Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area is a hidden paradise just outside of historic Picton, Ontario. The small but mighty park is home to an abundance of nature and wildlife.

I can give you some insight into Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area and why you should consider a visit to this hidden gem.

If you’ve ever visited the area around Picton, then you’re probably familiar with the majestic views from the top of Macaulay Mountain.

However, few people know that there’s a gorgeous conservation area at the bottom of it as well!

Here are 5 secrets about this excellent nature spot…

1. The Trails of Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area

There are some very challenging trials through the mountainside. Great for hiking and mountain biking.

The fact is the Bloomfield Bicycle Club maintains these trails in exchange for the right use of them. Fair enough and thank you!

The Macaulay Mountain Trail is a 20km loop that begins and ends at the Macaulay Heritage Park.

The trail is a moderate-difficulty hike with an elevation gain of approximately 200m. The trail passes through a variety of ecosystems including mixed forests, meadows, and wetlands.

There are a couple of lookout points along the trail with views of the Bay of Quinte and Prince Edward County.

The Macaulay Mountain Trail is open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Venture into the woods from one of three trailheads (view map above).

This natural reserve is home to over 200 species of plants, birds, and other wildlife as well as rare red panders and several dozen old-growth trees.

Some parts of the trail have small wooden bridges, wood walkways, gravel trails, and benches for resting.

2. Used To Be a Ski Hill

At one point in history, Macaulay Mountain was an active ski hill. The hill is still open to the public and offers both alpine and cross-country skiing.

The slope is no longer maintained, and the ski lift has been removed making it not so great skiing conditions.

Families still enjoy climbing the hill during the winter and sliding down on toboggans.

I’ve taken my children here many times when they were young.

The hill receives an average of 180 cm of snow each year, and its long runs, which were ideal for skiers long longer exist.

So whether you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors or hit the slopes, I’d suggest bringing a toboggan these days.

3. It Has A Picnic Area

I think this is the perfect spot to experience nature without the hustle and bustle of downtown Picton.

If you love hiking and exploring outdoors and want to avoid the summer rush, then you’ll love discovering this little-known natural attraction.

At the base of the mountain, there is a small pond with a covered area for picnicking.

The parking lot is close, so you don’t have to go far.

In fact, I used to walk the trails to the pond and go swimming when I was young. Since the pond has grown in with weeds making it is great for ducks, geese, and frogs.

The last time I was there we saw a few huge Monarch butterflies and one landed on my arm. I love nature.

4. The Macaulay Museum Picton

The Macaulay Museum was the Church of St. Mary Magdalene and a place you should visit if you love history.

It’s located in Picton, Ontario, Canada, and is home to a collection of over 6,000 artifacts.

The museum includes a wide range of collections as well as interactive exhibits for visitors.

These are just some of the reasons why you should visit the Macaulay Museum if you’re interested in history.

Around the museum is a very old graveyard with some very interesting information and dates giving a glimpse into the past.

The area around the side of the museum is the Macaulay Heritage Park, an attractive historic site featuring a beautiful area where people come to take pictures.

When I got married this was the place to come to get pictures taken and we did.

5. Birdhouse City

Macaulay Mountain in Prince Edward County is home to an impressive array of birdhouses.

The so-called “birdhouse city” began as a way to attract birds to the area, but it has since become a popular tourist destination in its own right.

Visitors can stroll through the Macaulay Bird Sanctuary to view the different birdhouses, which resemble structures from around Prince Edward County.

The birdhouses come in all shapes and sizes and are labeled so you know what buildings they are.

There are also a number of maintained trails that guide you through birdhouse city.

If you were to climb Macaulay Mountain the perspective offers a stunning view of the Macaulay Bird Sanctuary and beyond.

Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply enjoy admiring the unusual architecture, a visit to Macaulay Mountain is sure to delight you.

5. Hidden Water Source

Somewhere on the mountain, there is a hidden water source that provides cold natural spring water.

Have you found it? Let me know in the comments below.

When I was young my uncle took me to this natural spring. We followed one of the trails that led us past a metal pipe sticking out from the rocks on the side of the mountain.

I remember leaning over and gulping mouthfuls of ice-cold water. I challenge you to find it if you ever decide to take a hike through the 20 km of trails.

Macaulay Mountain is a beautiful place to visit, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing color.

You can also check out what Prince Edward County looks like in the fall here.

The birdhouse city is worth a stop, and the trails are great for a hike. If you’re visiting Prince Edward County, make sure to add Macaulay Mountain to your list of places to see.

Have you been there before? Share your story in the comments below!

Also, see this article I put together about 30 things to do in PEC.

Also, see this article about the top 24 places to go sightseeing while in the county.