Dylan YoungWhen it comes to hiking, I prefer going to a national park, and one of my favourites is the Rouge National Urban Park, which is so massive that it encompasses not just Toronto, but also Markham, Pickering, Uxbridge, and Whitchurch-Stouffville.
To say that this national park is breathtaking would be an understatement. Every time I hike here, I gain a new appreciation for nature in general. There’s an abundance of all sorts of wildlife here, and they’re all thriving. The serenity is also unparalleled.
If you’d like to go hiking in Rouge National Urban Park, here’s a breakdown of its most popular trails.
General Info on the Rouge National Urban Park
Address: 7277 14th Ave, Markham
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7:30 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14162642020
Trails
Northeast Trail
From: bread31
Distance: 10.7 km (one way)
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
The Northeast Trail’s distance may seem intimidating at first—I mean, it’s 10.7 km long, and that’s just one way!—but don’t let that scare you. This trail is actually among the easiest of the bunch since the terrain is mostly flat.
Aside from beginners, this trail is perfect for people who want a diverse array of landscapes when hiking. You’ll be cruising wetlands, forests, meadows, and agricultural fields in about four hours or so.
| Pro Tips: If you want to extend your hike and explore more natural landscapes, this trail connects to the Oak Ridges Trail to the north. If you need washrooms, there are a few available at Black Walnut Day Use Area, which is located at 7445 Elgin Mills Road East. |
Rouge Marsh Trail
From: canadian_roast
Distance: 500 m
Time: 15–30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re a true beginner, then the Rouge Marsh Trail is the best trail to start. This is only half a kilometre long, so you can easily finish it in under an hour.
This trail will take you through the wetlands, so expect to find lots of wildlife, from shoreline plants dotting the marshes to gorgeous birds like the blue-and-red barn swallows.
You’ll also be passing a few bodies of water. The highlight for me is the panoramic view of Lake Ontario, though the Rouge River is also pretty to look at.
| Pro Tip:If you’re coming to this trail via car, you can find parking at the Lawrence Avenue Overflow Lot and the Rouge Hills GO Station. |
Glen Eagles Vista Trail
From: curiocitytoronto
Distance: 600 m
Time: 15–30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Another short and easy trail that beginners will love is the Glen Eagles Vista Trail. But even if you’re not a beginner, you should still check this one out because the scenery is gorgeous all year round.
Personally, though, I think autumn is the best time to hike here. There are lots of trees along this trail, and when autumn rolls around, the leaves turn into a beautiful flurry of burnt orange, red, and yellow colours.
Another highlight here is the bluff overlooking the Rouge River. The view is a sight to behold, but if you’re a geology nerd, you’ll appreciate this area even more because there are some cool rocks here.
| Pro Tip:Take note, there are no washrooms available along this trail. |
Harvest Trail
From: parks.canada
Distance: 5.1 km (one way)
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Harvest Trail is the perfect name to give to this trail because this one actually cuts through farmlands. From shaded woodlots to fields of crops to marshlands, this trail makes me feel like I’m Elizabeth Bennet walking the country to Netherfield Park.
You can even catch glimpses of farmers at work, which is another reason why I love hiking here. In the number of times I’ve hiked along this trail, I’ve watched farmers harvest crops like soy, corn, and wheat, and it’s so fascinating watching the process. It makes me realize that farmers deserve all the respect!
| Pro Tips: You can find washrooms and flush toilets at the Black Walnut Day Use Area. You can find limited free parking at the Black Walnut Day Use Area and the 19th Avenue Day Use Area. |
Central Trail
From: bread31
Distance: 10.5 km (one way)
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Central Trail is one of the longest hiking trails in the park, but the surface is pretty flat, so it’s beginner-friendly. Still, this trail can test your endurance and stamina, so keep that in mind.
This is another trail that I like to describe as “kind of like a walk across Middle-earth” because the scenery keeps changing. One moment, you’ll be trekking through restored wetlands and forests, and the next moment, you’re on a historic laneway or a bridge over Katabokokonk Creek.
This trail also has a lot of seating nodes scattered throughout. So, if you’re tired of hiking or you just want to drink in the relaxing views of the fields, meadows, and wetlands, feel free to take a seat.
| Pro Tip:This trail also has a picnic area. So, I recommend packing a few snacks and drinks before hiking here. |
South Central Trail
From: guillermoalfredo777
Distance: 2.1 km
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Admittedly, the South Central Trail isn’t my favourite trail here. It’s mostly hedgerows, lots of trees, and a restoration area. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a pretty sight, but you can also find that in the other trails.
When I just want serenity, though, this is a great place to go. I can listen to my music, sit at one of the seating nodes, and have a reading sprint on my e-reader (yes, I love to bring an e-reader when I hike).
| Pro Tips: This trail also has a picnic area, so feel free to bring some snacks and drinks. Limited parking can be found at the Monarch Trailhead on 14th Avenue. |
Tallgrass Trek
From: lets_rove
Distance: 3.2 km
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Tallgrass Trek looks like it’s straight out of a movie. This trail loop brings you to restored wetlands, meadows, and grasslands, and since there’s little tree cover here, you get a sweeping view of the sky and horizon.
This scenery feels like how a Hozier song sounds to me—very dreamy and romantic.
