🌲 Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve Hike – Sat. May 16, 2026
Explore forests, wetlands, kettle lakes, and rolling Moraine trails in Richmond Hill
📅 Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
🕘 Start Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Meeting Location: Bethesda Trail Head Parking Lot
999 Bethesda Side Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1C5
📌 GPS Coordinates: 43.951614, -79.421132
🚶 Hike Distance: Approx. 4.5 km
⏳ Duration: About 3 hours
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate – some rugged terrain and medium hills
🌲 Trail Conditions: Natural forest trails and crushed limestone paths (multi-use trails)
Join us for a spring hike through the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve, a 175+ hectare natural area featuring mature forests, wetlands, meadows, kettle lakes, and an extensive recreational trail network along the Oak Ridges Moraine.
The first half of the hike will follow a moderately challenging natural trail with several medium-sized hills and some rugged terrain. The second half returns along a more relaxed crushed limestone path with gentle grades. Throughout the hike, participants will experience a variety of landscapes representative of this ecologically significant corridor.
🚴 Please note: These are multi-use trails shared with hikers and cyclists. Awareness and courtesy toward other trail users is appreciated.
🔁 Alternative Route Option:
Participants wishing to avoid the more rugged terrain may choose an easier out-and-back walk along the crushed limestone trail. This alternate group will reconnect with the main hiking group at the halfway point before returning together to the trailhead parking lot.
🔁 This hike starts and finishes at the Bethesda Trail Head parking lot.
🚻 Washrooms:
There are no washrooms at the trailhead or within the Conservation Reserve. Washroom facilities are available approximately 1 km west at Lake Wilcox Park and the Oak Ridges Community Centre.
🅿️ Parking:
Free parking is available at the Bethesda Trail Head parking lot. If the lot is full, additional paid parking is available nearby at Lake Wilcox Park and the Oak Ridges Community Centre.
✅ What to Bring:
Sturdy hiking footwear
Water and snacks
Layered clothing suitable for spring conditions
Optional: hiking poles for uneven terrain
👟 This hike is suitable for hikers comfortable with moderate terrain and shared-use trails.
Hike Leader:
Andrew Welburn
Directions:
Destination: Bethesda Trail Head Parking Lot
999 Bethesda Side Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1C5
GPS Coordinates: 43.951614, -79.421132
From the west (King Township / Hwy 400):
Take King Road east toward Yonge Street.
Turn left (north) onto Yonge Street.
Turn right onto Bethesda Side Road.
Continue east to the Bethesda Trail Head parking lot.
From the east (Markham / Hwy 404):
Take Stouffville Road or Bloomington Road west toward Yonge Street.
Proceed to Bethesda Side Road and continue to the trailhead parking lot at 999 Bethesda Side Rd.
From the north (Aurora / Newmarket):
Take Yonge Street south toward Richmond Hill.
Turn left onto Bethesda Side Road.
Continue east to the Bethesda Trail Head parking lot.