Windy Ridge

Panoramic Beauty, Endless Adventure

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Windy Ridge Conservation Area

Experience the beauty and diversity of nature at Windy Ridge Conservation Area. Featuring 1.8 km of multi-use trails, this remarkable destination offers opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and biking, all while taking in stunning panoramic views from the lookout atop one of the area’s tallest ridges.

Nestled in the picturesque Kawartha region, Windy Ridge is more than just a scenic retreat—it is a vital natural habitat that supports local wildlife and plant species. With a range of ecosystems, including open meadows and tranquil forests, the area serves as a haven for birdwatching, environmental education, and moments of quiet reflection.

The conservation area’s history is rooted in community stewardship and conservation efforts. In 1999, Hugo Germeraad generously donated 87 acres of land, laying the foundation for what is now Windy Ridge. This was followed in 2004 by a collaboration with Ontario Heritage Trust and Ducks Unlimited, who helped secure an additional 122 acres from the Tuckerman Family. Today, Kawartha Conservation proudly manages these lands on behalf of the Ontario Heritage Trust.

Whether you're exploring its trails, taking part in community programs, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, Windy Ridge Conservation Area invites you to connect with nature and experience the unique beauty of the Kawartha region.

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

11 Stations located around the loop trail
Approximate total length of trail: 1.5 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.

Facilities

Windy Ridge offers:

Washroom
Picnic shelter
Garbage cans
Lookout
Hiking trails

Activities

Things to do at Windy Ridge:

Hike and bike the 1.8 km trail system
Birding
Dog-walking (on leash only)
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (trails ungroomed)
The Talking Forest
Word scramble course

Hours of operation

We are open daily all year.

May to October from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
November to April from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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 3184 for Windy Ridge Conservation Area.

Getting here

Windy Ridge Conservation Area is located in the City of Kawartha Lakes at 998 Mount Horeb Rd., just west of 7A in Omemee and east of Highway 35.

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