Trails

76249 Bannockburn Line, Exeter, Ontario (just outside Varna, Ontario)

The trail through Bannockburn Conservation Area is a moderate, mostly dirt two-kilometre loop over hills. It features a 400-metre accessible boardwalk that takes you from the parking lot toward the Bannockburn River. From there, you'll find stairs to climb before accessing the rest of the trail.

The trail is maintained by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. According to ABCA, hikers can expect to see different environments, including:

• Wet meadow
• Eastern white cedar forest
• Deciduous forest,
• Old field and mixed scrub
• Marsh
• River/creek

For more information, visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority website.  

77690 London Road, Clinton, Ontario

Although it is located on the Huron East side of London Road (Hwy. 4), the Clinton Conservation Area is easily accessible from Bluewater. The two-kilometre loop trail is considered easy and is suitable for families with children. The trail surface is a mix of grass, dirt, and gravel. Hikers will experience the Bayfield River, wetlands, and a white pine plantation.

For more information, visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority website. 

The Klopp Tract and commemorative woods is located on Zurich-Hensall Road (Hwy. 84) between Hensall and Zurich. 

Visitors will find a commemorative garden, walking path through a meadow and a short trail through the forest. The trail can get a little soggy after it rains, so plan accordingly!

The commemorative woods are managed by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority's foundation.

The Linfield Wildlife Area is located south of Bayfield on Pavilion Road near the intersection of Goshen Line. Visitors can hike, bird-watch, snowshoe, cross country ski, and fish. Hikers will find maple and beech forest, brooks, a pond, and a wide diversity of birds, trees, and shrubs. 

Trails in the Linfield Wildlife Area are maintained by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. 

Located in Bayfield and managed by the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association for the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy, this former mill site next to the Bayfield River has been transformed into a great outdoor stop. The area includes 0.7 kilometres of walking trail, picnic areas, canoe launch, butterfly meadow, and osprey nesting site. Visitors to the site will also have views of the sweeping new Bayfield River bridge. 

For more information, visit the Bayfield River Valley Trails Association website. 

Located at the end of Saw Mill Road, Bayfield, Ontario

Hikers looking to explore the historic Bayfield River area might want to visit the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association's Sawmill Trail. 

This loop trail beside the Bayfield River is considered moderate, but there are some steep slopes. It is about two kilometres and takes hikers through the forest to the site of a past sawmill and river crossing. Visitors can expect to pass over trail bridges and along grass and dirt paths.

38572 Mill Rd, Varna, Ontario

The Varna Nature Trails are found behind the Stanley Community Centre in Varna. There are two trails for hikers to enjoy.

Hikers looking for an easier walk suitable for all ages and abilities might consider taking the Taylor trail. This trail is around one kilometre of hard packed gravel making it ideal for strollers or those using mobility aids. 

The Mavis trail is a 2.5 kilometre loop trail that passes through pine and deciduous forest. There are some inclines and stairs, but the trail offers beautiful views of gullies and the Bayfield river.

For more information, visit the Bayfield River Valley Trails Association website. The organization sometimes hosts guided hikes in the area. 

This five kilometre loop trail is located within a forested area in Bayfield, Ontario. The main parking area is located off David Street. It is a medium difficulty trail featuring hills, streams, a short and long trail option, and an extension to the Bayfield River. 

The trail is maintained by the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) and the organization sometimes hosts guided hikes in the area.