The Medway Valley Heritage Forest Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) is located in north London, roughly beween Windermere, Fanshawe Park, Western and Wonderland Roads. The ESA includes floodplain forests, swamps, marshes and forested valley slopes. Medway Creek winds between steep banks up to 25 metres in height.
The main access points are at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology and the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate.
The 10.6 km of trails follow both sides of the creek . The terrain is rolling with several steep climbs.
The managed trails are marked with yellow blazes on the trees. Several small bridges and stairwells have been constructed over wet or steep terrain. Care must be taken when the water is high or the trail is wet.
Link to trail map: http://thamesriver.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022-MedwayESA-brochure.pdf
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Middlesex CountyNearby towns and cities: London
Trail feature tags: Boardwalk
MEDWAY VALLEY HERITAGE FOREST characteristics
Length: 10.6 kmDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Boardwalks and Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Accessibility not known.
Fees: None reported
Flora & Fauna:
Plant Communities:
The valley slope and upland forests are home to Sugar Maple, American Beech, Black Cherry, Bitternut Hickory and Basswood. Familiar spring flowers include Red and White Trilliums, Mayapple, violets, and Yellow and White Trout Lilies. There are a few large patches of Twinleaf, a wildflower associated with mature woodlands.
In the damp floodplains, willow, Black Walnut, Hackberry and Sycamore grow. In summer, look for wildflowers such as Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Blue Vervain, and Swamp Milkweed.
Hawthorn and Grey Dogwood abound in old orchards and abandoned pastures, along with Crab Apple, White Elm, Basswood and aspen. Wildflowers fill the grassy meadows in the summer. These meadows indicate the path of the sanitary sewer, which is located along the river valley.
In many parts of the valley, invasive non-native plants, including Common Buckthorn, Tartarian Honeysuckle, Goutweed and Garlic Mustard, threaten to crowd out the native plants.
Wildlife:
The Medway Valley provides habitat and food for many species of wildlife, especially birds. Mallard ducks and Belted Kingfisher are common year round while Great Blue Heron and Wood Duck are regular summer visitors. Many birds, ranging in size from warblers to Osprey, use the valley as a migration route. Scarlet Tanagers are often seen. The high banks serve as nesting sites for colonies of Bank Swallows. Please do not disturb nests by climbing on the banks.
White-tailed Deer, Grey Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, Eastern Cottontail, Raccoon, shrews, mice and moles are common in the ESA. The rarely seen Southern Flying Squirrel has also been recorded. Near the creek, look for Muskrat, Mink and Beaver along with Green and Leopard Frogs, as well as Midland Painted and Snapping Turtles.
Although 43 species of fish have been found in the creek, minnows, shiners and carp are most commonly seen in the clear water. Species at risk in Medway Creek include the Wavy-rayed Lampmussel.
Amenities: None reported
Contact:
infoline@thamesriver.on.ca
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority 519-284-2931
Find it: located in north London, roughly beween Windermere, Fanshawe Park, Western and Wonderland Roads.

GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 43.0130830
Longitude: -81.3071090
I am not from London, but my husband and I were there for a couple of days on a getaway. Google Maps was a little confusing as it told us to turn left on Gloucester, while the entrance to the forest was before that, and we almost missed it because it was so unassuming. We weren’t even sure we could park there as it was so small and there were no signs letting us know if it was ok. However…once we entered the trail, we were completely thrilled with what we found! It is so beautiful and unspoiled. We especially loved the feeling of being really “in” the forest. No bike trails or paved roads and we loved all the little trails along the way that led to the water. So glad we found this place. It really made our day! We will be back.