Hiking.
Backus Heritage Conservation Area's Old-Growth Trail loops through Backus Woods — a Carolinian remnant of tulip tree, sassafras, and shagbark hickory at the species' northern edge. Long Point Provincial Park runs short interpretive loops through dune-forest and a marsh boardwalk on the Inner Bay; Turkey Point Provincial Park trails climb through Carolinian woods on the bluff.
The brief.
The Carolinian tract at Backus Woods is the marquee inland walk — an interior old-growth pocket inside Long Point Region Conservation Authority's heritage property south of Port Rowan, with the Backhouse Mill heritage village at the trailhead. Long Point Provincial Park's loops are short, flat, and family-friendly, with the Inner Bay marsh boardwalk being the standout for waterfowl viewing.
Turkey Point Provincial Park climbs the bluff above Lake Erie on Carolinian-forest singletrack and connects loosely to the Turkey Point MTB Club trail network. Off-park, the Lynn Valley Trail covers about 8 km of rail-trail from Simcoe to Port Dover along the Lynn River, and the Waterford Heritage Trail runs roughly 7 km through the Waterford Ponds wetland complex.
6. places.
- 01
Backus Woods Old-Growth Trail (Backus Heritage CA)
Carolinian old-growth interior loop through tulip tree, sassafras, and shagbark hickory.
- 02
Long Point Provincial Park interpretive loops
Short dune-forest and Inner Bay marsh boardwalk.
- 03
Turkey Point Provincial Park trails
Carolinian bluff-top loops above Lake Erie.
- 04
Lynn Valley Trail
~8 km rail-trail from Simcoe to Port Dover along the Lynn River.
- 05
Waterford Heritage Trail
~7 km rail-trail through the Waterford Ponds wetland.
- 06
Norfolk Sunrise Trail
Paved multi-use rail-trail through Simcoe.
Today's read.
Cool but comfortable for layered effort · light winds · clean air.