TRAILS & CONSERVATION AREAS

Trails

A number of trails have been developed to provide opportunities to walk and view our township from some of the most beautiful and natural settings we have to offer.

All of our trails are perfect for a leisurely walk, a brisk workout, bird watching, taking some pictures or simply soaking up the beautiful view offered at various points along each trail.

Please click here to view the Scugog Trail System Brochure.

Scugog Shores Millennium Trail

The Millennium Trail shoreline and park area was planned by the Scugog Lake Stewards, in partnership with the township and is a "living demonstration" of restored, native plantings and walking trails which include Baagwating Park. Scugog Shores Millennium Trail is located along the Port Perry waterfront from the beach area to Curts Street along the shoreline (1km).

Canterbury Common Trail

This all naturalized limestone walkway is located at the east end of Coulter Street along the shoreline to Simcoe Street (2.5km) includes a beautiful lookout with rest are overlooking the lake.

Rotary Environment Park

Located at 1 Old Rail Lane, a shoreline trial adjoining the municipal boat launch and rowing clubhouse winding north to Beach Street. Benches are situated along the trail to sit and enjoy the view. The limestone walkway and newly improved boardwalk is courtesy of Rotary Club of Port Perry. Take a bike ride along the boardwalk, or stop at one of two look outs just north of North Street. Located throughout park are purple martin birdhouses complements of Birdhouse Willy. Parking is available at south end of trail. (1.5km)

Cartwright Fields

Cartwright Fields is situated on a 28-acre parcel of land adjacent to the Nestleton Community Hall. The trail is located off Highway 7A, in Ward 1V of the Township of Scugog, Region of Durham. Positioned outside of the Township of Scugog's business core (Port Perry) on a main thoroughfare, the recreation facility services the needs of the many smaller local communities, as well as provides an easily accessible facility for tournament play for the eastern portion of the Township and neighbouring municipalities. The trail and fields are the result of the efforts of Cartwright Sports and Recreation Inc.
Come and enjoy walking trails through a natural habitat.

Purple Woods Conservation Area

The site of the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority's annual Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival, is a 17-hectare sugar maple forest and open meadow located in the midst of the provincially significant Oak Ridges Moraine. Here one can use the viewing platform that is only steps from the parking area to get a tremendous view south all the way to Lake Ontario from the crest of the Oak Ridges Moraine.

A short 0.5 km trail allows for a quick stroll down into the hollow. This is where you will find the sugar shack, which is the heart of this operating sugar bush.

The short trails at Purple Woods Conservation Area are great for a quick stroll through the mature sugar maple forest. Those looking for a more extended hike can access the Oak Ridges Trail from this Conservation Area. Click for more information on the Oak Ridges Trail.

Crow's Pass Conservation Area

The Crow's Pass Conservation Area (64 hectares), purchased in 2003 with support from the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Regional Municipality of Durham, was the first acquisition made by CLOCA in the northwest corner of the jurisdiction. With close proximity to Chalk Lake, a provincial Area of Natural and Scientific Interest located only a short distance to the south of the Crow's Pass Conservation Area, this area is part of a large and relatively unfragmented forested area that has been designated as a Natural Core Area on the Oak Ridges Moraine. The size and diversity of this largely undisturbed space makes it an important core wildlife habitat area with strong east-west natural connectivity along this portion of the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Crow's Pass Conservation Area makes up part of the regionally significant Nonquon Headwaters Area of Natural and Scientific Interest and contains several interesting wetlands that are typical of the rolling topography found within the Oak Ridges Moraine. This area has no maintained facilities or trails at this time.

Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area

Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area
is Kawartha Conservation's newest natural area, and the first within the Township of Scugog.

The East Cross Forest project was initiated after many properties in the area suffered negative environmental impacts from off-road motorized vehicles, dumping and other illegal activities. We are currently rehabilitating and managing acquired lands to protect groundwater for surrounding residents and businesses, and to protect a variety of plant species and cold-water fish habitat. A management plan for a multi-use conservation area is currently being implemented. We are restoring heavily damaged sections of the land and constructing sustainable trails and structures.

The conservation area is available to the public for low-impact recreational activities such as hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and environmental education. Visitors must stay on the marked trails shown on the map below.

A zero tolerance approach is in effect, and those who enter the conservation area on motorized vehicles, vandalize infrastructure or enter outside of poster hours (below) are being charged by Durham Regional Police and Kawartha Conservation.

Hours of Operation
May-October 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
November-April 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
No access is permitted outside of posted hours

Trans Canada Trail

We are aslo situtated between two developing major trail systems:the Trans Canada Trail to the north and to the south the Oak Ridges Trail.