I don’t know how many times I have driven by the trailhead of Ganaraska Forest thinking, ‘I need to check this place out.‘ 

That’s the thing with having access to another great forest, Northumberland County, right out my back door. 

It’s really handy and I love the trails so Ollie and I don’t venture too far away most of the time.

But this year, 2022, I vowed to do more exploring of different trails near me. Since Ganaraska forest is only about 30 minutes away, Ollie and I will be doing some excellent hiking in these woods come summer and fall.

Let’s learn a little bit more about the awesome trails of Ganaraska Forest, shall we?

Ganaraska Forest

The 11,000 acre Ganaraska Forest is one of the largest blocks of forested land in southern Ontario. Today the forest is a living example of how the principles of integrated resource management can be used to balance many different uses of forested lands on a sustainable and ecologically sound basis.

The forest is home to the Ganaraska Forest Outdoor Education Centre, and public washroom and shower facilities. The area provides abundant recreational opportunities and is managed for a sustainable yield of wood products.

Day passes or annual permits are required to use the forest and can be purchased online. Day passes can also be purchased from the self-serve kiosk at the Ganaraska Forest Centre gatehouse.

Located within an hour’s drive of Toronto, straddling the Counties of Northumberland, Peterborough, Victoria, and the Region of Durham, the Ganaraska Forest offers the best in outdoor recreation.

Day passes for Ganaraska Forest

Memberships are required to use the forest. Passes and memberships can be purchased online or through the self-serve kiosk located at the Ganaraska Forest Centre gatehouse. 

Pricing

Adult Hiking Day Pass: $12

Adult Hiking Season’s Pass: $75

For the sake of this article, we will focus on Central trails of Ganaraska Forest because, well, the trailhead is at the Ganaraska Forest Centre and they are the easiest trails to access. 

When I have more experience with the East and West trail systems, I will add them into this article.

Ganaraska Central Forest

This is a non-motorized section of trails. Perfect for you and your pooch to explore!

Etiquette

• Must have a day pass
• Dogs must be up to date with vaccinations
• On-leash only
• Try to stay in the middle of the trail to avoid widening them

Trails

• Yellow: 4.2 km
• Blue: 6.3 km
• Orange: 9.9 km
• A Loop: 3.0 km
• B Loop: 5.6km
• C Loop: 3.7 km
• Orange + A Loop: 9 km
• Orange + B Loop: 14.5 km
• Orange + C Loop: 11.7 km
• Orange + B and C Loops: 16.3 km

Whether you’re up for an all-day hike, or a short loop, Ganaraska Forest has you covered!

If you’re concerned with getting lost, for $5 you can purchase a map from the Ganaraska Forest Centre at the trailhead.

Location: 10585 Cold Springs Camp Rd, Campbellcroft, ON L0A 1B0

Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 4 pm

Well, after researching this article, Ganaraska Forest is now pushed to the top of my ‘must explore’ list. I honestly can’t believe that I have not yet experienced this amazing forest for myself.

After Ollie and I explore these trails, you can bet there will be more articles detailing our experience.

If you have visited Ganaraska Forest with your pooch, please let us know about it in the comments below. Thanks!