Where the streets have no name: York Region trails taking you beyond gridlock

Discover new places to stretch your legs in Vaughan, King, Georgina and East Gwillimbury

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 18, 2021
Amanda Persico

Get out and enjoy the fresh, crisp air with these trails taking you through some of the quaint and beautiful areas of York Region. Discover marshes, wetlands, meadows and prairie areas.

BARTLEY SMITH GREENWAY TRAILS, SOUTH -- VAUGHAN

Parking: Langstaff Park and Dufferin Clark Community Centre, 1441 Clark Ave., W., Thornhill

The 15-kilometre trail follows the West Don River and passes through Langstaff EcoPark, full of black willow, black walnut and sugar maple trees. Stop at the Keffer Marsh lookout for a vast view of the swamp area.

CENTENNIAL PARK TRAIL -- KING TOWNSHIP

Parking: Centennial Park, 14855 Jane St.

This five-km natural trail has three trail loops for beginners, intermediate and advanced hikers and cross-country skiers. Many trees and shrubs have been planted to create an arboretum and wildlife habitat.

HOLLAND LANDING CONSERVATION AREA TRAILS -- EAST GWILLIMBURY

Parking: Anchor Park

Walk through Anchor Park and find a world deep in sand and silt deposits from the former Algonquin Lake Plain. The hiking trails travel through one of the few remaining tall grass prairies in Ontario.

MAPLE NATURE RESERVE TRAILS -- VAUGHAN

Parking: Maple Nature Reserve, 10401 Dufferin St.

This three-km trail offers various loops and natural paths along the Don River watershed and features a mature forest, meadow area and a number of ponds and wetlands.

PEFFERLAW FOREST TRACT -- GEORGINA

Parking: 24408 Lake Ridge Rd., Pefferlaw

Enjoy the meandering trail along the Pefferlaw River, with numerous loops and paths ranging from one to eight km through the forested area. There is also a winter-only trail that offers crisp views of the river.