The Top 6 Prince Edward County Hiking Trails
Prince Edward County hiking trails host a diverse range of wildlife, the region is unsurprisingly home to some of the best hiking trails in the province.
Surrounded by the shores of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County is a nature lover’s paradise.
If you’re looking to explore hiking trails, in Prince Edward County I have listed the top trails that cost nothing.
There are 6 Prince Edward County hiking trails types
These are all trails you can access on foot all year long. If you decide to drive and park there will be fees in some locations as some locations are Provincial Parks.
1. Sandbanks Provincial Park Hiking Trails
One of Ontario’s most popular provincial parks, Sandbanks is unsurprisingly also one of the busiest hiking trails in Prince Edward County.
You can hike here through the summer or the winter months.
Cedar Sands Nature Hiking Trail – 2 km Total
Running beside the Outlet River you can hike through beautiful cedar trees. With shade-covered trails leading to two lookouts on the way providing open views of the marshland.
Woodlands Trail – 7km Total – Easy Trail
Hikers looking for a scenic and invigorating adventure should consider the Woodlands Trail at the Sandbanks. This exciting trail runs through the Woodland Campground, taking hikers across a network of trails that lay out the beautiful scenery.
When I walked this trail I enjoyed the mesmerizing views of old-growth forests intermingled with farmlands. It’s an easy hike with not many hills.
Dunes Nature Trail, Sandbanks 2.5 Km Sandy Trail
Hiking trails don’t get much more breathtaking than the Sandbanks Dunes Trail at the Sandbanks.
I will warn you that it does get hot in the middle of summer. This picturesque course takes hikers over large sand dune formations and through winding paths.
The trade-off here is this hike offers views unlike anywhere else. Also, you can enjoy a swim if you get too hot as the water on the West lakeside warms up quicker than Lake Ontario.
Parts of this trail do not require shoes as the sand feels great between the toes.
Also…there are additional trails to explore that run farther toward Wellington.
Lakeview Trail – 2.4 km Easy Hiking
Newcomers and long-time admirers of nature alike appreciate its open spaces and great views of Lake Ontario.
Hikers are never far from its rocky shores, with several access points throughout to make a stop for an invigorating swim or an inspiring view of the horizon.
The people of this area know that there’s nothing quite like it. Experience why the Lakeview Trail is the premier hiking experience in this region!
Richardson’s Trail – 4.4 km
Hikers of all levels will enjoy Richardson’s Trail at the Sandbanks! The trail includes a variety of points of interest, from dense forests to sand dunes to awe-inspiring beaches.
Hikers can take guided tours or follow their own route within the trail, allowing them to explore everything that it has to offer.
MacDonald Sandbanks Trail – 1.5 km Easy
A useful connection between Woodlands Trail and the Lakeland Lodge Day Use Area, this trail bisects the fields and forest in the center of the park to provide a safe and speedy way for users to venture between the east and west parts of County Road 12.
Easy walking as most of the walk is by road. However, don’t let that deter you from exploring the forested areas to hike through, there’s something for everyone at Sandbanks. Be sure to bring your camera, as you’ll want to capture the beauty of this park from all angles.
2. Little Bluff Conservation Area
Located just south of Milford, Little Bluff Conservation Area offers hikers breathtaking views of Lake Ontario as they meander along its scenic Cliff-top Trail.
The moderate difficulty trail is 3km long and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
While it may not be the longest or most challenging hike on this list, it’s definitely one of the most rewarding views.
If you can time your hike right, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of some very big fish swimming below. At certain times of the year, the lake is very clear.
3. Beaver Meadow Conservation Area
Beaver Meadow Wildlife Area in Prince Edward County is an outdoor paradise, offering hiking trails that explore the diverse habitats of this area.
From boardwalks and nature trails to wetlands and coniferous forests, visitors can find scenery to appreciate every step of their hike.
Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers will not be disappointed as the area is home to various species of birds and other wildlife that can be spotted along the hiking paths.
Additionally, there is a wetland viewing platform offering breathtaking views over 11 hectares of land teeming with life.
For hiking enthusiasts looking for adventure in PEC, Beaver Meadow Wildlife Area is a great place to explore.
4. Massassaga Point Provincial Park
The lesser know hiking trails in Prince Edward County, are Massassaga Point, and Provincial Park.
Although it may be lesser known than some of Prince Edward County’s other hiking trails, that doesn’t make it any less beautiful or worth visiting.
With 6km of well-marked trails winding their way through old-growth forests and wetlands, Massassaga Point is perfect for those who want to get away from it all and immerse themselves in nature.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too; Massassaga Point is home to a variety of animal species including deer, snakes, and songbirds.
5. Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area
Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area in Prince Edward County offers hiking trails for all levels.
Winding through scenic woodlands, the hiking trails provide a variety of terrains ranging from flat to more challenging climbs.
Explore Macaulay Mountain while hiking in and around the beautiful ravines, old quarries, creeks, and gullies that make up the winding hiking trails the area offers.
Every time I’ve been here we have seen wildlife of some sort. Also, the hiking trails have been upgraded over the years.
There is a secret hidden here on the trails to learn what it is check out my post about Macaulay Mountain.
6. The Millennium Trail Hiking
The Millennium Trail in Prince Edward County is 46.4 kilometers in length. Heading west it starts at county road 49 through Picton, Bloomfield, Wellington, and concecon through to Carrying place.
Offers hiking and cross-country ski enthusiasts an opportunity to explore the majestic beauty of Prince Edward County.
This long, flat, easy hiking trail winds its way through dense forests, open meadows, and shimmering lakes, this is a hiking and cross-country skiing experience not to be missed.
One of the most popular Prince Edward County hikes during the summer.
See this article about the Millennium trail and where you can park.
The trail does get busy with cyclists and ATVs. Throughout the winter months, there are lots of snowmobiles.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through nature, Prince Edward County has a hiking trail that is worth exploring.
An Honourable mentioned walking trail.
Harry Smith Conservation Area
The Harry Smith Conservation Area provides walking trails for all dog owners looking for a spectacular walking experience.
The main loop goes around the Ameliasburgh Mill Pond.
With almost 3km of hiking trails, this conservation area is a great place for walking dogs and getting in some exercise for both the pets and the people.
The terrain is also varied, offering up hills, walking paths, and even boardwalks that cross over wetlands and meadow wildernesses.
Visitors to the conservation area are treated to views of beautiful trees as well as an opportunity to observe wildlife thriving in its natural habitat.
There’s something special about bringing your four-legged friends out into nature and breathing the fresh air that can be found at the Harry Smith Conservation Area.
What are the different types of hiking trails in Prince Edward County?
Prince Edward County is a wonderful place to explore a variety of Walking, Hiking, Cycling, Snowmobile, Snowshoe trails, ATV, and UTV off-road trails.
Now there are wine, cider, craft beer, and the “Taste Trails” in Prince Edward County.
Walking Trails
From easy walking paths along lakeside beaches at the Sandbanks to more challenging mountain treks, at Macauly Mountain there is something for everyone in the county’s great landscape.
For those seeking something less strenuous, there are 13 conservation areas in Prince Edward County. These conservation areas provide scenic viewing opportunities without a lot of walking.
Hiking Trails
There are also moderate-level hiking trails, such as Macauly Mountain which winds through forests hills, and mash areas.
Cycling Trails
The county offers a wide selection of cycling trails for all kinds of riders. From Grand Cycling Tours and Family Cycling tours to Cycling tours for Seniors and Cycling tours for Groups, there is something for everyone.
Cyclists can enjoy beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding countryside while having the opportunity to explore some of the area’s spectacular wineries.
Routes range from leisurely rides to more strenuous climbs with challenging descents.
To see a complete list of all the cycling routes in PEC see this post of the top bike trails.
OFSC – Snowmobile Trails in PEC
Prince Edward County is a beloved destination for snowmobiling, with OFSC trails that span more than 400km in total.
Whether a rider is an experienced veteran or a beginner just learning the ropes, the OFSC trails in the area provide something for everyone.
From scenic vistas to roaring backcountry adventures, there are over two dozen OFSC trails in Prince Edward County that are sure to satisfy any craving for winter exploration.
ATV/ UTV Off-road trails
With endless rolling hills and countryside, ATV trails in Prince Edward County offer an unbeatable experience.
ATV riders enjoy 36 kilometers of groomed ATV trails throughout the county with trail maps and route markers available at a number of stores and businesses.
For experienced ATV riders looking to take their ATV further afield, there are also hundreds of un-maintained off-road trails throughout the county that can be explored at leisure.
Winter Trails in Prince Edward County
Winter Trails in Prince Edward County offer a great opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the best of winter activities.
Winter hiking, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoes are just some of the fantastic activities available on these trails.
With a variety of terrain combinations, Winter Trails provide the perfect setting for beginners to experts alike looking for an adventure in a peaceful and beautiful part of Ontario.
Whether you’re seeking exciting high-speed thrills or to take your time and enjoy nature, Winter Trails will provide you with hours of winter recreation. Many of these trails are well-maintained throughout Prince Edward County.
So next time you find yourself in this beautiful region of Ontario, be sure to give one (or all) of these trails a try. You won’t be disappointed!
