Belfountain Conservation Area: The Ultimate Trail Guide

Belfountain Conservation Area has got it all. There are lookout points, a suspension bridge, a beautiful waterfall, hiking trails, limestone cliffs, a historic fountain, riverside walks, and so much more. It's located in the village of Belfountain in the Greater Toronto Area (specifically the York Durham Headwaters tourism region). It's one of the best places to go hiking near Orangeville, too.

If you happen to be visiting Belfountain Conservation Area in the fall, it's one of the best places to see the fall colours near Toronto. The leaves are such gorgeous shades of red, orange and yellow, and they're the perfect backdrop for this picturesque place. Forks of the Credit Road and even Mississauga Road heading north towards Belfountain are such scenic fall drives, too.

Belfountain Conservation Area Trail Map

Now, this next map that I've shared is a little bit different than the first one. I encountered this map once I reached the point where the Gorge Trail and the Trimble Side Trail connect. This map shows that there are many more interconnecting trails beyond the scope of Belfountain Conservation Area, should you wish to embark on a lengthier hike.

You can keep hiking to the Willoughby Property and you'll see that the Trimble Side Trail continues beyond the boundaries of the park. The Trimble Side Trail is 1.8km in this image, though the trail keeps on going, too. The Crow's Nest Side Trail is a loop trail around the Willoughby Property. I'm going to write only about the trails within Belfountain Conservation Area, but know that there are options if you want to keep hiking for a longer distance.

Hiking at Belfountain Conservation Area

Belfountain Conservation Area was closed for some time as the park underwent critical restoration work. At this time, they upgraded a pedestrian bridge, there were trail upgrades, there were repairs on the dam and channel, they planted 12,000 new trees and plants, and they built a new flood-resistant heritage garden. It's so wonderful to visit this conservation area and see all of the improvements.

Riverside Trail

From the parking lot, start your walk down the Riverside Trail. This boardwalk trail follows the edge of the West Credit River. There are scenic lookouts along the way, which include views of the heritage gardens and the "belle" fountain itself.

There is one covered lookout point with benches and a railing. This is where you'll be able to enjoy some of the best scenery of the park. You'll share this lookout space with the new Fox Folly sculpture, designed by Brook McIlroy and LaFontaine Iron Werks. This fox statue pays tribute to Samuel Western Brock, a trapper and groundskeeper for the park in the early 1900s when it was owned by Charles Mack.

Next, you'll come across a set of stairs that leads down to the suspension bridge. I decided to walk down to the bridge because I couldn't wait to experience it. The suspension bridge was originally built in 1908 and offers spectacular views of the waterfall and the river.

Walk across the suspension bridge to get an up-close view of the belle fountain. It's an original cultural heritage feature of the property when it was known as Mack's Park. Credit Valley Conservation also restored the fountain during the recent park renovations.

Be sure to walk down the staircase beside the fountain to catch some different glimpses and perspectives of the suspension bridge and waterfall. This is where you'll be able to capture that iconic shot of the bridge. Make your way back up and across the bridge to continue hiking in a counter-clockwise direction on the Gorge Trail.

Gorge Trail

The Gorge Trail offers a hike around the beautiful Niagara Escarpment and the West Credit River Valley. The Gorge Trail is described as "difficult" on the Credit Valley Conservation website, but it's barely even a "moderate" hike, in my opinion. There are a few inclines and declines that aren't too bad, as well as one large staircase. If you hike in a counter-clockwise direction on the trail, you'll walk down the staircase rather than up the stairs.

There are some interesting metal grates installed on the ground in some places. This can help your traction in slippery and wet weather. In other instances, there are wooden boardwalks to walk across or simply the natural forest floor. Watch your step as there are some big tree roots on the path. Due to the surface of the trail in some spots (the metal grates), it is not a trail that's suitable for dogs.

Once you hike down the staircase, you'll continue your walk along the banks of the river. There's a pretty pedestrian bridge through the forest and across the river at one point. You'll also reach the Trimble Side Trail, so you'll have the choice to continue on the Gorge Trail or the Trimble Trail.

I kept walking on the Gorge Trail that leads back to the starting point. You can also walk on the very short Bide-a-Wee Trail instead of the paved portion with the fountain. The Bide-a-Wee cottage once sat on this site in the early 1900s, though it no longer exists. It was built by Charles Wilson Mack for guests visiting the park.

Plan Your Visit to Belfountain Conservation Area

Belfountain Conservation Area is open seasonally from the end of April until the end of October. In 2023, online reservations come available on April 24th and the park opens officially on April 29th. The trails are not maintained in the winter and could pose a safety hazard, so the park is closed during the winter months.

You need to make a reservation ahead of time to visit Belfountain Conservation Area. Your reservation fee includes one parking space, a two hour time slot to visit the park, and same day access to two other parks in the area for free. It is more expensive to visit on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, so I suggest visiting on a weekday if possible. It's also way less crowded on a weekday, too.

If you decide not to make a reservation in advance, the park does accept visitors at the gate on a first come, first serve basis. If there aren't any parking spaces left, you'll be turned away and be completely out of luck. It's also more expensive to pay at the gate, so I highly suggest that you book your space online in advance.

Your reservation to Belfountain Conservation Area allows same day access to two other nearby Credit Valley Conservation Parks: Terra Cotta Conservation Area and Island Lake Conservation Area. I visited Belfountain Conservation Area and Terra Cotta Conservation Area on the same day, though you could probably squeeze in all three places if you really wanted a full day of hiking.

Some other fantastic nearby conservation areas and parks include Cheltenham Badlands, Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, Silver Creek Conservation Area, Scotsdale Farm, the Bruce Trail, and the Ken Whillans Resource Management Area.

Higher Ground Coffee Co.

Thinking about going for a coffee or some lunch after your hike? There's a sweet little spot in the village of Belfountain called Higher Ground Coffee Company. I stopped by for a coffee and a sweet treat between my hikes at Belfountain Conservation Area and Terra Cotta Conservation Area.

I ordered a vanilla oat latte and a vegan date square. Both were really delicious. I loved the cozy vibes and atmosphere of this darling coffee shop. There's also a spacious outdoor patio, too. This cafe is right around the corner from the conservation area, you can't miss it.

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