Fall is a great time to get outside for a hike. Cooler weather, colourful leaves, and quieter trails make for a refreshing walk—and there’s plenty to spot if you slow down and look around.

Muskoka Conservancy maintains public hiking trails on four of our nature reserves.

Muskoka Conservancy Trails

1. Upjohn Nature Reserve has two loops: the 1-kilometre Wood Duck Loop and the 1.5-kilometre Beaver Pond Loop. Keep an eye out for lingering or migrating woodland and wetland birds, beaver activity, animal tracks, and scat.
   
2. J.P. McVittie Nature Reserve on Eilean Gowen Island, Lake Muskoka offers a 5-kilometre loop, with public access from Johnston Park. This water-access trail is a good choice if you’re looking for a longer outing. But you need a boat to get there.
   
3. Dyer Memorial Nature Reserve has several short loops and new trailhead signage installed this year.  (The reserve closed on October 15 because Dyer Memorial Road is seasonally maintained. It will reopen in mid-May.)
   
4. Nelson Head Nature Reserve is new this year and features a 650-metre loop. Watch for deer as you wander.

More trails in protected areas

Some Muskoka Conservancy protected areas have trails maintained by others. The Gravenhurst municipal Devil’s Gap Trail is 4.3 kilometres long and passes through both the provincially protected Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve and Musquash Road Nature Reserve.

The Trans Canada Trail, also known as the Great Trail, runs along the boundary of Bert Cross Nature Reserve. You can access it from Henry Road in Bracebridge.

Tips for a fall hike

• Check trail access before you go. Seasonal road and trail conditions can change quickly.
• Dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear. Trails can be chilly, muddy, or slippery this time of year.
• Give yourself time to notice things. Look for birds, tracks, scat, and other clues that wildlife is nearby. Binoculars can help you spot birds without getting too close.
• Stay on the trail and give wildlife space. This helps protect both the animals and the places you’ve come to enjoy.

A hike can be a lovely way to make the most of the season. Pick a trail, take your time, and enjoy what Muskoka’s fall landscapes have to offer.