Almost a year after the derecho wind storm resulted in wide-spread devastation, the Ganaraska Forest is open effective Monday (May 1) for all non-motorized and motorized uses with a valid membership or day pass.
Managed by the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA), the Ganaraska Forest is southern Ontario’s largest forest at 11,000 acres (4,452 hectares), straddling Northumberland and Peterborough counties, Kawartha Lakes, and Durham Region.
The forest offers hundreds of kilometres of trails for year-round activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and nature appreciation. Treetop Trekking Ganaraska independently operates an aerial games course in the central forest.
“The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority is happy to welcome users back into the Ganaraska Forest,” says GRCA chair Mark Lovshin in a media release. “Damage to trails from the derecho wind storm have been addressed by staff, contractors, and volunteers.”
The May 21, 2022 derecho storm, described as the largest natural disaster to ever impact the forest, resulted in over 250 hectares (600 acres) of tree blowdown throughout the forest and significant trail impact from downed trees and hazard trees. The forest reopened last September for restricted use only, with limited trail access for users with memberships.
To help trail users navigate the forest, GRCA has developed an interactive online mapping system where users can find their location in the forest by using a locator tool. The online map also displays any trail restrictions or closures in real time.
Day passes are available at the gatehouse kiosk at the Ganaraska Forest Centre (10585 Cold Springs Camp Road, Campbellcroft). Day passes and memberships can also be purchased online at store.ganaraskaconservation.ca. Memberships purchased made between June 1, 2021 and May 21, 2022 have received a one-year extension.
GRCA reminds all users to stay on mapped trails, respect trail restrictions, carry your day pass or membership with you, and ensure you have the proper documentation with you and affixed to your motorized recreational vehicles. To report trail blockages, email volunteer@grca.on.ca with the location and a picture of the blockage.
For more information about the Ganaraska Forest and to review the forest rules and guidelines, visit www.grca.on.ca.
