Stouffville Conservation Area and Reservoir — Attraction in Whitchurch-Stouffville

The first part of the trail was fine - regular path great for running, cycling, walking the dog, etc.

However, when I did the loop back, counter-clockwise, it became an awful and sometimes scary experience, and I wish there would have been warning signs.

The first part of the loopback trail is wet and muddy, but in a way your regular off-the-beaten-track trail. It’s easy to follow. The second part is great, less wet and a wider trail. The last part, after when you cross the creek via the small bridge, is very challenging. However at that point it’s hard to turn back. The grasses, bushes and trees were at least 10 ft tall, very dense, thick mud and water to wade through, and without a clear path, extremely slippery, and no indications.

My dog and I basically ended up in a swamp and only because of my cell phone reception was I able to get out.

My clothes are ruined, my dog is covered in thick mud and we both have been attacked...

You would think that such a great place would have a proper name! It starts off as a walk on a looped or linear concrete path that takes you around the reservoir that has been naturalized. If you are here dawn/dusk you will see birds by the hundreds. Halfway down the looped path you will see access to a trail through a heavily rooted forest filled with old cedars and hemlocks and over many small creeks. I’m so glad I found this place and it’s a winter wonderland! You can choose to take a long loop or a shorter loop or just walk to that junction point and turn back. A lot of off leash but...

There is a pond, a small dam, playground and along a conservation area so it has a lot to offer. I gave a 3 star only because the trail inside the conservation area could use more signs. There are two trails inside the forest - blue and orange. You can only tell by the trees that are marked by blue and orange paints and it's hard to find those trees sometimes.

It's unpaved and muddy in April inside the conservation area so it's NOT child friendly if you plan to wander into the...