Long Sault Conservation Area
Nestled in the heart of the provincially significant Oak Ridges Moraine, Long Sault Conservation Area is the largest Area owned and managed by the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority. Once part of the Agreement Forest program operated by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Long Sault Conservation Area now includes close to 400 hectares of mature forest, plantation, wetland and meadow. The area is considered an important core wildlife area because of the diversity and size of habitats that it contains. This Conservation Area also includes headwater tributaries that are an important part of the Bowmanville/Soper Creek Watershed.
Much of the area’s natural beauty can be seen from any section of the more than 18 km of marked trails that wind throughout the property. With trails that range in difficulty from gently sloping straight trails, to technical rolling and quickly turning trails, the Conservation Area is a favourite destination for many outdoor enthusiasts looking to pursue a number of different recreational activities.
With over 18 km of trails spread out over five different loops, the trails at Long Sault Conservation have been designed and signed so that hikers travel in the opposite direction of mountain bikers/cross-country skiers. Please look for the direction of travel on trailhead signs and on trail posts. During the cross-country ski season, hikers are asked to stay off the established cross-country ski track by only traveling along the side of the trail.
Long Sault Conservation Area can also be used as a jump off point for hiking along the Oak Ridges Trail. Accessible from the main parking area, the Oak Ridges Trail uses part of the trail network within Long Sault Conservation Area. Follow the Oak Ridges Trail signs and blazes that can be found along the designated route.
Link to trail map & brochure:
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/b3995f_3cba3dfc204448958ca1962110dcd68d.pdf
2oldguyswalking website offers a great review of this site (posted 2017, updated 2019) with images and map. Go here to read this review.
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Durham RegionNearby towns and cities: Oshawa
Long Sault Conservation Area characteristics
Length: 5 trails totalling 18 km.Difficulty: Difficult (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking, Cross-country skiing, Snowshoeing, Mountain biking, Winter (Fat) Biking, and Dog Sledding
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible
Fees: Pay and Display Parking is in effect at a cost of: Max. - $6/ vehicle/day or $3/hour.
Flora & Fauna:
Not reported yet
Amenities: Picnic tables, washrooms
Attractions: None
Contact:
mail@cloca.com
Central Lake Ontario Conservtion Authority Tel:(905) 579-0411
Find it: Main Entrance: 9293 Woodley Rd, Bowmanville, ON
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.0496470
Longitude: -78.7417010