The picturesque landscape of the Quinte area and Prince Edward County boasts some gems for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers (like the Quinte Living team!). There’s something for everyone, from serene paths to rugged forest trails throughout many conservation areas. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey to discover three outstanding places to explore on foot in the Quinte region.
Hanna Park
Location: Trenton
Tucked in central Trenton is a fantastic 42-acre public park that offers many well-marked, crisscrossing forested nature trails. Starting at the corner of Film Street and Creswell Drive, you can enjoy a deep woods experience any time of the year without leaving Trenton. You’ll be amazed at how walking just a few minutes into the park lets you enjoy a pocket of natural peacefulness and gives you a chance to see Mother Nature at her very best.
Highlight: The Kinsmen Community Dog Park, a fully enclosed, off-leash dog park beside the Hanna Park trails entrance. There’s even a section fenced off exclusively for small dogs! The most popular time seems to be mid-to-late afternoon and it’s not uncommon to find a dozen or more dogs enjoying playtime. If you’ve got a pup, the Kinsmen Dog Park is a no-brainer. And if you don’t have one of your own, you can still enjoy the sights and sounds of happy dogs frolicking and playing to their heart’s content.
Proctor Park Conservation Area
Location: Brighton
Proctor Park Conservation Area is a hidden gem in the Quinte area. Its 37 hectares of natural beauty contain a 2.5-kilometre trail that winds alongside Butler Creek and rises into a maple/beech forest for a stunning view of Presqui’le Bay. It’s a great spot for a gentle hike – be sure to bring your camera!
You can also rent space in Proctor Park for a variety of activities and events, from a family BBQ to a wedding photoshoot. If you want a beautiful piece of nature to call your own for a day, you can’t miss with Proctor Park.
Highlight: The conservation area also boasts Proctor House Museum, a gorgeous house restored and operated by the Save Our Heritage Organization. Stepping into the museum is like stepping back in time to the period between the 1840s and 1880s for a glimpse into the lives of one of the area’s founding families.
Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area
Location: Quinte West
Just a few minutes north of Trenton is the Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area, containing a gentle 20-30 minute 1.5-kilometre hike. Of course, the highlight is the magnificent Bleasdell Boulder, a colossal rock perched on a granite outcrop. Interpretive panels along the trail provide insight into the area’s geological history, making it both an educational and visually stunning adventure.
Highlight: Have you ever heard of a glacial erratic? It’s a “glacially deposited rock differing from the type of rock native to the area in which it rests.” Marvel at the sheer size and unique geological features of the Bleasdell Boulder, which is over two stories tall (one of the largest known glacial erratics in North America), and is an estimated 2.3 billion years old! The boulder is believed to have travelled tens of kilometres from the Madoc region during North America’s last ice age about 13,000 years ago.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll through picturesque landscapes or a challenging hike amidst rugged wilderness, the Quinte area has something to offer every outdoor enthusiast. From the forest paths of Hanna Park to the geological wonder of Bleasdell Boulder, these trails promise rejuvenating experiences in the heart of nature. Lace up your shoes, pack a water bottle and camera, and embark on your next adventure in the Quinte region!
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