Goldie Feldman Nature Reserve, Happy Valley Forest, Ontario

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Just half an hour outside of Toronto lies an unexpectedly tranquil green space: the Happy Valley Forest. Over the years, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has protected 298 hectares (737 acres) in the heart of King Township, ensuring the survival of old-growth forests and species that rely on this habitat on the Oak Ridges Moraine in the midst of surrounding development. It is the largest remaining intact forest of its kind on the moraine.

Visitors will discover a range of landscapes and terrain as they hike through the forest. From ravines to ridges, old fields to wooded wetland habitats, Happy Valley Forest offers a diversity of topography and scenery to satisfy hikers of all ages.

Trail length: 2.5 kms (Goldie Feldman Nature Reserve)
Hike difficulty: Easy to moderate
Amenities on-site: There are no amenities on-site.

Points of interest

• Older-growth forest on the Oak Ridges Moraine
• Headwater streams of Lake Simcoe and Lake Ontario
• Lookout point and lowland boardwalk

Species to look out for

• coyote
• scarlet tanager
• red-shouldered hawk
• white-tailed deer
• wood thrush
• red-spotted newt
• Jefferson salamander

Directions

1. Head north on Highway 400 toward exit 43 for Regional Road 11/King Road toward Noblelton/King City.
2. Keep left at the fork and follow signs for King Road West and turn left at King Road/Regional Road 11.
3. Take the first right onto Weston Road/Regional Road 56 (signs for Weston Road).
4. Turn left at Sideroad 17.
5. Goldie Feldman Nature Reserve is on the left (south) side of the road.

Contact information

Visitors can call 1-877-231-3552 or email ontario@natureconservancy.ca to inquire about the trails and access points of Happy Valley Forest.

Visitor information

Visitors are welcome and encouraged to visit the Happy Valley Forest and experience its incredible natural beauty. The Oak Ridges Moraine Trail runs through the forest, and several of NCC’s properties also feature hiking trails.

Public guided walks are offered during certain times of the year. Check the Ontario Region's events page to find if there is an upcoming event.

When visiting the property, please:

• Respect the wildlife and other visitors.
• Travel on designated paths only.
• Please keep pets on a leash.
  
• Refrain from lighting fires or smoking.
• Remove your own garbage, and pick up after your pet.
• Respect that the property is a nature reserve that does not permit the removal of any plants or animals.

All visitors to NCC properties do so at their own risk.