Greenwood Conservation Area (Vaughan)

I have to say I thought the Greenwood Conservation Area (which runs from Taunton Road to Highway 7 on the border of Ajax and Pickering in the Durham Region) was one of the top 3 conservation areas I personally have ever been to so far.  

It has a bit of everything for everyone! Like deep valleys, lush forestland, wetlands, boardwalks, hidden meadow paths, birdwatching peaks, 3 backpacker areas (for avid hikers), smooth running river with spawning salmon, and beautiful vistas.

There is a bit of a walk from the FREE parking lot off Greenwood road to the trail heads forks to an opportunity to take a 15 km trail covering the expanse of the area or a shorter loops like the "White Pine Walk" which is about 2km to the Duffins Trail. 

There are so many options through deep woodlands with towering pine trees and along steep sided river valleys, which links to the Trans Canada Trail.

There's also a designated leash-free area where your four legged friends can burn off some energy as well!

We noticed near the river where the salmon were spawning there's a house on the hill which lowers to the bed of the river bank and has a dock with two adirondack chairs.  Looking at this you can't help feel envious of the glorious views they must take in at different times of the year!

Yes, there is fishing here, which has a popular seasonal spot for trout fishing (just be sure to have a valid fishing license) because they do check.  

If you're a bird watcher, you'll love it here in the spring and summer, where there are trails which offer photographers to take a stroll through the Bird Walk or Meadow Trail.  

In the Autumn, when we were there the valley comes to life with vibrant reds, oranges and golds.

In the Winter, this is a popular spot for winter hiking (bring ice cleats for your boots), cross-country sking and snowshoeing.  Now there's an activity I would like to try!  Though something tells me it will be quite the workout!

If you want to check it out yourself, Greenwood Conservation area is located at 2280 Greenwood Road in Ajax.

If you have already visited, please feel free to share your experiences!

Saltfleet Conservation Area (Hamilton)

 After another one of our "All You Can Eat" outtings in Stoney Creek, we found a nearby Conservation Area with a rather unusal name.  Saltfleet Conservation Area is Hamilton Conversation Area's newest project still in the works.  It's located south of the Niagra Esparment near the Upper Battlefield and Upper Stoney Creek watersheds.

When the Saltfleet Conservation area is complete it will open up to 411 acres of unique natural features. As if the Niagara escarpment wasn't gorgeous enough!  We mostly came across lots of marshy fields and woodland which provides a home to many species of breeding birds.  I have not yet gotten into birdwatching or photography - mostly because my camera is still the highest in the Canon rebel series and my zoom lens maxes at 300 mm.  I'm working my way up to the pros! Maybe I might indulge myself to spend a bit of money to update.

Although there were construction signs up, you are still able to walk through the trails.  Like I said this is a new area, so the area currently has a small trail system with the Heritage Green Community Trust Trail which is a mouthful!  The trail is gorgeous and unspoiled and runs east and west through the wetlands.  It also connnects to the Dofasco 2000 Trail and the Devil's Punchbowl  Conservation Area for those into waterfall pictures 

We paid $8 to get in, but we were the only car there!  There are many dog owners who let their dogs offleash so be mindful of that when you go.  We did happen to pass by a couple with 2 very scary dogs, the pitbull and mastis.  They actually look like they were walking their owners :D.  

We did the whole trail right to the Devils punchbowl and back to the car on foot.  We ended up with over 25,000 steps and it took about 3 hours I think.  The weather was beautiful so I didn't complain too much.

If you ever want to check it out, I'd wait until the late spring - summer as you won't find too many fall colurs here, its mostly meadow land and wetlands.

Happy Trails!

Felkers Falls- Hamilton

Felkers Falls is a lovely spot located in amidst a residential neighbourhood.  The Felker’s Falls Conservation area is accessed from the Peter Street trail and follows a loop around to give you lots of great photo-op vantage points.  A nice hike indeed and like many waterflows on the escarpment, there is an upper and lower gorge. 

Upper Felkers

Felkers Falls is a 22 metre ‘ribbon’ waterfall and falls in the middle of forested trails, river streams, knotted hills, and open hooded caves.  Lucky are those who lives around this urban setting.

For those of you who don’t live nearby, exit the QEW on Centennial Pkwy heading south to head up the escarpment (East mountain).  Once you see Mud st, turn right and again at Paramount Dr. Turn right again onto Ackland Street.  Around the bend, you will see a parking lot.  All signs and maps are there to decide which route you wish to take.  

You can also enter Felkers from Quigley Road, and walk in to get to the falls.  This is a more adventurous way to view as climb over rocks and mud.  There is a clear pathway more or less so sounds a lot worse than it is.  As well, you will pass by Lower Davis Falls.  I didn't really get a good picture as there was no tripod and now I swear by them.  You can't always rely on the steadiness of rock and the view finder doesn't always accurately depict the picture you'll get when you're back home looking at it on your computer.  

This fall, normally rates high out of the top 16 waterfalls in Hamilton as far as accessibility and waterflow.

The setting is peaceful and usually isolated, although occasionally you may find a few people enjoying this hidden treasure as well, so if you think you've discovered paradise, you may have some company...

 
All year round flow, this is a must-go place in Hamilton to check out.  Have you been to any of the falls in Hamilton?  

Let me know in the comments!

Harmony Valley Conserservation Area

After stopping in Oshawa to indulge at India's Taste and Sweets, we decided to burn off some calories and check out the local trails as well to find a quiet spot to stretch our legs, we decided to found a short trip over to the Harmony Valley Conservation Area (located off Grandview Street North in Oshawa, just a short drive east in the Durham region).

Harmony Valley doubles as an off-leash dog park. As we walked, we encountered several dogs roaming the fields and forest edges. It was funny seeing them trot through the tall trees!  It felt less like watching pets on a walk and more like observing a pack of polite, gentle wolves wandering completely free. What struck us most was how impeccably well-behaved they were. It was as if they were just fellow hikers sharing the path. They strolled casually past strangers without a single bark or greeting, simply soaking in their own outdoor freedom.

The trail winds through a surprisingly rich mix of hardwood forests, open fields, and quiet wetlands. Jack pines stood tall and strong providing much needed shade from the sun.  We also came across 3 separate wooden structures in the shape of teepees.

Although we didn't see anything wilder than a few family pets and some squirrels, there have been signtings of white-tailed deer in the early morning before the dogs arrive.  This area also has cottontial rabbits and red chipmunks gathering seeds under the pines.

If you are quiet you can hear the sounds above of hawks over the open meadow.  The wetands nearby in the creek beds have green frogs, painted turtles and the occassional signting of the great blue heron if you are patient enough.

Overall it was a great 3 km nature trail right in the middle of the suburban landscape fo Richmond Hill.

Feel free to share any ideas you might have of where we should go next!