You really autumn know…
That fall weather is un-be-leaf-able!
Sorry, I had to!
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, fall is the perfect time to explore the scenic hiking trails near Toronto. Would you like to know the best hiking trails near Toronto to witness the transformation into a vibrant palette of red, orange, and gold? And right now is the perfect time to explore the good hiking trails near Toronto.
Clocking short mileage from the city (but not including drive times on the Gardiner Expressway or Don Valley Parkway… er Parking lot), the following trails offer breathtaking views, vibrant foliage, and the beauty of Ontario nature at its absolute best. My readers know I’m a sucker for Ontario, and I really think it’s one of the most diverse and extraordinary places on this planet.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a casual stroll through nature, there are plenty of hiking trails close to Toronto that offer autumn scenery and a peaceful escape from the city. For now, take advantage of the season’s vibrant colours by exploring scenic hiking trails near Toronto that range from challenging routes with rewarding vistas to easy hiking trails near Toronto, perfect for a relaxed outdoor adventure. With each trail offering something unique, there’s no better time than fall to get outside and discover these natural gems.
From the rugged landscapes of Hockley Valley Nature Preserve to the unique geological formations at Cheltenham Badlands, each trail has its own draw. This fall, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the fall foliage colours and beautiful atmosphere of these areas. Here are some of the best hiking trails near Toronto this autumn to explore.
Best Hiking Trails Near Toronto To Visit This Fall
Every one of these hiking trails near Toronto I would and have visited in the past. I have tips for you to visit them this fall. The autumn hues are stunning, but we must always remember to park in a designated area and follow proper hiking etiquette. Read on because I’m going to tell you all about it. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and discover the natural beauty of the best hiking trails near Toronto to visit this fall.
Hot tip: As the seasons shift, some of these trails even transition into the best winter hiking trails near Toronto, making them year-round destinations.
Hockley Valley Nature Preserve
Hockley Valley Nature Preserve is an absolute haven for nature enthusiasts. Located in the hills of Mono, just a touch north of Orangeville in Dufferin County, it has a history tied to natural conservation and recreational use. The area forms part of the Niagara Escarpment, known for its geological significance and biodiversity.
The Hockley Valley preserve transforms into a vibrant tapestry and canopy of red, orange, and yellow leaves in the fall. The trails here wind through dense forests and along the scenic banks of the Nottawasaga River, offering stunning views of the valley. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful autumn hike and a great place to capture the season’s beauty with your camera.
Ontario Parks manages Hockley Valley, a vital part of the Bruce Trail system. It is a non-operating park, meaning no camping or overnight facilities exist. There are also no visitor facilities, such as washrooms or garbage cans along the way, so be sure to pack out what you pack in.
Parking is always tricky in non-operating parks. There’s no main entrance or gate here, but a small parking lot is located off 3rd Line EHS near Hockley Road (Regional Road 7). There are limited parking spaces, so arrive early. I don’t recommend parking alongside the road, as you can be ticketed and towed away. The parking lot coordinates are linked here with Google Maps.
Nottawasaga Lookout
Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Nature Reserve is also part of Ontario Park’s network of non-operating parks. It also sits along the Niagara Escarpment. This reserve is located nearest to the town of Collingwood, and this area is also part of the Bruce Trail system. The nature preserve is cherished by hikers for its scenic vistas, deep crevices, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic views.
Nottawasaga Lookout offers some of the most stunning panoramic views in the region. As you hike the trails, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside, blanketed in fall colours. The lookout is particularly popular in autumn when the foliage creates a spectacular display. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a rewarding hike and an unforgettable view.
Once you hike to the lookout, be sure to explore the Keyhole Side Trail. Here, you’ll find small caves and crevices to play in. It’s a lot of fun for the kids, and you’ll see landforms unlike anywhere else.
Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Nature Reserve Parking is available at 8765 Sideroad 15 & 16 Nottawasaga #8927, Glen Huron, ON L0M 1L0. It’s nearest to the village of Singhampton. This parking lot provides direct access to the Bruce Trail, which leads to the path to the lookout. It’s a small, unpaved lot, and this is also a park with no services. Don’t count on finding washrooms or garbage cans along the trail.
Rattlesnake Point
Rattlesnake Point is one of my favourite places to hike at any time of the year. I went to college in Oakville, and it was there that I discovered the beauty of this area. I would spend as much time as I could out there. My kids and I spent my birthday here once. And I love that one of my favourite characters from Schitt’s Creek was proposed to here IN A SCENE ON THE SHOW!!!
Rattlesnake Point is known for its dramatic cliffs, which are really popular with rock climbers in the area, and super scenic views. In the fall, the trails here become even more enchanting as the trees don their vibrant autumn hues. The lookout points provide sweeping views of the Niagara Escarpment and the surrounding forests. It’s a great spot for a day hike, a picnic, or even some rock climbing if you’re keen, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
If you’re feeling super enthusiastic, you can hike from Rattlesnake Point to Crawford Lake Conservation Area, but prepare to spend the day if that’s the case, especially if you are driving from Downtown Toronto. You will be under the canopy of leaves as long as they are on the trees for much of it and can really take in the fall colours. But the draw for most to Rattlesnake Point is the Burralo Crag Lookout Point, where you get views like this one below.
