These hiking trails are Ontario’s ‘best-kept secrets’ in the fall

Fall in Ontario is a magical time of year. The landscape transforms into a burst of reds, yellows, and oranges, while the crisp air serves as a faint reminder that we only have a short window to take in those peak fall views.

And what better way to make the most of it than by venturing along some of southwestern Ontario’s “best-kept secrets.”

Ontario Parks has shared a list of trails that, when the timing is just right, offer some seriously scenic fall views.

Here are five Ontario hiking trails to explore this fall:

Cedar Trail

See fall in full display – when the timing is right. Cedar Trail leads you past huge oaks and Fragrant Sumac.

“Not to be overshadowed by the trees, pockets of deep purple and red tall grasses pop next to bright goldenrods and asters,” shares Ontario Parks.

“Finish off your fall colour rainbow with some blue by following the trail extension out to Lake Huron.”

Where: 9526 Lakeshore Rd., Grand Bend, Ont.
Distance: 2.3 km

Clear Creek Forest Provincial Park trail

Though not named, this short trail within Clear Creek Forest Provincial Park “immerses visitors in a truly amazing ecosystem.”

According to the Ontario Parks blog site, the trail leads through an old-growth forest where you’ll find large Sugar Maples, American Beech, and Basswood trees that form a thick canopy overhead.

“Because of the thick canopy, the understory vegetation is sparse. This gives the forest an enchanted feeling, as if you were tucked away under a blanket of tree cover,” it shares.

Stroll along boardwalks and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Where: Duart Road, Chatham-Kent, Ont.
Distance: 2.4 km out-and-back

Rainbow Run Trail

This longer trek is worth the adventure. Whether you decide to walk or cycle along, you will be treated to a stunning array of transformational trees – that is, once they display shades of yellow, orange, and red.

Located within Earl Rowe Provincial Park, the exciting route covers wetlands, trails past campgrounds, and through forest and open fields filled with fall wildflowers to Earl Rowe Lake.

When: Earl Rowe Provincial Park — 4998 Concession Rd. 7, Alliston, Ont.
Distance: 11 km

Lookout Trail

If you absolutely need that stunning fall vista, check out the Lookout Trail extension of the Rainbow Run loop.

“A moderate incline leads you to a beautiful lookout platform with sweeping views of Earl Rowe and the surrounding area,” shares Ontario Parks.

It’s picture-perfect in every way.

When: Earl Rowe Provincial Park — 4998 Concession Rd. 7, Alliston, Ont.
Distance: 4 km

Harrison Trail

This adventure covers the entire length of the park, from the entrance to the southernmost tip, on the linear Harrison Trail.

Bike, walk, or run – take your pick. This trail is even suitable for mobility aids, including wheelchairs and strollers. Ontario Parks says that the Harrison Trail is an “excellent wildlife corridor because it is wide and flat,” and it passes through a variety of habitats, including Oak Woodland, Oak Savanna, small prairie openings, and Carolinian forest.

Where: Rondeau Provincial Park – 18050 Rondeau Park Rd., Morpeth, Ont.
Distance: 8 km one way, 16 km return

For the full list of fall trail adventures, check out the Ontario Parks blog site.

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