The best walks and hikes in Durham Regional Forest
4.9
(18)
137
hikers
23
hikes
Hiking trails in Durham Regional Forest are situated atop the Oak Ridges Moraine, offering a diverse landscape for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest covers approximately 596 hectares, featuring a mix of plantation forests, some over 90 years old, and mature mixed hardwood areas. Its rolling topography includes natural elements such as historic blow sands, wetlands, headwaters, and cold springs, contributing to its ecological diversity.
Best hiking trails in Durham Regional Forest
- The most popular hiking route is Durham Regional Forest loop from Durham Regional Forest, a 7.6 miles (12.3 km) trail that takes 3 hours 14 minutes to complete. This moderate route explores the varied forest terrain.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Steep Rocky Section loop from Durham Regional Forest, a moderate 9.5 miles (15.3 km) path. This trail features sections with varied elevation and natural forest scenery.
- Local hikers also love the Hiking loop from Durham Regional Forest, a 4.4 miles (7.1 km) trail leading through established forest paths, often completed in about 1 hour 52 minutes.
- Hiking in Durham Regional Forest is defined by rolling topography, mature mixed hardwood areas, and plantation forests. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy walks to moderate hikes.
- The routes in Durham Regional Forest are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Durham Regional Forest's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 4, 2026
3
hikers
7.91km
02:06
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
9
hikers
15.3km
04:05
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(4)
8
hikers
13.8km
03:36
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
7.09km
01:52
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
9.11km
02:26
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is a super flowy singletrack between the pines. Visibility is good, but there are also a number of doubletrack trails in this part of the park that you can use to give space to other trail users.
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There are two parallel trails that lead between Dagmar and Concession Road 7. For mountain bikers this is the outbound trail (the other one is inbound only), so if you are hiking keep an eye out for signage to be aware of which direction bikers will be coming from.
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This is one of the more popular trails in the park. Trails are shared between hikers and mountain bikers, though at times some of the singletrack may be unidirectional for bikers. If this is the case, it's nice to hike opposite to bike traffic to make it easier to spot cyclists.
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There is a bench at this junction where you can rest for a moment. There is also a junction marker with a map to help you navigate your way through the south end of Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest.
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There is ample parking at this lot with maps and access to the southern part of Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest. This network of trails winds through the forest and is especially popular for hiking and mountain biking.
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There is a gate here connecting Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest with a bench where you can sit for a break if needed. If you're looping around Walker Woods, you can skip the gate and continue along The Grind trail.
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The 'Durham Regional Forest' is located on the Oak Ridges moraine near the community of Uxbridge, north of Pickering. Uxbridge calls itself the hiking capital of Canada. The forest has a total area of almost 600 hectares; around 65 km of hiking and cycling trails have been created and connected to the 'Trans Canada Trail'. The area was reforested with coniferous forests from the 1920s onwards in order to reduce soil erosion and increase regional forest cover. Since then, the forest has been managed to restore the natural forest cover. This has resulted in a mixed forest with predominantly maple and beech trees. https://discoveruxbridge.ca/trails/durham-forest/
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This section is part of a single/double black mtb trail so you'll need both a mountain bike (no gravel or hybrid) and requisite skill to clear it
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Durham Regional Forest?
Durham Regional Forest offers a wide network of trails, with over 25 routes available for hiking. These include a mix of easy walks and moderate hikes, catering to various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the trails in Durham Regional Forest?
The trails in Durham Regional Forest feature the rolling topography characteristic of the Oak Ridges Moraine. You'll encounter a diverse landscape including mature mixed hardwood areas, extensive plantation forests (some over 90 years old), and natural elements like historic blow sands, wetlands, and cold springs.
Are there any easy hiking options for beginners or families?
Yes, Durham Regional Forest has 11 easy routes perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is the Hiking loop from Durham Regional Forest, which is 7.1 km long and generally takes less than two hours to complete.
Can I bring my dog on the trails in Durham Regional Forest?
Yes, Durham Regional Forest is a popular destination for dog walking. Dogs are generally welcome on the trails, but always ensure they are kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the natural environment for all visitors.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the forest?
Many of the trails in Durham Regional Forest are designed as loops, offering convenient circular routes. For example, the Durham Regional Forest loop from Public parking - Durham Forest East Gate is a moderate 13.7 km circular hike that provides a comprehensive experience of the forest's varied terrain.
What amenities are available for hikers in Durham Regional Forest?
Visitors to Durham Regional Forest can find trail kiosks with maps, benches for resting, picnic tables for breaks, and washrooms. These amenities help enhance the overall hiking experience.
Is parking available at Durham Regional Forest, and do I need a permit?
Parking is available at Durham Regional Forest. It's important to note that a permit system is in place, so visitors should check the specific requirements before their visit to ensure compliance.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails here?
The trails in Durham Regional Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Hikers frequently praise the diverse forest scenery, the well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to experience the 'sea of trees' and 'breathtaking views' atop the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Are there any connections to other major trail networks from Durham Regional Forest?
Yes, Durham Regional Forest provides access to broader regional and national trail networks. Notably, it connects to both the Trans Canada Trail and the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, offering opportunities for longer excursions beyond the forest boundaries.
What other activities can be done in Durham Regional Forest besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, Durham Regional Forest is a hub for various outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, birding, and photography, making it a versatile destination year-round.
What is the best time of year to visit Durham Regional Forest for hiking?
Durham Regional Forest is a year-round destination. The trails offer varying landscapes, from lush greenery after rainfall in spring and summer, to vibrant fall colours, and snow-covered paths in winter, each season providing a unique hiking experience.
Are there any moderate hiking trails for those looking for a bit more challenge?
Yes, there are 14 moderate routes available. A good option for a moderate challenge is the Hiking loop from West Magic Carpet, which covers 7.3 km with some elevation changes, offering a rewarding experience for those seeking a more active hike.
Most popular routes in Durham Regional Forest
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