Our link on the Trans Canada Trail follows an old railroad corridor that goes straight through the city of Peterborough. It’s a gentle grade and accessible to all abilities. But it’s only the beginning.
Within Peterborough and Lakefield are urban trails in park settings, perfect for a casual stroll while out in the countryside. As you explore further into the unique counties that make up our region, you will find dozens of diverse trails and conservation areas suitable for beginner adventurers, mountain bikers, avid birdwatchers, and seasoned nature enthusiasts alike. There are hundreds of kilometres waiting for you to discover in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.
View the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Cycling & Trails Map here
Keeping it Short
Trails are a wonderful way to explore the outdoors and all you have to do is follow the path… or make your own. If you’re in a hurry but need a breath of fresh air, these short routes are for you!
CITY OF PETERBOROUGH
B.E.L. Rotary Bridgenorth Trail
B.E.L. Rotary Bridgenorth Trail is 2.3 kilometres long, lined with native trees, and boasts a peaceful and tranquil setting amidst the Miller Creek Wetlands. There are benches situated along the Trail to provide scenic and comfortable resting spots as needed.
SELWYN
Ennismore Heritage Trail
There are 3 loops with a total trail distance of about 4km including boardwalks, a picnic shelter, an osprey platform and interpretive signage. The Trails are located throughout Ennismore Waterfront Park.
ASPHODEL NORWOOD
Mill Pond Forest Trails
This short but sweet trail system offers three route options ranging from 200m to 900m in length. With a picnic area and beautiful views of Mill Pond, this is a great spot for a family of all ages.
CAVAN MONAGHAN
Millbrook Valley Trails
The Millbrook Valley Trails are a passive use walking trail starting from Medd’s Mountain Conservation Area and looping around Millbrook through the Oak Ridges Moraine.
PETERBOROUGH/DOURO-DUMMER
Trent University Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Area
This nature area features 3 loop trails; the Red Trail (1.9 km), the Yellow Trail (2.4 km), and the Blue Trail (2.9 km). Slip on your hiking boots or grab a pair of cross-country skiis for this triple trail treat.
OTONABEE–SOUTH MONAGHAN
Mark S. Burnham Trail
Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park features 2.4 kilometers of trail featuring some of the oldest maple, beech, elm and hemlock groves in Ontario. Try out this short hike located in the middle of the Peterborough Drumlin Field to visit more than 3,000 of glacial remnants and stunning fall colours.
HAVELOCK-BELMONT-METHUNE
Mathison Conservation Area
This area is made up of 250 acres of scenic forests and wetlands located north of Havelock. It has 1.6 kilometers of multi-use trails for walking, biking, and snowmobiling use and 1.1 kilometers of walking only trails. ATVs are not permitted on this property.
CITY OF PETERBOROUGH
South Drumlin Loop
This short 3.4 kilometer loop features views of the Trent Canal and a visit to the abandoned rail bridge near Trent University. A great option for all skill levels and visitors to the Trent University campus.
In it for the Long Haul
Do you need a break from the indoors? Looking for more than just a quick jaunt? Then these trails are for you! The world’s longest recreational trail—which runs 23,000 kilometres across Canada—runs right through Peterborough & the Kawarthas on its way to the Pacific coast, called the Trans Canada Trail.
NORTH KAWARTHA
Petroglyphs Provincial Park
B.E.L. Rotary Bridgenorth Trail is 2.3 kilometres long, lined with native trees, and boasts a peaceful and tranquil setting amidst the Miller Creek Wetlands. There are benches situated along the Trail to provide scenic and comfortable resting spots as needed.
CITY OF PETERBOROUGH
Rotary-Greenway Trail
There are 3 loops with a total trail distance of about 4km including boardwalks, a picnic shelter, an osprey platform and interpretive signage. The Trails are located throughout Ennismore Waterfront Park.
OTONABEE-SOUTH MONAGHAN
Lang to Hastings on the Trans Canada Trail
This short but sweet trail system offers three route options ranging from 200m to 900m in length. With a picnic area and beautiful views of Mill Pond, this is a great spot for a family of all ages.
DOURO-DUMMER
Warsaw Caves Conservation Area
The Millbrook Valley Trails are a passive use walking trail starting from Medd’s Mountain Conservation Area and looping around Millbrook through the Oak Ridges Moraine.
CITY OF PETERBOROUGH
Jackson Creek Kiwanis Trail
This nature area features 3 loop trails; the Red Trail (1.9 km), the Yellow Trail (2.4 km), and the Blue Trail (2.9 km). Slip on your hiking boots or grab a pair of cross-country skiis for this triple trail treat.
SELWYN
Lakefield Trail
Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park features 2.4 kilometers of trail featuring some of the oldest maple, beech, elm and hemlock groves in Ontario. Try out this short hike located in the middle of the Peterborough Drumlin Field to visit more than 3,000 of glacial remnants and stunning fall colours.
OTONABEE-SOUTH MONAGHAN
Harold Town Conservation Area
This area is made up of 250 acres of scenic forests and wetlands located north of Havelock. It has 1.6 kilometers of multi-use trails for walking, biking, and snowmobiling use and 1.1 kilometers of walking only trails. ATVs are not permitted on this property.
NORTH KAWARTHA
Stony Lake Trails
This short 3.4 kilometer loop features views of the Trent Canal and a visit to the abandoned rail bridge near Trent University. A great option for all skill levels and visitors to the Trent University campus.
SELWYN
Selwyn Conservation Area
This short 3.4 kilometer loop features views of the Trent Canal and a visit to the abandoned rail bridge near Trent University. A great option for all skill levels and visitors to the Trent University campus.
SELWYN
Eels Creek to High Falls
This short 3.4 kilometer loop features views of the Trent Canal and a visit to the abandoned rail bridge near Trent University. A great option for all skill levels and visitors to the Trent University campus.
OTONABEE-SOUTH MONAGHAN
Birdsall Wildlife Area
This short 3.4 kilometer loop features views of the Trent Canal and a visit to the abandoned rail bridge near Trent University. A great option for all skill levels and visitors to the Trent University campus.
DOURO-DUMMER
Robert Johnston EcoForest Trails
This short 3.4 kilometer loop features views of the Trent Canal and a visit to the abandoned rail bridge near Trent University. A great option for all skill levels and visitors to the Trent University campus.