This trail isn’t too long, but since I’m such a daydreamer, it takes me some time before I complete it.
| Pro Tip:You can find limited free parking at 7277 14th Avenue. There are also washrooms here, but they’re only seasonally available. |
Woodland Trail
From: trekkingwithbecky
Distance: 3.5 km
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
In the mood to get lost in the trees? Then, you’d love the Woodland Trail. While most trails take you through open fields and meadows, this one leads you straight through the forest!
Seeing the towering trees around me is awe-inspiring; it’s so amazing that we have this gorgeous natural landscape right near the city! Oh, and when it’s fall, the wooded area becomes even more beautiful, with all the burnt orange, yellow, and red colours.
There are other things to look out for. Firstly, keep your eyes peeled for beavers; there are many of them along this trail. There’s also a vibrant cottage and a camping area.
| Pro Tips: You can find limited free parking at the Woodland Day Use Area. Also, keep in mind that there are no washrooms in this trail. |
Monarch Trail
From: tourtips4u
Distance: 7.6 km
Time: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Most of the trails in this national park are pretty easy, but there are a few that are moderate in difficulty if you’re looking for a challenge. One of these trails is the Monarch Trail.
This trail loop has a mix of flat terrain and gently rolling slopes, and it takes you to a variety of habitats—from farm fields to a rare cedar savannah!
Wildlife is pretty abundant here, too. I come across deers, stags, and beavers when I’m hiking and love to give them a wave.
| Pro Tips: Try to hike here when it’s sunny. When it’s raining or it has just rained, the trail can get pretty muddy and slippery. You can find limited free parking at 7277 14th Avenue. |
Reesor Way/Tanglewood Trail
From: urbannaturestore
Distance: 3.3 km
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
I love hiking the Reesor Way/Tanglewood Trail because it provides me with two distinct experiences. I usually start in the east section, where the atmosphere is more carefree, with lots of birds. Then, I move to the west section, which is dense with trees, so the vibe is more tranquil.
You can also find the Little Rouge River Flood Plain here, which—I just learned—was carved out from glacial activity. I love hiking in this part of the trail because it’s almost always cool, and the sound of the river rushing is music to my ears.
| Pro Tip:There’s limited free parking at 7277 14th Avenue. This parking lot has seasonally available washrooms as well. |
Cedar Trail and the Beare Wetlands Loop
From: nehmatkaur
Distance: 1.5 km or 4.5 km
Time: 30–45 minutes or 2–2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The Cedar Trail and the Beare Wetlands Trail are technically separate trails that you can undertake for less than an hour each. But if you want the full experience, then I recommend you combine them.
The landscapes are incredibly stunning here. The cedar canopy filters in sunlight, making the area feel magical. Then, you’ll make your way through majestic ravine valleys and hill tops where you can drink in the view.
The biodiversity in this trail is impressive as well. I’m not much of a bird-watcher, but I’ve come across songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Snapping turtles also run aplenty here.
| Pro Tips: Take note that some sections of the trail can be slippery in the winter or after rainfall. Please be careful. There are no parking lots nearby. Keep in mind that parking is also illegal; if you park your car on the street, it might get ticketed or, worse, towed away. |
Orchard Trail
From: jacq_in_the_wild
Distance: 2 km (one way)
Time: 1–2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The Orchard Trail is named as such because it actually takes you to several dormant apple orchards. I love seeing these orchards because they remind me of the land’s history, of how it was once farmland that supported local families for several centuries.
There’s more history to learn from different trail sections as well. In particular, the south end of the trail has an avenue of trees, which is an homage to the area’s past as a settled residence and mill. You can also find an old ski hill and the ruins of a dam near Twyn Rivers Drive.
This trail also has pockets of human-made wetlands, which are home to swans, buffleheads, and painted turtles. Sometimes, I spend a long break just watching all the animals interact with each other.
| Pro Tip:There’s parking available at the Twyn Rivers Day Use Area. This parking lot also has portable toilets. |
Vista Trail
From: ricardo_odm
Distance: 1.5 km (one way)
Time: 1–2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Vista Trail is a bit of a workout, but it’s worth it. Personally, I love the forest diversity. The southern end is more on the warm side, and it’s dotted with maple and oak trees, while the northern section is cooler and features shady hemlock groves.
But my favourite part about this trail is that it actually has a two-level viewing deck. This deck lets you enjoy the view of the Little Rouge Creek and the Rouge River valleys. If you look northward, you can even spot Beare Hill, which is one of the highest points of land in Toronto.
| Pro Tip: You can find parking at the Twyn Rivers Day Use Area. Please take note that street parking is illegal. If you’re caught, you’ll be ticketed or have your car towed away. |
Mast Trail
From: meiikaclarkee
Distance: 2.5 km
Time: 1–2 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
If you think that most of the trails here are too easy for you, then you might want to take on the Mast Trail. Even though this trail is only 2.5 km long, it has some steep slopes and scary ridges, making it the most challenging trail in the park.
I admit I do struggle hiking this trail, but I still do it because 1) practice makes perfect, and 2) I love exploring the extraordinary forests. I hear this is home to Carolinian and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence ecosystems, which are pretty rare.
There are also historical remnants that signal cultural heritage. One such example is an area where European pioneers logged tall, straight white pines to be used for ship masts. Another cool relic you can find is an old ski hill that was once thriving in the 1950s.
| Pro Tip: There’s free parking here, but the spots are extremely limited. So, I recommend coming here as early as possible (around 7 or 7:30 am) so that you can score a spot. |
