Walking Trails

“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.”

Whether walking your dog, getting in a quick jog, or out for a stroll with your partner, there are seven trails, both short and long, running through the forested woods behind the O’Hara Homestead that will guide you through mature forests, across babbling creeks, around marshes and past old stone fences.

Many of the trails weave through each other’s paths, creating a myriad of route variations. Next time you are exploring our natural setting, take a right instead of a left, you just never know what awaits you on a new trail.

Pick up a TRAIL MAP at the Visitors Centre before setting out on your adventure! But don’t be afraid of getting lost, all trails connect to each other and will bring you back to one of two trailheads and the Homestead grounds.

You can also download a black and white version of the TRAIL MAP online and plan out your route in advance.

We welcome you to walk your four legged friends on the trails. However, please keep dogs on leash at all times and courteously clean up after your dog.  

Please remember these trails are for hiking. We ask that you do not litter, do not disturb the native environment and do not pick, dig or carry out any plants. Our aim is to keep all trails in their natural state. 

Heritage Trail
This trail has been extended from its original 0.2km to 0.8 km. and is indicated with gold markers. It branches off from Lois Wishart Trail above the Visitor Centre and swings over to the eastern boundary, up to the N.E. corner and back again. Along the Heritage Trail you will find evidence of living in the mid 1800's onward. You will see the split rail fence, stacked stone walls, and pass by the remnants of an old dump typical of long settled properties. There is also the moss-covered remains of a concrete foundation, presumably from maple sugar activity.

Fern Trail
This trail is short, but sweet. It is 0.25 km long and is indicated with blue markers. The shortest of our trails, it meanders along Deer Creek just below the sawmill. While here, check out the beautiful ferns that naturally grow under the canopy of trees. In the summer, spending time here provides a calm and cool haven from the hot sun.

Lois Wishart Way
One of the original trails here at O’Hara, this 1km trail is identified with red markers and is a self-guided tree identification trail named in honour of a longtime supporter of O'Hara Mill. Along your journey, you will see 20 marked stations marked featuring a particular tree or forest. We would like to thank the Hastings Stewardship Council for generously supplying these new signs.

Special recognition goes out to Centre Hastings Secondary School and students for their partnership in building a new bridge along this trail. Walkers can now safely cross the creek in any season and water level. It also makes for a great photo op.

McEathron Trail
The longest of our trails meanders 1.75 km and is indicated by green markers. It is named in honour of Stan McEathron, one of our many volunteers and his family who laid out this very scenic and natural trail. It is rocky and rugged, you will cross the natural flow of the creek by traversing a low footbridge installed in 2021!

Deer Creek Trail (new in 2011)
This 0.21 km long trail, identified with white markers, meanders along the East side of Deer Creek from the foot bridge on the Lois Wishart Way to the stepping stone bridge on the north end of the McEathron Trail. It’s the perfect way to shorten the McEathron loop, while still making your way to and experiencing the far Northern edge of the property.

Woodland Trail (new in 2011)
This trail is 0.46 km long and has lime green markers guiding the way. It starts near the South end of the Deer Creek Trail, angles North East to towards the fence line, crosses the quaint babbling creek on stepping stones and links up with the North end of the Heritage Trail.

Brookside Trail
This trail is 0.45 km long and has orange markers. It starts by the mill pond just above the sawmill, crosses the stepping stones beside Lois Wishart Way, angles along the north side of the small feeder creek and meets up with the Woodland Trail just above the old beaver pond. Formally known as the Creekside Trail, the trail was renamed in 2023 in memory of Volunteer Barb Brooks.