11 Thrilling Trails to Explore This Fall in South Eastern Ontario

With the autumn oaks and maples overhead, it’s the perfect opportunity for you, your kids, and even your furry friends to enjoy the beauty of the season. Exciting? Well, get ready because we’ve got a list of 11 trails that will take your breath away, and they are all on-leash dog friendly. 

Get your hiking boots ready and prepare to explore the magic of fall!

Prince Edward County

1. The Woodlands Trail in Sandbanks Provincial Park is a hidden gem that you simply cannot miss for autumn. This 3.5 kilometre one-way trail will take you on a journey from the park’s main entry all the way to Dunes Beach, passing by two scenic campgrounds along the way. After that hike, treat yourself to some churros and desserts at La Condesa.

Bay of Quinte

2. Imagine exploring one of the largest glacial erratics in North America, standing over two stories high and estimated to be 2.3 billion years old! The Bleasdell Boulder is a true marvel to behold, and you can experience it for yourself by following a 1.5-kilometer loop trail. As you wander through the trail, you’ll be surrounded by a variety of trees, flowers, and ferns. If you want to add more autumnal kick to the trip, visit the Grind and Vine and enjoy a seasonal latte and store baked yummy goodness.

Lennox & Addington

3. The Cataraqui Trail is a 104 kilometer long trail which takes you to a section of abandoned CN Railway. With 48 public road crossings, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding communities and their unique charm, such as the freshly baked goods from Abrams Bakery. Keep your eyes on some exciting wildlife sightings, you may just spot a playful turtle or curious otter along the way!

Frontenac County

4. Starting from South Otter Lake,  Arkon Lake Trail will lead you to the heart of a semi-wilderness park where you can catch glimpses of wildlife. Be prepared to witness the beauty of granite outcrops, vast wetlands, and mixed forests. Also look out for local mushrooms that grow in different colours under the fallen leaves, such as Shaggy Mane and King Bolete mushrooms. 

Kingston

5. Looking to escape the city? Check out Marshlands Conservation Area, just a quick ten-minute drive from downtown Kingston! With its focus on land preservation, Marshlands is the perfect destination for nature lovers and anyone looking to reconnect with the great outdoors. Take a stroll along the winding trails, feel the cool river breezes, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this incredible natural wonderland.

1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways

6. Mill Pond offers 6 kilometres of thrilling wilderness trails that will impress you. Get your hiking gear on, travel across the park, and stop for a picnic in the sugar bush or at the covered picnic shelter. You can also drive down to Portland and fuel up again at Recess Café with a warm soup.

1000 Islands Gananoque

7. Landon Bay Hiking Trails at the Thousand Islands National Park has 5 trails awaiting you. Head to the Lookout Trail for a bird’s eye view of the autumn colours, with miles over the St. Lawrence. The Garden Loop Trail alongside the raised gardens is the perfect spot for a walk and is wheelchair accessible. Before you go home, stop at Beraka Farm Inc. and bring back some freshly baked bread.

Brockville

8. Mac Johnson Wildlife Area is an amazing wetland with a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life. With five trails that span over 11 kilometres, there’s a hike for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick walk or a challenging hike, you’ll find it all here plus you may even be lucky enough to see some swans.

Cornwall

9. Guindon Park expands 500 acres and offers endless possibilities for exploration, from off-road bike trails to the marvellous St. Lawrence River. With dozens of kilometres of walking trails, you’ll never run out of scenery to discover. Don’t forget to pack a delicious lunch for a relaxing picnic in one of the park’s beautiful designated areas. 

SDG Counties

10. Glengarry Trails offers nature lovers 4 beautiful trails to explore, each ranging from 2 to 4 kilometres. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding swamp, hardwood forest, and cedar forest, making it an ideal destination for an autumn walk. When you finish, it’s time to put your feet up for a while at Nanns by Shubi and enjoy a traditional Daal soup.

Prescott & Russell

11. Lavigne Natural Park is a beautiful reserve that offers an amazing hiking experience for nature enthusiasts. The park consists of 5 different trails covering a total length of 6.3 kilometres. After your walk in the wild, it will be worth the 20 minute drive north to Café Joyeux / Joyful Coffee with the coffee roasted on site, they have the perfect brew for you!

Is there a particular place that caught your attention? There’s no better time to go than now. 

*Please check trail conditions before heading out. Restaurant hours and their seasonal fare varies. We recommend you check on their social media accounts for the most up to date information. Enjoy

Get ready for an adventurous season and make it happen!