By Eliana Schincariol, Junior Field Technician & Communications Assistant at Otonabee Conservation
Do you enjoy hiking, fishing, or birding? There are many hidden gems around the Otonabee Region watershed for you to visit! Visit Otonabee Conservation’s lesser-known conservation and wildlife areas for a peaceful day with beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Young’s Point Conservation Area
Young’s Point C.A. is the perfect place for a lovely stroll through old growth forest. Access this Conservation Area over the the pin-connected wrought iron and steel bridge where you may see great blue heron and painted turtles. It’s also a great place to go fishing (in the allowable areas).
Map & Parking
Road parking is available on South Beach Road east of Highway 28, where the forest trail connects to the road.
Heber Rogers Wildlife Area
Heber Rogers W.A. has a 1.4km and 2.9km trails through forest and meadow habitats. This property is alive with birds and wildlife!
Map & Parking
Look for the sign and parking lot off of Kawartha Park Road west of Hiawatha Line.
Darling Wildlife Area
Darling W.A. offers a wide variety of habitats that are perfect for birding, including meadow, forest, and marsh along the Otonabee River. Explore the 1km trail that will having you feeling like you’re surrounded by wilderness!
Map & Parking
Road parking is available at Fifth Line at Frenchman’s Creek Road
Gannon’s Narrows Conservation Area
Gannon’s Narrows C.A. offers a peaceful 1.3km forest walk along the water’s edge where Pigeon Lake and Buckhorn Lake connect. Visitors can enjoy fishing along the shoreline where you can catch Bass, Crappie, Perch, Muskie, and Walleye.
Map & Parking
Parking lot is available on the south side of Gannon’s Narrows bridge, across from Traders Trail.
Cavan Swamp Wildlife Area
The Preston block of Cavan Swamp C.A. includes a short walk down the beautiful Cavan Swamp and Jackson Creek. Visitors can also a hike through the forest next to the wetlands.
Map & Parking
Short Walk – Drive down Preston Road from Sherbrooke Street West.
Longer Hike – Take Preston Road off of Maple Grove Road.
Short Walk
Longer Hike