Easy hikes and walks in Greenwood Conservation Area

Devil’s Den Trail is one of the main routes in Heber Down Conservation Area. The trail passes through shaded ravine terrain, crosses bridges and boardwalks, and leads to the area known as Devil’s Den, a narrow valley once tied to local folklore. The story goes that this area was once used as a layover spot for horse thieves in the late 19th century, and later crossed by a railway bridge whose concrete remnants still remain today. With steeper grades and a more enclosed feel than some of the park’s other paths, this trail is ideal for a more rugged and immersive walk through the valley.

This paved lot is the main access point for the trails in Heber Down Conservation Area, with plenty of parking and washrooms just off Cochrane Street. From here, you can quickly reach the wooded paths, bridges, and the steeper terrain leading into Devil’s Den, making this a popular starting point for longer loops through the conservation area. There is a parking fee of around $6 per vehicle, or it is waived with a CLOCA membership pass.

The main trail at Cullen Central Park winds through a mix of forest, meadow, and wetland, following sections of Lynde Creek and connecting several quiet natural pockets across the park. The route is a blend of paved and packed-earth paths, with boardwalks in wetter areas and shaded stretches that feel surprisingly peaceful for an in-town trail. Multiple access points make it easy to do short loops or longer walks that link into the wider Lynde Creek corridor. A calm, scenic everyday trail and one of Whitby’s best spots for relaxed nature time.

Once the site of Cullen Gardens, Cullen Central Park is now a large green space with forested walking trails, open meadows, wetlands, and quiet connectors that follow Lynde Creek through the property. The paved and natural-surface paths make it easy to explore on foot or by bike, with shaded sections, small bridges, and plenty of wildlife activity around the creek. It’s a versatile everyday park — part nature reserve, part community space — and one of Whitby’s most popular spots for relaxed walks, family outings, and access to the wider Lynde Creek trail network.

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/