This is a well-managed conservation area with designated parking lots and public washrooms. You should book a time slot on the Conservation Halton website to visit in advance. If you do not, you will risk not being admitted to the conservation area as it reaches capacity. As with other places to hit the hiking trails near Toronto in the fall, arrive early. Rattlesnake Point is just outside of Milton, Ontario, and you can find it here.
Boyne Valley
If you want to find a place that a lot of people don’t know about yet, Boyne Valley is the place for you. Another non-operating Ontario Park (so no parking or facilities) and part of the Bruce Trail, this place in Dufferin County, tends to fly under the radar a bit. About a half-hour north of Orangeville, I’ve gone snowshoeing and sledding in winter on Murphy’s Pinnacle Side Trail as well as leaf-peeping. Here, I realized my hair is the same colour as the trees.
Boyne Valley offers a serene and picturesque hiking experience. The trails meander through smaller hills, and you will even find dense woodlands, which come alive with colour in the fall. This area is less crowded than some other popular hiking spots, making it a peaceful spot for those looking to enjoy the beauty of nature without the crowds on the trail.
While this isn’t a parking lot, this area is south of side road 5, about a kilometre, and there are a few spots to park your vehicles. I’ve linked it here on Google Maps.
On Prince of Wales Road, which runs on the park’s west side, you will find a couple of trailheads and a place where one or two vehicles could potentially park. However, I strongly caution against parking alongside the road lest you block anything, especially in the case of emergency vehicles needing to come through. And while you’re in Dufferin County and want to make a day of it, be sure to check out Rural Makers Tour with Rural Route Tour Company – Day Trip From Toronto that You Don’t Have To Drive Yourself.
Cheltenham Badlands
Maybe you’ve heard of this famous place in Caledon? The Cheltenham Badlands. The Cheltenham Badlands are a unique and really fascinating geological site. You might see them and think, oh wow, that looks like Mars! But really, the distinct appearance of the Badlands is the result of human activity—poor farming and settling practices in the 1800s and 1900s that exposed the red shale and then continued activity led to severe soil erosion. That’s what gives the area its reddish hue.
No matter how they surfaced, the striking red shale formations are particularly captivating in the fall, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding autumn foliage. The short but scenic trail from the parking lot offers a glimpse into the area’s geological history while providing plenty of opportunities for stunning photographs. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in both hiking and natural history. The contrasts of the trees on the Badlands is spectacular!
Please note that there is a boardwalk you have to walk on. You cannot walk on the shale. There was a time when we could do that once before, but not now. Stay on the boardwalk.
The Badlands are located in Caledon. There is a parking lot, but you must book your parking in advance. Check out the Ontario Heritage Trust linked here to book your slot. The address of the Badlands is 1739 Olde Baseline Road in Caledon.
I must stress again: do not park along the side of the road here.
Terra Cotta Conservation Area
Terra Cotta Conservation Area, located near the village of Terra Cotta in Caledon, Ontario, is a beautiful natural destination and is a charming destination for fall hiking. The conservation area spans over 480 acres and features a mix of forests, wetlands, and meadows, making it an ideal spot for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the changing seasons; there is a range of landscapes to explore. In the fall, the area is ablaze with colour, making every hike a visually stunning experience. The conservation area also features picnic spots and educational programs, making it a great destination for families looking to enjoy the beauty of autumn together.
There is a designated parking lot at the main entrance of Terra Cotta Conservation Area, located just west of Winston Churchill Boulevard. Parking is ample, and there is an admission fee to enter. The lot is close to the trailheads and picnic facilities, making it easy to access the different parts of the conservation area.
Mount Nemo
Even on a foggy and rainy day, Mount Nemo does not disappoint! Mount Nemo Conservation Area, located in Burlington, Ontario, is a natural area that serves up some of the most impressive views along the Niagara Escarpment. Known for rugged cliffs, cracks and crevices to explore and panoramic lookouts, the trails here wind through really lush forests. You’ll find yourself along the edge of dramatic escarpment cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including distant views of the Toronto skyline on clear days. The colourful foliage adds a super picturesque quality to the already stunning scenery in the fall, making it a prime destination for autumn hiking.
What makes Mount Nemo Conservation Area special is its relatively quiet, unspoiled atmosphere compared to some of the more popular hiking spots near Toronto.
Parking at Mount Nemo Conservation Area is available at the main entrance parking lot, located off Guelph Line. As always, arriving early is recommended, especially during peak times like weekends in the fall, as the lot can fill up quickly. The parking lot does have a restroom (I don’t recommend using it, though; I remember it being slightly gross).
