Family hikes are easier walks, wide trails and some are stroller or wheelchair friendly.
Hike Rating: Level 2.
Description: Maps inside the entrance and at trail intersections help you choose the best route. A gem of a destination for all ages and abilities. Ideal for nature lovers. A network of varied trails to suit all interests and abilities. See woodlands, open areas, lookouts, ponds, boardwalks, level areas, hills, interpretive displays, a nature playground near the entrance, and QR codes posted in various locations linking to nature topics on a web site.
Parking: Around 790 Trillium Dr., Kitchener, off Bleams Rd. From Fisher-Hallman: turn left onto Bleams Rd. At the lights turn right onto Trillium Dr. Go round the bend through the industrial area. When approaching woodland you'll see the Natural Area parking lot on your right, with a low sign on it. From Homer Watson: turn right onto Trillium and follow it through the industrial area into the woodland on both sides of the road. When the woodland clears you'll immediately see the parking lot on your left, with a low sign on it.
GPS: 43.398873, -80.482096
Hike Rating: Level 1. Easy walking, slight inclines. Unpaved natural surfaces. Not suitable for strollers.
Description: A pretty, varied nature park with a network of short trails and a playground at the trail entrance. Follow any of the wide, unpaved woodland trails for various views, a stream and some open areas. A bridge leads to private lands outside the park. Some trails become very muddy and are best avoided after very wet weather.
Parking: The Park entrance is on Bridgeport St. W. about 100m from the intersection of University Avenue and across from the end of the shopping plaza. Enter the park from Bridgeport St. West. Follow the divided park road until you reach the woods where you will find a large unpaved carpark and a playground just outside the trail entrance..
GPS: 43.482987, -80.491950
Hike Rating: Level 1. Undulating terrain with mix of wide and narrow unpaved trails. Not suitable for strollers.
Description: Pretty, varied little woodland with a network of trails all following and overlooking a stream, with wide views of the little valley.
Parking: From Fischer-Hallman turn onto Stoke Drive. Park on Stoke Drive near the bridge which is between Lennox Cr. and Trelawny Dr.
GPS: 43.437271, -80.539662
Walking directions: Trails enter the woods on both sides of the bridge. Follow any trail for good views overlooking the stream, little bridges to change sides of the valley, and lower trails closer to the stream. There are also unofficial tracks beside the water for the sure-footed. When the steam goes under the bridge at Fischer-Hallman, cross the footbridge and loop back along the other side of the stream to return to Stoke Drive. For a longer walk you can exit the woods at the lowest end by going under the Fischer-Hallman road bridge and following the Henry Sturm Creek along pretty parkland for 4km to downtown Kitchener.
From Stoke Drive there is an extra little loop which follows the stream up through Lynn Valley Park and back. There is a playground a short way up on the left.
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