Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods is an area managed by Toronto Conversation Authority, featuring over 3,700 acres and over 47 km of trails. There are multi-use trails for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding. The topography consists of a hilly landscape with open scenic lookout points, and large wooded regions.
Located in Uxbridge, ON Glen Forest Trail is just shy of an hour drive from Toronto. There are a few spots that offer free parking, depending on what area you want to visit.
Here are some different trailheads, and what you can expect to discover!
Three Rocks Trailhead (G1 on map)
There is free parking in a designated parking lot at this trailhead, located off Concession 7. Either path you take from this trailhead will immediately begin to slowly lead you up a hill. The trail isn’t difficult and there are no majorly steeped parts.
That’s it! You have reached a great lookout point that easily.
Overlooking Durham Region.
Aggregate Pit Trailhead (G24 on map)
Trail with lookout views over the restored aggregate pit.
Glen Major Forest belonged previously to Timbers Brothers, who sold the property to the Toronto Region Conservation Authority in 1998. The site was used as a gravel and aggregate pit, and before restoration, there were large bare quarries dominating the terrain.
The site had been restored through resurfacing the landscape, planting seeds, and creating a trail system along with trail signage. Now, the area is rightfully promoted as a “Living Classroom” that exemplifies the result of restoration programs.
Walker Woods (W19 on map)
Walker Woods is named after James Walker, who acquired the properties in the 1940’s – 1960’s.
As the purchased properties were deserted and bare, Walker’s first priority was developing the landscape by creating a forest. Walker planted Scots, red pines, and hardwood trees, and more – over 2 million in total. Walker began to operate a successful private forest business by selling wood product like firewood, wood boards, and even Christmas trees.
Leave a comment to let us know if you have visited Glen Major Forest or Walker Woods, and what your experience was!
Safe trekking!
East Dufferin Headquarters. Retrieved Nov 11, 2020 from https://trca.ca/parks/east-duffins-headwaters/.
Taylor, D., & Rose, J. (n.d.). Legacy James Walker: Green-durham. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.greendurham.ca/james-walker-legacy
Birding at Milne Dam Conservation Park in Markham
Being the first visit to this conservation area, the moment I stepped out of the car, I knew this would not be the last! Just by where my car was parked at the end of Princess Street, many birds were singing to each other amongst the trees off the road. It is a great recreational […]
Valley Farm Ravine in Pickering
Valley Farm Ravine is nestled between the suburbs of Major Oaks and Pine Ridge in Pickering, Ontario. Recently, a trailhead entrance with new parking was upgraded on Valley Farm Road in Pickering just south of Duffins Creek and north of Finch Avenue. The terrain itself is fairly even in its elevation and makes for a […]
Heber Down Conservation Area in Whitby
Heber Down Conservation Area is located in Whitby, and is owned by Central Lake Ontario Conservation. The area features 687 acres and three trail loops altogether over 5 kilometres. In exploring, you will come across forest, meadow, and wetlands. Devil’s Den Trail We started our journey from the main parking lot off Lyndebrook Road. There […]
Hiking at Greenwood Conservation and Brock Lands
Greenwood Conservation and Brock Lands are located on the northwest border of where Ajax meets Pickering. The area covers over 1660+ acres of land, and offers 35+ km trails. The terrain is a mix of meadows, forested areas, and rivers. There are a few different entrances featuring parking, including on Church Street, and Concession Road […]
