Scanlon Creek Conservation Area — Attraction in Bradford West Gwillimbury

This is the first time I've ever given a 5 star rating in my reviews. The reason for that is all the memories that fill particular spots in my mind and every one have these characteristics with them. Close friends, great times and the ability too put a smile on my face when remembering. I remember being 5yrs old and going to Scanlon creek for a day of swimming, fun and a great day in the sun. I can go from that 5yr old child all the way up to the summer of 2017. In my late teens through too my mid twenties me and my friends enjoyed the conservation area too throw the frisbee around and I hope I don't insult anyone but drinking beer was a big part of our amazing times. We're not all saints and partying with friends is a major part of growing up, forging bond's to last a lifetime and learning about what it means to be trustworthy, caring and stick up for friends and what you believe in. Scanlon creek is also an amazing place too spend quality time with your girlfriend, fiancee and wife. There's an out of the way spot were you must walk through hidden trails and up a large hill with long strands of foilage. Once on top of the hill you have a stunning view of the world looking down and sprawling out around you. For me it was a place to share some of my deepest thoughts, fears and goals in life. In a nutshell it was a place to begin joining of our heart's and the beginning of some of my first loving relationships with those special women I remember. Uh oh, I forgot to mention the scenic beauty of the areas. Being able to barbecue some steaks and burgers for your crew. Too spend your time in the beach area too throw the frisbee while in the water or just laying back too catch some rays of the sun. Sorry if my past may have bored you but my dip into nostalgia says alot about Scanlon creek itself. It has the ability to become a part of your life...

A beautiful conservation I've visited for jogging, picnics, dog walking etc. countless times. They do have an 'honour' payment system where you are supposed to leave $10 at the front little parking stop but no one is ever inside and I have personally never paid. They also say they open at 8a and close at 8p but I've been there after dark. I do find that the mosquitoes can get really bad in certain parts and depending on the season so bring bug spray just in case. If it's your first time do keep to the trails - it's easy to get lost! Not sure if the large pond they had here is still present. It was years ago but for the last few years I know it was dried up due to some environmental preservation project they were working on (signs were posted in the park near where the pond once was). It was much better when the pond was there but I trust that they know how to best maintain and conserve the land.

There is a bbq shelter in the middle of this conservation if you follow the main road. It has a play area that's good for kids and picnic benches. there are also outdoor bathrooms here if needed.

I love Scanlon - especially in the summer, but really all year round it's beautiful. I recommend stopping by to reconnect...

under these specific conditions, I'd rate this trail as very difficult. it's January and we're in the middle of a thaw. there is very little snow cover left and what is left is either ice or hard pack snow with little or no give. there is undulating trail here (we followed a little black chickadee marker) with steep incline/decline sections. the most steep parts have steps built in (little help when the step is mostly covered in leaves and ice).

I'll freely admit that I ambled along the well heeled path until I was about 1/5 down my first steep decline. by then I was slowly and carefully choosing my footing and wondering about the wisdom of this adventure. (did I mention it was freezing drizzle, too?) in fact, I recall thinking that was goes down must come up. and really if it was this mu-and then I slipped into my first, but not last lunge/semi-splits manouever. this was soon followed by a few bum scrambles and lots of laughing and muttering about my unwise choice in trail for the day. from there on i usually scrambled along next to, but not on, the path. quite by accident I made it back to the trail loop and finished up with only a...