliburtonlandtrust.ca
Haliburton Highlands Land Trust 739 Mountain Street P.O. Box 1478 Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 Telephone: 705-457-3700
Find it: 1118 Gould Crossing Rd
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 45.0179000
Longitude: -78.5318000