Discovering Ballyduff Trails: A Premier Destination for Hiking on the Oak Ridges Moraine
Exploring the Natural Wonders of Ballyduff Trails and the Kawartha Lakes Land Trust
Ontario is home to remarkable natural landscapes including Ballyduff Trails. The Oak Ridges Moraine forms a crucial section of Ontario’s Greenbelt.
Within this ecologically sensitive area, the 258-acre preserve stands as a model of conservation. The ballyduff trails offer visitors a balance of habitat and peaceful recreation.
Today, this pristine sanctuary is stewarded by the Kawartha Lakes Land Trust. Donors Ralph McKim and Jean Garsonnin protected the property to keep it natural forever.
Furthermore, outdoor enthusiasts searching for an authentic hiking trail experience will find 10 kilometres of well-maintained paths winding through rolling hills, tranquil woodlots, and vibrant meadow habitats. Whether you are an avid hiker, a birdwatching enthusiast, or someone seeking a quiet weekend escape in the Kawartha region, Ballyduff Trails provides an immersive journey into Ontario’s natural heritage. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the rich history, ecological significance, trail features, and ongoing restoration projects that make this preserve a true jewel of the Kawartha Lakes Land Trust.
The History and Gift of Ballyduff Trails
Ballyduff Trails offers exceptional hiking trail options through rare Tallgrass Prairie, lush forests, and cold-water wetlands in Ontario, Canada.
The story of Ballyduff Trails is defined by passion, vision, and extraordinary generosity. Land donors Ralph McKim and Jean Garsonnin enjoyed the beauty of their property on the Oak Ridges Moraine for years and wished to ensure it remained in its natural state forever. Consequently, a long-term commitment to conservation was established to shield the property from future development pressures.
In 2011, Ralph and Jean protected their 258-acre property—known as “Ballyduff Trails”—with a Conservation Easement Agreement (CEA) with Kawartha Land Trust (KLT). During this time, they welcomed the community onto their protected lands to enjoy the 10 kilometres of trails they had created. Additionally, students and professors from nearby institutions, including Trent University and Fleming College, were welcomed onto the property to conduct ecological research and field lessons on the land.
In addition to opening their land to the public, Ralph and Jean undertook comprehensive ecological restoration. They collaborated with local groups and dedicated volunteers to re-establish degraded woodlands and restore habitat. The Ballyduff trails were included, improving access for visitors and guiding educational walks.
Thousands of native trees were planted during this effort, boosting biodiversity and soil stability. Invasive plant species were actively managed, with careful monitoring and removal strategies. Dog-strangling Vine and Scots Pine were suppressed through years of hands-on stewardship. This work engaged the community and inspired ongoing conservation.
Eventually, this stewardship turned into permanent public preservation. Over time, the property gained formal protection and community support. Community leaders and volunteers supported ongoing monitoring and stewardship. Funding from donations helped establish programs that maintain trails and natural areas. These efforts ensured public access while preserving ecological values.
Eleven years later, 158 acres of the property—the ballyduff trails section—were donated to KLT to be protected in perpetuity. The donation followed the broader protection under the original CEA. This marked an important step in safeguarding landscape features that locals valued.
Further generosity occurred in 2024 when Ralph and Jean severed their remaining property and donated an additional 71 acres to KLT. That vital addition contained a rare tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The remaining 29 acres continue to be protected through the easement today.
Moreover, the impact of the donors extends far beyond land donation. Not only have Ralph and Jean committed to the protection of their lands and ensuring that it remains open to the community to enjoy, but Ralph has also been an active volunteer with Kawartha Land Trust since the early days of the organization when it was known as Kawartha Heritage Conservancy (KHC). Since then, he has volunteered in a variety of governance and stewardship roles. The conservation community remains profoundly grateful for Ralph’s insight, knowledge, and passion for nature protection in Canada.
Ecological Significance: Forests, Wetlands, and the Rare Tallgrass Prairie
Ecosystems at a Glance
| Ecosystem Type | Key Features | Ecological Importance |
| Tallgrass Prairie | Rare native grasses and wildflowers | Represents only 1–3% of original Ontario prairie; vital pollinator habitat |
| Coldwater Wetland | Headwaters of Fleetwood Creek | Filters groundwater; feeds coldwater stream ecosystems |
| Oak Ridges Moraine Forest | Mixed hardwoods, rolling glacial topography | Connects wildlife corridors; prevents soil erosion |
| Adjacent Protected Area | Borders 900-acre Fleetwood Creek Natural Area | Expands continuous habitat for large mammals and interior songbirds |
The ecological diversity found within Ballyduff Trails is remarkably varied across this single property and its habitats. The land contains dense mixed forests, an ecologically significant cold-water wetland. It also hosts one of North America’s most endangered habitats: the Tallgrass Prairie.
