Youth Nature Challenge
A very special thank you to the family and friends of Bill Niessen
whose generous donations have made this program possible.
The Clues
Spring
Spring
Spring
(March 1 – May 31)
Along this track the TRAINS once zoomed
Now hikers watch the flowers bloom.
Summer
Spring
Spring
(June 1 – August 31)
Beside the trail the RIVER flows
Upon the slopes the dune grass grows.
Fall
Winter
Winter
(September 1 – November 30)
The OWLS will help you find your way
They watch the trailhead night and day.
Winter
Winter
Winter
(December 1- February 28/9)
Snowshoes may help to hike these trails
When fluffy powder drifts in SWALES.
Trail Descriptions
Lambton County Heritage Forest
Lambton County Heritage Forest
Lambton County Heritage Forest
9997 Port Franks Road, Port Franks
Easy/Difficult
Three separate but connected trails (3.1-6.6 km) loop through oak savanna and Carolinian forest. A wheelchair accessible path and StoryWalk® (550 m) are also available. The ‘Heart of the Trails’ trailhead and ‘Circle of Life’ showcase native plants and indigenous artwork such as paintings and owl, turtle and the ‘Seven Grandfathers’ carvings.
L-Lake Management Area
Lambton County Heritage Forest
Lambton County Heritage Forest
7101 Outer Drive, Port Franks
Easy
The L Lake Trail (1.5 km) is named for the L-shaped marshy lake that sits beside the property. The trail loop passes through cedar wetlands and mixed Carolinian forest.
Ausable River Cut Conservation Area
Ausable River Cut Conservation Area
Ausable River Cut Conservation Area
9984 Northville Crescent, Northville
Easy/Moderate
The Ausable River Cut Conservation Area Trails consist of three loops that share a single trailhead. The wheelchair-accessible loop with a StoryWalk® (500 m) passes through Carolinian forest and along the Ausable River Cut. A more challenging loop (2 km) leads through forest, over grassy sand dunes and along the Ausable River Cut. A shortcut across this loop bypasses a steep dune. On the river cut, the floating dock and attached launch is available during warmer months for canoes or kayaks.
Forested Dunes Nature Reserve
Ausable River Cut Conservation Area
Ausable River Cut Conservation Area
7101 Outer Drive, Port Franks
Easy
Hikers can pick up the Forested Dunes Trail (3.5 km) at the halfway point of the L Lake loop. It’s an easy hike out and back to Mud Creek through the Forested Dunes Nature Reserve.
Ipperwash Dunes & Swales Nature Reserve
Ipperwash Dunes & Swales Nature Reserve
Ipperwash Dunes & Swales Nature Reserve
End of Richardson Drive, Ipperwash
Easy
Two trail loops are accessed from a single trailhead. The Dunes and Swales Trail (4 km) winds through Carolinian forest over sandy ridges and wet swales. The Cedar Trail (1.5 km) features several cedar coves.
Forest Trails
Ipperwash Dunes & Swales Nature Reserve
Ipperwash Dunes & Swales Nature Reserve
12 Railroad Way, Forest
Easy
The Forest Trails consist of three separate trails: the out and back Grand Trunk Trail (4 km) which follows the old railway track, the Lagoon Loop (1.8 km) at the end of the Grand Trunk Trail, and the out and back paved Forest Walkway Trail (2.4 km) which leads to the Esli Dodge Conservation Area.
Ausable River Valley
Ausable River Valley
Ausable River Valley
West end of McDonald Drive, Middlesex County or
West end of Elm Tree Drive, Middlesex County
Difficult
The Ausable River Valley Trail (+6 km) follows the Ausable River across rugged terrain with steep gullies and inclines. The trail is long, and can be narrow, overgrown and muddy in sections, so it’s suitable for experienced hikers only.
Mystery Falls
Ausable River Valley
Ausable River Valley
West end of Elm Tree Drive, Middlesex County
Moderate/Difficult
The Mystery Falls Loop (4 km) is part of the Ausable River Valley trail system. Some sections of the trail are narrow and steep, but the beautiful waterfall is always worth the trek. You can also hike 1 km directly to the falls from the parking lot.