The best walks and hikes in Greenwood Conservation Area

The Seaton Trail near Concession Road follows the wooded valley of West Duffins Creek in Pickering. The trail quickly descends into the forested ravine and begins winding beside the creek. This section features rolling terrain with several hills, occasional viewpoints over the river valley, and stretches of natural trail that can become muddy after rain. The scenic creekside setting makes this one of the most popular starting points for exploring the Seaton Trail.

This towering railway bridge spans the wooded valley of Duffins Creek along the Seaton Trail in Pickering. Rising high above the forest floor, the steel trestle stretches across the ravine and creates one of the most striking landmarks along the trail. From below, the massive metal structure contrasts with the quiet woodland surrounding it, making this a memorable spot to pause before continuing along the creek through the valley.

Clarke’s Hollow is one of the northern access points to the Seaton Trail in Pickering. The area sits in the wooded valley of West Duffins Creek and serves as a common trailhead and turnaround point for hikers exploring the central section of the trail. From here, paths continue through the forested ravine following the creek, with steep valley slopes and quiet woodland scenery. Clarke’s Hollow is also one of several entry points along the Seaton Trail, linking this section of the route to nearby communities and additional trail segments.

This trail travels through woodland and along West Duffins Creek, and it can be combined with other loop trails in the area. It can get muddy, especially after rain, so water-resistant shoes are a good idea, and long pants too, as this area is known for ticks. Most of the route winds through forest, but you’ll get some nice open views around the end of the valley on the second loop.

Valley Farm Ravine is a hidden nature corridor tucked between suburban areas in Pickering. The trail system meanders through forest, meadow, and creekside sections, following the bends of Duffins Creek. Take your time wandering through the woods and open areas, you’ll spot plenty of birds and enjoy a few quiet minutes away from the city. There’s also a dog park near the northern entrance.

The 'Canadian Northern Railway' was a historic Canadian transcontinental railway created in 1899 with the merger of various railway companies. It originally originated in Manitoba and expanded east and west from there, in contrast to the major railroads, 'Grand Trunk' and 'Canadian Pacific', which arose further east. After 1910, the railroad expanded east of Toronto, building countless bridges across deep valleys like Duffins Creek. Economic difficulties caused by route extensions in western Canada led to the nationalization of the company in 1919 and in 1923 to a merger with the 'Canadian National Railway'. As a result, numerous rail connections became superfluous, and double (parallel) routes were shut down and eliminated. The concrete abutments of former railway bridges can often still be found today, such as in the bed of 'Duffins Creek'. https://www.trha.ca/trha/history/railways/canadian-northern-railway/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Northern_Railway

The 'Duffins Creek' is a creek at the eastern end of the Toronto metropolitan area. It rises in the Durham region near Uxbridge and flows into Lake Ontario near the city of Ajax. The Duffins Creek watershed is part of a green belt in the greater Toronto area. Iroquois peoples had settled in the region for centuries, but the land on Duffins Creek was unsuitable for permanent settlement due to poor boat access to Lake Ontario. The creek was named for Mike Duffin, the first person of European descent to settle in the area in the 1770s. In the early 19th century, Duffins Creek was navigable as far as what is now Kingston Road. The construction of mills and the clearing of forests reduced the water flow and salmon disappeared from the creek. https://trca.ca/conservation/watershed-management/duffins-creek/

From the 'Greenwood Conservation Area' parking lot, a short walk along the 'Meadow Trail' and 'Bird Walk' takes you to the 'Bird Outlook'. The place is on the slope above the gorge of 'Duffins Creek'.