Pigeon River Headwaters

Reconnect with Nature’s Timeless Beauty

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Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area

Nestled within the heart of the Kawartha region, Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area is a vital ecological site that safeguards the health and resilience of the Pigeon River watershed. Spanning diverse natural habitats, including lush forests, thriving wetlands, and open meadowlands, this area provides a sanctuary for a rich variety of plant and animal species.

Visitors can explore 3.4 km of well-maintained trails and boardwalks, immersing themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and quiet reflection. Beyond its recreational value, the conservation area serves as an essential resource for protecting water quality, preserving biodiversity, and offering a living classroom for environmental education and ecological research.

In 1987, Ross Davidson of Toronto donated the 308 acre land that makes up Pigeon River Headwaters today. The park is partly on the Oak Ridges Moraine. The cold water supports sensitive Brook trout. The boardwalk surrounds a marsh full of native plant species, reptiles, amphibians and birds.

Conveniently located at 445 Gray Road in the City of Kawartha Lakes, the area is best accessed via Gray Road from Century Farm Road (Gray Road from Highway 35 is not recommended). Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape or a deeper connection with nature, Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area offers a harmonious blend of rustic beauty and ecological significance.

Pigeon River Headwaters Trail Map

The Talking Forest

Explore the trails throughout our Conservation Areas like never before, taking in the tales of trees that call the parks home. The Talking Forest is an interactive trail that allows users to hear some of the different stories the trees in our parks have to share, from the trees themselves. There are currently Talking Forest trails located at Ken Reid Conservation Area, Windy Ridge Conservation Area, and most recently Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area. Along the trails you will be greeted by the voices of various trees who will provide you with fun facts, historical information and may even direct you to other points of interest in the parks. Enhancements and development of The Talking Forest are supported by the RBC Tech for Nature program. Download the app today to see what the trees have to say.

The Talking Forest app is free to download and is currently available on Android and IOS platforms. Subscribe to this page for updates on The Talking Forest and new trails.

Trail Information

Pigeon River Headwaters

7 Stations located along the Brown Trail
Approximate total length of trail: 1 km

Join the fun, download the app

Visit the Google Play Store or App Store.
Search for and download "The Talking Forest" app.
Make sure your location services are turned on. This allows you to follow along the trail.
Select the talking trail you would like to follow.
Leave your phone in your pocket as you explore the trails or use it as a guide to help pinpoint stops along the trail.
Turn your volume up and listen carefully.

Download The Talking Forest for Android.
Download The Talking Forest for Apple.

Tell us what you think

Have you tried The Talking Forest? We want to hear your thoughts. Take a minute to provide us with feedback from your experience on the trail.

Facilities

Pigeon River Headwaters offers:

Parking
Portable washroom
Picnic shelter
Garbage can

Activities

Things to do at Pigeon River Headwaters:

Hike and bike the 3.4 km trail system
Walk your dog on leash
Bird in the forests and wetlands
Visit the scenic lookout along the boardwalk
Cross-country ski or snowshoe (trails not maintained in the winter)

Parking

Parking is $4 including HST per vehicle per day, or $84.75 including HST for an annual parking pass, which includes all Kawartha Conservation conservation areas. Seniors 65 + can get an annual Parking Pass, good for any of our conservation areas for $67.80. Visitors can pay for parking using the Passport Parking Mobile App or Passport Parking website. Once you had logged in, input Zone 3183 for Pigeon River Headwaters.

Getting here

Pigeon River Headwaters is located at 445 Gray Road (take Gray Road from Century Farm Road) in the City of Kawartha Lakes. It is easiest to get to by going east on Gray Road from Century Farm Road.

Do not take Gray Road from Highway 35

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