We love to nature walk as a family and our favourite hiking trail to visit is just a hop, skip and a jump from our house! The Morrison Dam Conservation Area is part of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. It is one of our favourite trail walk location and it’s so beautiful in the fall.
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Our favourite trail walk!
The total length of trail is 8km, but we usually just do a 4km stretch beginning at the Morrison Dam Reservoir just outside the the town of Exeter, Ontario.
This is a beautiful hike and just enough for us, especially with our six year-old daughter in tow!
The trails are gravel throughout, with the exception of the portion of the trail close to the river, which is a wooden dock. So, there is no fear of getting all muddy or slipping on the slick forest floor!
Of course, fall is my favourite time of year to visit this trail!
In fall, the gorgeous colours and the fallen leaves covering the trails and surrounding woods are spectacular – that`s one of the reasons I love where I live!
We always see wildlife while on the trails!
At this location there are all sorts of birds, squirrels of course, ducks and geese. We have even seen whitetail deer running through during the day! During the spring and summer, my husband brings his kayak here to fish, or he`ll fish with our daughter from the docks!
Also, there are a number of fish species to satisfy every sports-fisher-person’s interest including: Large Mouth Bass, Crappie, Northern Pike, and all sorts of little pan fish for the kiddos!! During the winter months when the reservoir freezes over, local folks try their luck at ice fishing!
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Another fun aspect of this trail are the benches and climbers located along the path! Our daughter usually needs a sit-down part way through, so these “rest stops” are a real bonus! I`ll usually pack a drink and snack for her to “picnic” as we hike!
In addition to the trails, there is a pavilion on site, which locals and visitors alike come to picnic or where community events take place!
All in all, the Morrison Dam Conservation Area is a local outdoor lovers dream spot!
As with most conservation areas, there are a few restrictions for use of this site.
Many visitors come here with their dogs, which is welcome, so long as they are leashed and picked up after. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on this accessible trail, as are horses and camping. Alcohol is prohibited, as well as motor boats, shooting and swimming. Running and cycling enthusiasts really enjoy this route through nature!
As long as those who utilize the trails and waterways are conscience of their presence and take out what they take in , this local landmark will be around for another 60 years! There are restrooms conveniently located at the beginning of the trail at the Morrison Dam Conservation Area location outside of Exeter.
Once around to the far loop end of the trail, you will come to the Stirling Bridge, which crosses over the tranquil Ausable River! Though soft flowing and lower water levels during the summer, this river can swell and rush heavily during the wetter seasons! Many visitors have carved their names into the railings are trees surrounding this beautiful walking bridge.
You will want to make you way to this spot!
Another family activity we really enjoy (well our daughter anyways!) is tobogganing!
In addition to the hiking trails, there are a couple nice hills at the location. Which we frequent regularly once the snow has come. Just big enough to get a bit of speed, but not too much for Mom and Dad to be hauling up the sled continuously! Many locals also snowshoe and cross-country ski these trails as well.
Never disappointing and something for everyone – YEAR ROUND!
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