In addition to its varied surface flora, the land plays a critical hydrological role within the Kawartha watershed. The wetland located on the property serves as the direct source of a cold-water stream at the headwaters of Fleetwood Creek. Cold-water streams are vital for regional aquatic life, supplying cool, oxygen-rich water that supports native fish species like Brook Trout. Furthermore, the property directly borders the 900-acre Fleetwood Creek Natural Area, creating a continuous corridor of protected wilderness that allows local wildlife to migrate safely across the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Caring for the Rare Tallgrass Prairie
Special attention must be given to the restoration and preservation of the prairie habitat at Ballyduff Trails. KLT’s Ballyduff Trails is home to one of the rarest ecosystems in North America—the tallgrass prairie. Historically, vast stretches of grassland covered parts of southern Ontario; however, agricultural expansion and urban development have decimated these landscapes. Today, it is estimated that only 1% to 3% of the original extent of Ontario’s original grasslands remain.
Because of this severe decline, ongoing prairie restoration is vital. Land donors Ralph McKim and Jean Garsonnin dedicated years to protecting and restoring the prairie and are still actively involved in the ongoing restoration efforts. Among these initiatives is the popular annual tallgrass and wildflower seed harvest, where members of the public are invited to participate in hand-collecting native seeds. These harvested seeds are later used to expand prairie restoration both on-site and across other protected Kawartha Lakes Land Trust properties in Ontario.
Navigating the Hiking Trail Network
With 10 kilometres of interconnected paths, Ballyduff Trails offers options for casual walkers, family outings, and seasoned hikers alike. The trail system is thoughtfully designed to showcase the property’s diverse habitats while minimizing environmental impact.
[ Trailhead & Parking ]
│
┌─────────┴─────────┐
▼ ▼
[ Forest Loop ] [ Prairie Loop ]
│ │
└─────────┬─────────┘
▼
[ Moraine Ridge Path ]
│
▼
[ Fleetwood Creek Wetland Overlook ]
Key Highlights along the Trails
- The Prairie Loop: A gently undulating path that winds directly through the restored Tallgrass Prairie. During late summer, visitors are treated to towering grasses such as Big Bluestem and vibrant blooms of Black-eyed Susans, Goldenrod, and Wild Bergamot.
- The Moraine Ridge Path: Elevated sections of the trail traverse glacial moraine deposits, offering panoramic views of the rolling Kawartha countryside. The elevation changes provide an engaging physical workout while rewarding hikers with sweeping vistas.
- The Wetland & Creek Overlook: This section leads hikers near the headwaters of Fleetwood Creek. The damp, mossy ecosystem surrounding the wetland offers a stark, refreshing contrast to the sunlit open prairie.
- The Woodland Walk: Winding under mature canopies of sugar maple, beech, and hemlock, this forest trail is ideal for hot summer days or autumn leaf-peeping adventures in Ontario.
Plan Your Visit: Practical Information for Hikers
To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible visit to Ballyduff Trails, keeping key logistical details in mind is recommended by land managers.
Location and Access
Ballyduff Trails is located within the City of Kawartha Lakes in Ontario, Canada, near Pontypool and south of Lindsay. Access points and designated parking areas are maintained by the Kawartha Lakes Land Trust.
Trail Etiquette and Guidelines
Because Ballyduff Trails is a protected nature reserve, strict leave-no-trace principles are requested from all visitors:
- Stay on Designated Trails: Trampling off-trail damages delicate tallgrass prairie plants and causes soil erosion along moraine slopes.
- Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and prevent disruption to nesting birds.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: Garbage facilities are not provided; all trash must be carried out by visitors.
- Respect Seasonal Closures: During spring thaw or habitat restoration periods, certain trail loops may be temporarily restricted to protect sensitive soil and vegetation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ballyduff Trails located?
Ballyduff Trails is located on the Oak Ridges Moraine in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada, adjacent to the 900-acre Fleetwood Creek Natural Area.
Who owns and manages Ballyduff Trails?
The property is owned and managed by the Kawartha Lakes Land Trust (KLT), following generous land donations made by long-time owners Ralph McKim and Jean Garsonnin.
How long are the hiking trails at Ballyduff Trails?
There are approximately 10 kilometres of interconnected hiking trails that weave through forests, wetlands, and tallgrass prairies.
Why is the Tallgrass Prairie at Ballyduff Trails significant?
Tallgrass prairie is one of the rarest ecosystems in North America, with only 1–3% of Ontario’s original grasslands remaining today. The prairie at Ballyduff Trails is actively protected and restored through community seed harvests.
Ballyduff Trails is an exceptional hiking trail destination protected by the Kawartha Lakes Land Trust on the Oak Ridges Moraine in Ontario, Canada.
Visitors exploring the Kawartha Lakes Land Trust properties can experience rare Tallgrass Prairie habitats and scenic hiking trail loops at Ballyduff Trails in Ontario.
Written By
Tom Worsley
Ontario trail hiker and outdoor photographer
This trail guide is based on first-hand visits and on-site observations documented by Tom Worsley.
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