Dryden Tract, a Beautiful Hike in Cambridge, Ontario

Dryden Tract is an amazing place to go hiking near Cambridge, specifically in the Township of North Dumfries. Situated on the Galt Paris Moraine and part of the Alps Woods Forest, Dryden Tract is 34 hectares with a 3.2km loop trail.

Dryden Tract and the Alps Woods Forest is designated as an Environmentally Significant Policy Area. It’s the northernmost area of the Carolinian forest zone. Many species of Carolinian forest birds breed at Dryden Tract; therefore, it’s a wonderful place in Ontario for birding and hiking alike.

Dryden Tract Trail Map

As I couldn’t find an official trail map to Dryden Tract anywhere, I recommend following the trail on AllTrails. From AllTrails, the length of this loop trail is 3.2km, and it’s considered a moderately challenging route. As there are a few hills but nothing too crazy, I’d personally rate this one as easy to moderate.

You can easily follow the trail on AllTrails for free, although I suggest upgrading to AllTrails+. You can download offline maps to stay connected on the trail, regardless of whether or not you lose your cell signal. Check out our exclusive offer of 45% off an AllTrails+ subscription (it’s only $1.65 Canadian per month!).

A section of the Grand Valley Trail runs through Dryden Tract. The Grand Valley Trail is a 250km marked pedestrian footpath. It begins in the village of Belwood and ends in the town of Port Maitland.

If you’d like to hike more of the Grand Valley Trail, you can download the trail maps for free. Download the free Ondago App on your phone. Then, download all five trail maps for the Grand Valley Trail. You’ll find the section that runs through Dryden Tract on map 4, the Black Walnut section.

Hiking at Dryden Tract

Dryden Tract is named for Andrew Dryden, the Scottish settler. The land is part of the original 900 acres purchased by Andrew Dryden and his family in 1834. Nowadays, the trail at Dryden Tract meanders through a peaceful forest with centuries-old maple and oak trees.

Described as a kame moraine, there are several kame hills to hike up and down throughout Dryden Tract. A kame is an irregularly shaped mound of sand, gravel and till that accumulates in a depression on a retreating glacier. While they aren’t too challenging, I wouldn’t describe this hike as perfectly flat, like many trails in Ontario. You will have some inclines and declines throughout your hike.

About halfway through the hike, you will reach a clearing that offers a beautiful lookout point across the neighbouring farmland. It’s a really pretty sight that I recommend stopping and admiring for a while before continuing on your way.

According to eBird, 148 species of birds have been observed at Dryden Tract. If you visit in the morning hours between late May and early July, there’s a good chance that you’ll hear the beautiful songs of male birds in the forest. Some species of birds that you might see, especially during migration seasons, include the Acadian flycatcher, cerulean warbler, hooded warbler, yellow-throated vireo and barred owl.

Plan Your Visit

Dryden Tract is located at 1785 Alps Road in Cambrige. There is a fairly spacious parking lot that fits well over a dozen vehicles. It’s free to park there and free to visit. There aren’t any restrooms or facilities at Dryden Tract. This is a natural space where you’ll immerse yourself in nature. Plan accordingly.

As mentioned above, I recommend following the trail map on AllTrails using your phone. This trail isn’t especially well marked and it’s easy to get turned around. To avoid walking on some side trails that lead to dead ends, use the AllTrails map.

I was fortunate to hike with a fantastic group of people on this one – most of the folks who traveled to Costa Rica on the first Ontario Hiking group trip!

More Hiking Trails in Huron, Perth, Waterloo & Wellington Counties

Looking for more hikes southwest of Toronto? Here are some more great places to go hiking in Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington Counties.

• Elora Gorge Conservation Area
• West Perth Thames Nature Trail
• Huron Natural Area (Kitchener)
• TJ Dolan Natural Area (Stratford)
• Preservation Park in Guelph
• Rockwood Conservation Area

More Hiking at Grand River Conservation Authority Trails

Here are all of the Grand River Conservation Authority properties, including their parks, conservation areas, and trails with links to the ones I’ve visited so far:

• Apps’ Mills
• Belwood Lake
• Brant Park
• Brantford to Hamilton Rail Trail
• Byng Island 
• Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail
• Conestogo Lake Park
• Dryden Tract
• Dumfries Conservation Area
• Elora Cataract Trailway
• Elora Gorge Conservation Area
• Elora Quarry
• FWR Dickson Wilderness Area
• Guelph Lake Park
• Hanlon Creek Trail
• Laurel Creek Conservation Area
• Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area
• Pinehurst Lake
• Rockwood Conservation Area
• SC Johnson Trail (Paris to Brantford)
• Shade’s Mills
• Snyder’s Flats
• Starkey Hill
• Taquanyah Conservation Area
• Woolwich Reservoir

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