Walk this way: Hidden hiking trails in York Region

Hiking trails in Aurora, Newmarket, Georgina, Stouffville and Markham

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 12, 2021
Amanda Persico

Get off the beaten path and discover one of many secluded gems in York Region.

There are plenty of hidden hiking trails offering a great escape and good deal of fresh air.

Aurora -- David Tomlinson Nature Reserve

Location: parking is available at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre off Wellington Street and at Johnathan Bales Parkette on Hartwell Way.

Along the new trail system, there are several boardwalks and viewing platforms overlooking the ponds and wetlands.

Georgina -- Sibbald Point

Location: 26071 Park Rd., Sutton

Sibbald Point is open for day use year-round. The Maidenhair Fern trial is a two-kilometre, self-guided loop taking you through a variety of ecosystems and is great for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Markham -- Rouge National Urban Park

Location: 7277 14th Ave., Markham

This junction provides access to the 7.6 km Monarch trail, 3.3 km Reesor Way/Tanglewood trail and the 3.2 km Tallgrass Trek, each with its own nature escapes from the rare cedar savannah to meadows and wetlands.

Newmarket, East Gwillimbury -- Dave Kerwin Trail and Peggy’s Wood Trail

Location: parking is available off Gilpin Drive north of Bonshaw Avenue and at Environmental Park off Woodspring Avenue.

This 3.7 km trail stretches from Davis Drive and zigzags through the forest connecting with Peggy’s Wood Trail off Green Lane.

Whitchurch-Stouffville: Vandorf Park Trail

Location: parking is available off Woodbine Avenue north of Vandorf Sideroad.

The 2 km trail, situated at the top of the Oak Ridges Moraine, loops around the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum and Community Centre grounds and winds past many creeks and streams of the East Holland River.