Trails and Hiking

Man canoeing in the fall

With a park in almost every town, you can spend endless hours taking in Middlesex County’s breathtaking beauty. You choose your mode of discovery - by foot, bike, boat, snowshoe or skis, and these destinations will provide you and generations to come with an alluring place to discover.

A.W. Campbell Conservation Area

A beautiful lake is the focus of this Conservation Area. Forested hills, treed campsites and a meandering river provide the backdrop to an active area which provides a host of recreation opportunities, including nature trails, swimming pool, mini golf, and more. There are exciting activities throughout the summer months.

Big Bend Conservation Area

An archaeological site located here was shared by hunting and gathering Indigenous people over 3,000 years ago. Also located here is a boat launch to the Thames River - a Canadian Heritage River. Moderate Trail (0.5km)

Clark Wright Conservation Area

This 50 acre site, donated by Mr. Clark Wright, includes 3 km of nature trails through recently reforested lands and an old pine plantation. This is an excellent bird watching site. Clark Wright Conservation Area is located on Walkers Drive south west of County Rd. 81 south of Strathroy. Easy Trails • Trail Distance: 3KM

Delaware Conservation Area

Located on the floodplain of the Thames Canadian Heritage River, Delaware Conservation Area is a hot spot for fishing (especially during pickerel season). An abundant sixty car parking lot is available and the area is popular for canoe, stand up paddle board and kayak access. The park is open for day use from 8 AM to sunset year-round, free of charge.

Dorchester Mill Pond

The Dorchester Mill Pond is a beautiful Carolinian forest, including black cherry and white oak. The Dorchester Mill Pond is also home to many different species of birds and mammals including cottontails, raccoons and white tail deer.

Joany's Woods

Joany’s Woods is a conservation area that is included in Carolinian Canada’s Ausable River Valley Site and is part of the Provincially-recognized Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).

Longwoods Road Conservation Area / Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum

Longwoods Road Conservation Area contains 155 acres of Carolinian forest, ravine, meadows, and a provincially significant wetland. Within Longwoods stands the Indigenous Ska-Nah- Doht Village and Museum. The Mill Stream, a tributary of the Thames River, winds through the park supporting a large variety of flora and fauna. Easy to Moderate Trails • Trail Distance: 6 KM

Mill Stream Conservation Area

Mill Stream Conservation Area offers a small toboggan hill, picnic shelter, no formal nature trail for fishing along the Mill Stream, hiking, and birdwatching. There is no drinking water or washroom facility. The park is open for day use from 8 AM to 10:30 PM, year-round, free of charge. Located on the Caradoc Sand Plain, the Carolinian Forest and ravine system habitat supports abundant wildlife. The area is a natural corridor link to Longwoods Conservation Area. Level: Easy

Parkhill Conservation Area

Each season brings something new at the Parkhill Conservation Area. The 800-hectare conservation area is a result of efforts to control serious flooding and erosion problems downstream. The Parkhill Dam and reservoir were constructed in 1969 to create a storage area to regulate the waterflow of Parkhill Creek. The recreational opportunities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking and bird watching. Easy to Moderate Trails

Rotary Memorial Trail

The Rotary Club of Strathroy Memorial Trail was established to honor Rotary members who have passed away. The trail connects with the Conservation Authority's trail system creating a city-wide public trail system.