Hiking Cold Creek Conservation Area - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Cold Creek Conservation Area: trails, map and practical info

York, Durham and Headwaters • Ontario

4.6 Appreciated by 27 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
5 km
Elevation
83 ft
Duration
1h30
Max altitude
262 ft

Explore 190 hectares of rolling terrain just outside Toronto with 5 km of well-marked trails through hardwood forests, meadows, and creek valleys. This easy 1h30 hike with 60 m elevation gain delivers genuine wilderness feel in York Region, perfect for families seeking varied ecosystems and wildlife viewing within convenient reach of the city.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Cold Creek Conservation Area? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"organization_reference": "Cold Creek Conservation Area spreads across 190 hectares of rolling terrain in York Region just outside Toronto, offering a surprisingly diverse landscape within easy reach of the city. This York Region conservation area (managed by the Township of King) combines mature hardwood forests, open meadows, and creek valleys to create varied hiking experiences that feel genuinely removed from urban life despite the convenient location.",
"trail_distance_note": "The well-maintained trail system at Cold Creek accommodates hikers of varying experience levels through thoughtful route design rather than extreme elevation changes. With 60 to 83 meters of total elevation gain spread across 6 to 7 kilometers of trails, the terrain consists of gentle rolling hills and gradual inclines that make for comfortable hiking without being completely flat. Most visitors complete the full loop in about an hour and a half, though the flexible trail system allows for shorter or longer explorations depending on your interests."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
14125 11th Concession, Nobleton, ON L0G 1N0, Canada
GPS coordinates
43.9139406, -79.6993185
Phone
(905) 833-5321

Starting Point

The cold creek conservation area is located in King Township, Ontario. To get to the start of the trails, take Highway 400 to King Road and go north. The conservation area will be on the right.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMTuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMWednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMThursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMFriday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMSaturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMSunday: Closed
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
43.9139406, -79.6993185
Center
(905) 833-5321

Hikers' opinions

4.6
13 Reviews
J
Jennifer
Dec 5, 2025
Beautiful winter hiking spot with frozen lake views and serene forest atmosphere. The 6km loop trail offers gentle elevation changes suitable for all fitness levels. Trail connections allow you to shorten the hike if needed. Takes about 1-2 hours at a leisurely pace, making it ideal for families. The pine woods provide excellent winter scenery, though proper footwear is essential for icy conditions.
M
Marcus
Nov 20, 2025
Excellent conservation area with well-maintained facilities and a clean environment. The trail system is perfect for cyclists needing a quick water break, with reliable access to quality water. The variety of terrain across the network makes it ideal for different activities throughout the year, including winter sports when conditions permit.
S
Sarah
Nov 18, 2025
This conservation area offers a peaceful escape with well-maintained trails perfect for families. The diverse terrain includes forest paths, open meadows, and wetland areas. The 6km trail network provides good variety, though some sections can get muddy after rain. The bog boardwalk was unfortunately closed during our visit due to fallen trees, but the main loop still offered beautiful scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities.
L
Lisa
Oct 30, 2025
Wonderful conservation area featuring diverse ecosystems including Carolinian forest, meadows, and swamp areas. The bog boardwalk trail is a family favorite when open. We've visited in all four seasons and each offers unique beauty. Trails range from easy to moderate difficulty with some steep sections on the boardwalk return. Hiking shoes recommended for muddy areas, but the varied terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities make it worthwhile.
D
David
Sep 14, 2025
Great trail system with excellent facilities including a picnic pavilion with high-pressure water taps - perfect for refilling bottles during cycling breaks. The 6km network transforms into a winter wonderland for cross-country skiing. Well-groomed paths offer variety for different activities. The water quality is superb and the trail maintenance is impressive. Definitely planning to return for winter sports activities.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
83.00 m
262.00 m
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMTuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMWednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMThursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMFriday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMSaturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMSunday: Closed
1h30
No
No
Yes, Cold Creek Conservation Area is an excellent choice for beginners. The trails are rated as easy difficulty with only 60 m of elevation gain, making them accessible to hikers of all experience levels, including families and those new to hiking.
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Update : June 2026