Hike the Orchard Trail in Rouge Park
On the east side of Toronto, Rouge Park is an easily accessible wilderness and conservation area. It is a National Urban Park and contains a fair number of trails for people to enjoy for trail running, hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing or even just a casual stroll. Perfect for anyone in the city who just needs to get in a quick outdoor fix any time of the year.
The Orchard Trail is the most diverse of the trails in Rouge Park. It will take you through the woods, along the Little Rouge Creek, up along the escarpment to enjoy the views, and through some wetlands.
The Twyn Rivers parking lot is a great starting point in Rouge Park. To begin the Orchard Trail, walk west from the parking lot along Little Rouge Creek towards the bridge.
Cross the road and walk into the woods. The Orchard Trail will lead you north. The trails are well developed but are not necessarily always marked well, and some end up looping around, so keep track of your direction.
Eventually as you make your way north, the trail will run parallel to a railroad track and will end up connecting with the Cedar Trail, which takes you further around the reclaimed wetlands and then into another beautiful forested area.
It is possible to mountain bike this trail but I rarely ever see anyone do it as there are better trails in Rouge Park for that purpose. This isn't a strenuous hike but conditions can get muddy and the terrain can get relatively steep in some places.
Currently, more information and map of the trail is available here.
Pack List
- Small Daypack
- Water
- Snacks or lunch
- Running shoes, Hiking boots, or Trail runners
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Hat
| RT Distance | 1.2 Miles |
| Activities | Chillin, Photography, Snowshoeing, Hiking |
| Skill Level | Beginner |
| Season | Year Round |
| Trail Type | Out-and-Back |
| Features |
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Picnic Area
Wildflowers
Wildlife
|
Reviews
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Quick drive for stunning views
There are a bunch of little off-shoot trails that take you right up to the river and through serene forests. An amazing spot to escape the city for an afternoon.
