Autumn is a great time to take to the woods and explore the countryside. Where else can you lose yourself in a forest, yet be only minutes from the city?
Beyond the limits of Canada's largest city lie the wide open spaces of York Region. Located in the heart of Ontario's new Greenbelt protected area, the region is a treasure trove of woodlands, waterways, and nature trails. An extensive trail network crosses through historic towns and valleys as part of the Trans Canada Trail.
There's the scenic Oak Ridges Moraine to explore - a glacial ridge with over 200 kms of natural trails between Niagara and Peterborough that is the headwaters to more than 30 rivers. There are 65 kilometres of the Oak Ridges Moraine within York Region. Old-growth forests are abundant and provide a brilliant showing of autumn colours. The largest and most intact forest on the Moraine is found at the Happy Valley Forest. Protected by The Nature Conservancy of Canada, this 1,560 acre mature forest is home to over 110 bird species and significant wetlands.
The Region is also home to many Rail Trails, the remains of the popular Grand Trunk Railway that once connected the city of Toronto to York's vacation communities along Lake Simcoe. The 85-hectare Sutton- Zephyr Tract follows the old rail line through mature pine, beech and maple forests where deer and smaller animals abound.
The York Region Forest offers 18 forest tracts to be explored. Travel the back roads by bike or on horseback, or park and hike one of the many woodland trails mapped throughout the region using the online Take A Hike guide.
When you're ready to make tracks, it's best to do it on foot to fully enjoy the scenery and abundant plant life and wildlife. Guided hikes are offered throughout the fall by the Oak Ridges Trail Association www.oakridgestrail.org.
FESTIVALS OF THE FOREST
Fall Forest Festival - Sept.15
Hollidge Tract: Meet members of the Regional Forest Advisory Team and learn about some of the history of this beautiful forest. Discover the variety of seeds found in the Regional Forest and their importance. Learn why trees turn colour in the fall on guided nature walks at 11:00 am and 1:00pm.
Fall Colour Festival - October 6-8, 13 &14
Enjoy a walk through the forests of the Humber Valley to view the spectacular fall colours along 16 kilometres of trails, as well as many special events celebrating the bounty of fall at the Kortright Centre for Conservation, near Kleinburg. Please check website earlier to date for guided tour times. For further information, call (416) 667-6295 or e-mail info@trca.on.ca. www.kortright.org
Simply enjoy the changing colours at one of the many Conservation Areas around York Region. Consider a visit to the Thornton Bales Conservation Area. This "Area of Natural and Scientific Interest" is on the Moraine and has an elevation that drops 54 metres. Nicknamed "The 99 Steps", these trails are best suited to the adventurous but offer some of the best fall colours due to the heavily forested slopes of Sugar Maple. Visit www.trca.on.ca or www.lsrca.on.ca or contact York Region Tourism for a copy of the Nature Map for more information on the conservation areas in York Region.
