The best walks and hikes around Bradford West Gwillimbury

Spanning more than 13,000 hectares across multiple tracts throughout the county, Simcoe County Forest is one of the largest municipal forests in Ontario, protecting a diverse mix of pine plantations, hardwood forest, wetlands, and other natural areas. Established through large-scale reforestation efforts beginning in the 1920s, the forest now includes an extensive network of trails popular for hiking, trail running, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. While each tract has its own character, the forest as a whole is a patchwork of natural areas that preserve green space and wildlife habitat across much of Simcoe County.

The Hodgson Tract is part of the Simcoe County Forest, and includes a network of trails that wind through mixed forest and regenerating woodland. Popular with hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, the trails range from wide forest roads to narrower singletrack paths, with some sections that include steeper climbs and descents. These sections are especially popular for mountain biking, so keep an eye out for riders as you explore the trails. The tract sits relatively close to Highway 400, but the forest setting still makes the trails feel secluded, with long stretches of wooded paths and few signs of the surrounding urban area.

This trailhead also includes a small parking area that sits right off 11th Line, and provides access to the Hodgson Tract and its extensive network of forest trails. From here, you'll quickly enter the mixed woodland, with plenty of winding singletrack routes that extend throughout the tract. Parking and access to the trails are free, making it an ideal starting point for exploring one of the county’s most popular forest recreation areas.

This small pond is home to a variety of birds, especially ducks, and plenty of small fish, making it a fun spot to bring kids. The trails aren’t paved but are still easy to walk and bike-friendly. A short path leads out toward the middle of the pond, giving you a close look at the little ecosystem that forms around this quiet stretch of water.

Peggy’s Wood Tract is a forested loop with a mix of conifer stands, soft earth paths, and short stretches of gravel. The trail feels surprisingly natural for such an urban spot, with rooty sections, a few muddy patches, and the occasional fallen log to step over. It isn’t heavily signed, so having a map helps, especially at the smaller junctions. Despite being close to town, the woods stay peaceful, and you’ll often spot birds or small wildlife along the way. It’s a beautiful place to walk in any season, especially in the fall.

The Yellow Trail is the main signed loop within the Goldie Feldman Nature Reserve, winding through mature maple–beech forest and gently rolling terrain on the Oak Ridges Moraine. It’s a short, easy route with steady shade, rich leaf litter, and glimpses of the older hardwood stands that make this reserve notable. The path is well maintained, quiet, and ideal for a relaxed forest walk, connecting directly with other short spurs in the reserve. A simple, peaceful loop that shows off the best of this protected woodland.

Running for over 300 kilometres along the spine of the Oak Ridges Moraine, the Oak Ridges Trail follows rolling forest, kettle lakes, wetlands, and quiet rural backroads across one of Ontario’s most important ecological corridors. The route links numerous conservation areas and nature reserves, offering steady shade, mixed hardwood forest, boardwalks, and wide hilltop views in places. With well-marked segments and frequent access points, it’s popular for both day hikes and longer through-sections. It's a scenic, varied trail system that showcases the Moraine’s unique landscapes just north of the GTA.

Part of the larger Happy Valley Forest on the Oak Ridges Moraine, the Goldie Feldman Nature Reserve offers a short network of trails through mature maple–beech woods and mixed hardwood stands. The forest here is known for its tall, old-growth character and quiet, shaded atmosphere, with one section of trail built to accessible AODA standards. It’s a peaceful spot for a gentle walk and a good look at one of the GTA’s best-preserved forest ecosystems.