Dundas Peak and Tews Falls
Hiking to Dundas Peak and Tews Falls is one of the most popular outdoor adventures in the Hamilton, Ontario, area, offering both stunning views and a chance to explore part of the Niagara Escarpment on the Bruce Trail. The trail begins near Tews Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Hamilton, standing at 41 meters (just a few meters shorter than Niagara Falls). This is one of the best waterfalls near Toronto to hike around. The cascading water is gorgeous all year round but is especially beautiful in the fall when those vibrant autumn hues frame it. While waterfalls are often at their fullest in the spring, the fall views are breathtaking, and the cooler weather makes for a more comfortable hike.
From Tews Falls, the trail continues to Dundas Peak, a scenic overlook that offers sweeping views of the Dundas Valley and the town of Dundas below. Note that my photo below was taken BEFORE the municipality installed barriers. There are barriers now because too many people went over the edge or found themselves in positions that required rescue. The rugged cliffs of the escarpment and the surrounding forest, which bursts into shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall, create a dramatic and picturesque landscape. Dundas Peak is a favourite spot for photographers due to its panoramic views, and it’s a great place to pause, take in the scenery, and capture some memorable photos.
As far as scenic hiking trails near Toronto, this is one of the best. The hike is relatively short—around 3.9 km round trip—but can be moderately challenging for some; however, I have never felt that way. It’s a well-maintained trail and accessible for hikers of most skill levels. Wear proper hiking shoes, as the trail can get muddy or slippery, especially after rain.
Parking for the Dundas Peak and Tews Falls hike is available at the Webster’s Falls Parking Lot, which services both attractions, located off Fallsview Road. This Spencer Gorge Conservation Area parking lot is open from the end of May until the end of October. The parking fee for each vehicle is $11 to book online. There is also a per-person admission fee of $5 for each visitor aged five and up, and then there is a $10 reservation fee. However, you’re guaranteed a parking spot. Due to the popularity of the area, it’s essential to reserve your spot online in advance, especially during the fall when the views attract many visitors.
Rouge Valley
The Rouge Valley, part of Rouge National Urban Park, is a hidden gem for hikers right within Toronto’s city limits. It is a free hiking trail in Toronto. Located near the Toronto Zoo, this sprawling park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, offering landscapes ranging from lush forests and wetlands to meadows and scenic rivers. The Rouge Valley is incredibly stunning in the fall, with its vibrant foliage creating a colourful backdrop for your hike!
One of the key trails in the Rouge Valley is the Vista Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Rouge River and the surrounding valley. It’s an easy loop hike with lookout points that provide stunning perspectives on the valley below, especially during the autumn months when the colours of the trees are at their peak.
For a longer adventure, you can also explore the Mast Trail or Orchard Trail, which are more challenging but reward hikers with serene natural beauty and opportunities to spot wildlife (maybe).
What makes the Rouge Valley special is its role as a conservation area within a major urban center. It protects rare Carolinian forests and wetlands, and it has historical significance as well, with evidence of Indigenous settlements dating back thousands of years. The Rouge Valley has something to offer whether you’re interested in nature, history, or simply a peaceful hike.
For access to hiking trails near the Toronto Zoo, you can park at the Zoo Road Day Use Area, located just off Meadowvale Road, or at the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre parking lot, providing convenient entry points to the various trails in the park. Parking is free, but spaces can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during the fall season. It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot. And you can also use public transit options, as the park is accessible via the TTC.
Trail Hub
Trail Hub in Uxbridge is an awesome spot for outdoor adventures right in the “Trail Capital of Canada.” It’s your gateway to some of the best trails in Durham Forest and Glen Major Forest, perfect for hiking, biking, and even winter sports like snowshoeing. Plus, there’s the HandleBar Grille to grab a bite to eat and a relaxed pint, and rental E-bike mountain bikes, making it a great base for your day out.
When fall hits, the forests around Trail Hub explode in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Whether you’re after a casual walk or a challenging hike, the trails offer stunning views and high points to take in the full beauty of Ontario’s autumn colours. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to soak in the season’s magic!
Trail Hub offers free on-site parking. The parking area is spacious, but it can fill up quickly during the peak fall season, so arriving early is advisable. Trail Hub’s central location makes it a great starting point for exploring the surrounding forests while enjoying the vibrant colours of autumn.
Exploring the best hiking trails near Toronto this fall is an excellent way to experience the season’s vibrant colours and crisp air. From the panoramic views at Nottawasaga Lookout in Grey County to the striking red shale formations of Cheltenham Badlands in Dufferin County or to Parks Canada Urban Park, Rouga Valley, each trail offers a unique autumn adventure. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a scenic day hike, these trails provide some of the best autumn hiking experiences near Toronto. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and set out to discover the natural beauty of the best hiking trails near Toronto to visit this fall.
See you out there!
