Explore the Ganaraska Forest
Come experience southern Ontario's largest, contiguous forest, the Ganaraska Forest. Located within an hour's drive of Toronto, straddling the Municipalities of Northumberland County, Peterborough County, City of Kawartha Lakes and Regional Municipality of Durham, the Ganaraska Forest offers the best in outdoor recreation.
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and nature appreciation are popular activities throughout the Forest. With hundreds of kilometres of trails, the Ganaraska Forest provides year-round opportunities for a variety of activities.
Motorized activities such as off-road motorcycle riding, ATVing and off-roading are permitted in the West Forest and East Forest only. Snowmobiling occurs on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) opened trails only. The Central Forest is maintained as a passive use area and is where cross country ski and snowshoe trails are located.
Day passes or Forest memberships are required to use the Forest and can be purchased from the GRCA Online Store or from the day-pass-only kiosk at the Ganaraska Forest Centre gatehouse.
Important Parking Information
Please remember to display your valid parking pass
Motorized Vehicle (Off-Road) Use
Annually from May 1st – Nov 30th
- Ganaraska Forest is host to numerous dual and single-track trails, and forest roads. Motorized Vehicle Use is authorized within most of the West and East Forests. Please be advised that motorized use is prohibited in certain areas of the Ganaraska Forest. Prohibited areas are indicated on GRCA mapping and posted with No Trespassing (Red Dot) or no-motorized use signage.
- The Highway Traffic Act and Off-Road Vehicle Act prohibits use of off-road vehicles on municipal roads.
- Please note that all motorized vehicles using the Ganaraska Forest must be plated and insured.
- The motorized vehicle operator must carry proof of insurance and registration (ownership).
Please remember horseback riders, cyclists and pedestrians have the right of way. When encountering Horses, pull your vehicle to the side of the trail, turn off your engine and await instructions from the horseback rider.
Hiking
Available Year-Round
All of the trails in the Ganaraska Forest are open to hiking year-round, with the exception of cross county ski trails where hiking is not permitted from January 1st to March 31st.
- Ganaraska Forest hiking trails are designed to appeal to all abilities of hikers and pass through a scenic landscape of rolling hills and mixed forest.
- The Central Forest offers several marked loops to choose from, many of which start and end at the trailhead at the Ganaraska Forest Centre.
Please Note: All available trails are represented on the Ganaraska Forest Trails Map, please remain on open trails only.
Horseback Riding
Annually from May 1st – the Last Day In February
All of the trails in the Ganaraska Forest are open to horseback riding, with the exception of cross-county ski trails, where horseback is not permitted from January 1st to March 31st.
- The Ganaraska Forest is multi-use. If your horse has not been exposed to mountain bikers, off-road vehicles or other motorized vehicles, it is advised that you gain that experience in a safer environment first.
- Trails in the West and East Forests are open to all users, while the trails in the Central Forest are reserved for passive use only and, for this reason, many horseback riders prefer to ride in the Central Forest.
- Hunting is permitted within the West and East Forest, as well as parts of the Central Forest.
- A large parking area designated specifically for horse trailers is located just east of the Ganaraska Forest Centre, on the 10th Line of the Municipality of Port Hope and provides direct access to the Central Forest.
- Horse trailers are not permitted to be unloaded at the Ganaraska Forest Centre.
Please Note: All available trails are represented on the Ganaraska Forest Trails Map, please remain on open trails only.
Mountain Biking
Annually from May 1st – the Last Day In February
All of the trails in the Ganaraska Forest are open to cycling, with the exception of cross-county ski trails, where cycling is not permitted from January 1st to March 31st.
- GRCA offers hundreds of kilometres of twisting, turning, hill-climbing, dual and single-track trail and wide forest roads. You will need a whole summer to explore the Forest.
- Please remember that horseback riders and pedestrians have the right-of-way. When encountering horses, stop your bike, call out to the horseback riders and await instructions from the horseback rider.
Please Note: All available trails are represented on the Ganaraska Forest Trails Map, please remain on open trails only.
Hunting
Opportunities Year-Round
- GRCA permits hunting within the West and East Forests and in parts of the Central Forest. Forest maps and signage indicate the no hunting zone within the Central Forest.
- Hunters must abide by all provincial hunting regulations, the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and all applicable municipal laws.
- The Provincial Hunting Regulations Summary should be consulted for a complete listing of seasons and regulations that pertain to hunting.
Please be advised: the use of a motorized vehicle within the Ganaraska Forest requires a Motorized-Use Day Pass or Membership (closed from Nov. 30th to May 1st each year). Although hunting is authorized off-trail in designated areas of the Forest, motorized vehicles must remain on trails.
Important Hunting Rules
- The discharge of firearms is prohibited except for the purpose of hunting (no target shooting).
- The permanent construction of tree stands and ground blinds is prohibited.
- Do Not cut nor disturb vegetation.
- Hunting blinds/stand can be installed no earlier than one week prior to the hunting season and must be removed no later than one week after the hunting season.
- The hunters full name must be affix to the hunting blind/stand.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
- Ganaraska Forest is host to over 35 km of signed, groomed and track-set cross-country ski trails and over 10 km of marked snowshoe trails.
- The trails meander through pine and hardwood forest, offering a challenge to skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts of varying ability levels.
- All trails start and end at the Ganaraska Forest Centre, located at 10585 Cold Springs Camp Road, Campbellcroft, Ontario.
- During the ski season, GRCA staff post ski trail conditions updates on www.grca.on.ca and social media platforms.
Snowmobiling
Available When OFSC Trails Are Open
- The Ontario Federation of Snowmobiling Clubs (OFSC) is responsible for grooming and maintaining all snowmobile trails.
- An OFSC permit is required for all snowmobiling within the Ganaraska Forest, however a forest membership or day pass is not required.
Treetop Trekking
Treetop Trekking is an aerial park in the Central Ganaraska Forest.
While at the Ganaraska Forest, visit Treetop Trekking, who independently operate in the Central Forest.
For more information, call 905.797.2000. Special rates for school groups participating in Ganaraska Forest Centre Outdoor Education programs are available.