Hiking at Horseshoe Resort: HILLTOP trail and Copeland Forest

Horseshoe Resort, which its official website calls Horseshoe Valley Resort, is also a ski resort. In summer, it offers two ways to walk: a short trail up to the top of the ski hill, the HILLTOP, and Copeland Forest, a large trail network across Horseshoe Valley Road. The two have little in common: one takes a few minutes, the other asks you to choose your own route.

The HILLTOP trail

The HILLTOP is a 5 to 10 minute hike winding through the trees to the top of the ski hill. According to the resort, you can take it from the base of the hill or arrive by the scenic chairlift; the trail starts to the left of the chairlift. At the top, a big blue Muskoka chair looks out over Horseshoe Valley. The resort states that access to the hiking trails is free.

The scenic chairlift for pedestrians

To walk only one way, or to enjoy the hilltop without the climb, the resort offers scenic chairlift rides: up, down or the full round trip. The pedestrian ticket is sold at kiosks or online for the day of your choice and gives you access by foot to the Copeland Express chairlift. A valid ticket is required, and riders must be able to sit up by themselves (no children on laps). Chairlift hours are published by season on the resort's Hours of Operation page: check them before you go. Pedestrians are not permitted on the downhill biking trails.

Copeland Forest, across the road

The resort presents over 70 km of trails in Copeland Forest, across the street, with both single-track and double-track trails. According to the Copeland Forest Friends Association, the forest is a 4,400-acre (about 1,780 hectares) Resource Management Area in Simcoe County, owned by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests. The easiest access point from the resort is the Horseshoe Valley Nordic Centre, on the north side of Horseshoe Valley Road.

The association describes the Ganaraska Hiking Trail as the formal trail of the forest: it enters at three points and can be followed by its white blazes. The informal single-track and double-track trails add many more kilometres, with hilly sections that get the heart pumping and flat sections that are more relaxed. Most intersections on the double-track trails have a “You are here” map. For resort guests, the association says that summer trails aren't marked, that the Copeland Forest map is provided and that staff will recommend routes. The resort also suggests the AllTrails and Trailforks apps for navigation.

Parking and getting there

According to the resort's Directions page, parking is free in all of its parking lots, for standard and oversized vehicles alike. The address is 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, Barrie. From Toronto, take Highway 400 north to exit 117, then follow Horseshoe Valley Road; the resort is on the right-hand side. The Directions page also lists a FlixBus stop at the resort, on the Toronto–Sudbury line (tickets at flixbus.com).

If you only want Copeland Forest, the association points to two easy access points: the Amos Tract parking lot of the Simcoe County Forest on the 5th Line North, and the second main parking lot on Ingram Road. To reach the resort: 705-835-2790.

Before you go

These guidelines come from the Copeland Forest Friends Association, for Copeland Forest:

• Plan your route in advance and tell a friend or family member where you are entering the forest and your approximate route.
• Check the weather forecast, wear suitable footwear, and bring food and water (water especially).
• Prepare for ticks: wear long pants and check yourself after your hike.
• Bring a cellphone for the trail apps and for emergency calls.
• Stay on the trails, carry out all garbage and give right of way to horses and mountain bikers.
• Keep your dog under control or on a leash.