Conservation Area Activities
Walking, Hiking and Cycling
During the spring, summer, and fall, trails for walking, hiking and cycling are maintained at the Ken Reid, Pigeon River Headwaters, and Windy Ridge Conservation Areas and Fleetwood Creek Natural Area.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed on the trails in our conservation areas, but the trails are not maintained.
Swimming
Ken Reid Conservation Area is the only conservation area within our jurisdiction that has a beach where swimming is permitted. No lifeguard is on duty. Swim at your own risk.
Please note that, on occasion, this beach is sometimes posted as unsafe to swim. Any such posting is at the discretion of the Kawartha Haliburton Pine Ridge District Health Unit, which is responsible for water quality testing at this beach.
Please click here for beach water testing and up-to-date beach postings, or if you have any questions about whether or not the water at the Ken Reid Conservation Area beach is safe to swim in.Birdwatching
Many types of birds can be seen in all of our conservation areas.
The lookout in Ken Reid Conservation Area is a great place to view Osprey in McLaren Marsh. See Friends of the Osprey for more information about this magnificent bird.
Dog Walking
Dogs are allowed into the conservation areas, but they must remain leashed. Please scoop your trail poop.
Offroad Vehicles
Offroad vehicles are not allowed in any of our conservation areas.
Canoeing/Kayaking
You are welcome to launch your canoe or kayak in the conservation areas.
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing and hunting are not permitted in any of our conservation areas.
Group Camping
Ken Reid Conservation Area is the only location to provide an overnight camping area for groups. More details are available on the Ken Reid picnic shelters page, and the group camp shelter is available for reservation.
Overnight camping (individual)
We do not have facilities for individual or family overnight camping.
| Activity | Fleetwood Creek | Ken Reid | Pigeon River | Windy Ridge | Durham East Cross Forest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walking/Hiking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cycling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Snowshoeing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cross-country skiing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swimming | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Birdwatching | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dog Walking (Dogs must remain leashed and be cleaned up after.) |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offroad Vehicles | No | No | No | No | No |
| Canoeing/kayaking | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Fishing | No | No | No | No | No |
| Hunting | No | No | No | No | No |
| Group camping (reservations) | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Overnight camping (individual) | No | No | No | No | No |