The best walks and hikes around Severn

This is where the Millennium Trail meets the Uhthoff Trail. Part of the Trans Canada Trail, the Uhthoff Trail takes walkers, cyclists and runners to scenic wooded areas, wetlands and across many streams.

Couchiching Beach Park has a number of attractions, as well as its small beach. There's a miniature steam railway, fountains, flower gardens, picnic tables and a skating rink in the winter. It's a good spot to stop at if you're walking the Millennium Trail and there are toilet facilities here too.

Stories Converge is a sculpture by artist Kyle Thornley that features a sizeable eastern white pine cone with a round metal bench with room for half-a-dozen people. He chose the white pine as its history is strongly connected to the history of people in the region. It's one of nine pieces that form the Crossroads, Connections and Intersections project.

Part of the Simcoe County Forest, Silver Creek Tract protects a large area of mixed woodland, pine plantation, wetlands, and rolling terrain. A network of multi-use trails and forest roads criss-crosses the property, making it a popular destination for walking, cycling, horseback riding, and winter recreation. Despite its proximity to several communities, the tract feels surprisingly secluded, with long stretches of forest and very little development visible from the trails.

Spanning more than 13,000 hectares across over 150 properties, the Simcoe County Forest is one of the largest municipal forest systems in Ontario. Originally established in the early 1920s to restore worn-out farmland and sandy wastelands, it has grown into a network of forests, wetlands, and recreation areas used for walking, cycling, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Today, the forest continues to be actively managed for conservation, habitat protection, recreation, and sustainable forestry, making it a unique example of large-scale reforestation success in Ontario.

Grant’s Woods Trails are a network of short, colour-marked loops that make it easy to explore the reserve at your own pace, with routes ranging from short woodland walks to longer connected circuits. The gently rolling paths cross small bridges, pass through shady forest, and skirt wetland edges, creating variety without steep or difficult terrain. Quiet and well-maintained, the trails are a popular spot for an easy nature walk in a beautiful and peaceful forest setting.

Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve protects a quiet stretch of mature forest, wetlands, and small ravines, creating an important refuge for native plants and wildlife. Managed by the Couchiching Conservancy, the reserve includes stands of maple, oak, ash, and eastern hemlock, helping preserve one of the region’s remaining natural woodlands. The area is dotted with benches, bridges, and interpretive signs that invite visitors to slow down and explore the landscape while preserving the environment.

The Matchedash Bay Trail is an accessible way to experience the beauty of the Matchedash Bay Provincial Wildlife Area. The trail is flat and passes through wooded patches, marsh edges, and occasional viewpoints of Catfish Bay. Bring sunblock and a hat for a sunny day here.