Hiking in Greenwood Conservation Area: trails, map and practical info

The place

The park is owned by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). It runs along the banks of Duffins Creek East, from Taunton Road to Highway 7. Fifth Concession Road separates the north section, in Pickering, from the south section, in Ajax, which the Town of Ajax manages. The Trans Canada Trail passes through the park.

Trails in the south section

The Duffins Trail, White Pine Walk and Bird Walk start from the Greenwood Discovery Pavilion, near the main entrance; the Meadow Trail links the parking lot to the pavilion.

• Duffins Trail: 2.9 km loop. It starts with a steep hill, with stairs alongside, follows Duffins Creek, crosses a small bridge and joins a section of the Trans Canada Trail.
• White Pine Walk: 1.9 km loop that shares part of the Duffins Trail and the Recreational Trail.
• Recreational Trail: 2 km, flat, easy.
• Bird Walk: 0.5 km loop from the pavilion to the Meadow Trail, easy.
• Meadow Trail: 0.4 km loop between the parking lot and the pavilion, easy.

The north section, north of Fifth Concession, has its own entrance on Concession Road 5. We found no lengths or difficulty ratings for those trails.

Dogs

Dogs must be on a leash everywhere except in the Leash Free Area. Pick up after your dog.

Parking and access

The main entrance is at 2290 Greenwood Road in Ajax, and you can drive straight in. Parking there is free. A small lot also serves the northwest entrance, on Church Street North just south of Fifth Concession. Public restrooms are at the side of the pavilion and stay open when the building is closed.

In winter

A hiking guide that visited in late February found icy stretches and recommends light traction spikes; snowshoeing needs enough snow.

If you want more distance

A loop of about 5 km is possible in the south section by linking the official trails and paths the author believes are unofficial; without a map, bring a way to navigate.