Forest

Recreational use of the Dufferin County Forest is governed by the outdoor recreation plan and Dufferin County By-Law 2017-39. The purpose of the policy and the by-law is to protect the environmental integrity of the Dufferin County Forest and to manage public use of the Forest through the regulation of certain activities.

 

County Forest Do's

  • Non-motorized recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and horseback riding.
  • Obey all signs, including those designating trail uses.
  • Snowmobiling in the Dufferin County Forest is permitted only on designated and signed trails that are part of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) network. All of the rules that apply to OFSC trails anywhere in Ontario apply to the trails in the Dufferin County Forest. Check trail status here.
  • What you carry in, please carry out.
  • Dogs must be under control or on-leash at all times within the Dufferin County Forest.
  • Remember your emergency number! Each entrance to the County Forest is posted with a six digit "address" on a green sign. Remember this number for emergencies.
  • In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.
  • If you wish to hold a recreational event, please contact the County Forest Manager to find out if your date is available prior to completing a County Forest Event Permit Application
  • Enjoy your visit to the Dufferin County Forest!  

 

County Forest Don'ts

  • No motorized vehicles except snowmobiles on designated Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trails.
  • No campfires.
  • No camping.
  • No littering or dumping.
  • No hunting allowed in any Dufferin County Forest tract between June 1 and September 30.  A forest use permit is required for hunting at all other times. For more information, click here
  • Unless you have a valid ticket from the Mansfield Outdoor Centre, do not use groomed/track-set cross-country ski trails leased to the Centre from December 1 to March 31.

 

Help Prevent the Spread of Invasive Plants

Use of recreational trails can be a lot of fun, but also has the potential to spread invasive plants and their seeds. Studies have shown that trails act as a pathway for spread of invasive plant species. Invasive plant seeds can cling to clothing, boots, pets, horses, and vehicles like mountain bikes and be spread along trails. Also, going off trail can create disturbances which can create places for invasive plants to become established.

 

What You Can Do

 1. Stay on the path: When you venture off the path you risk picking up plant seeds and creating disturbed areas where invasive species can easily establish.

2. Clean your gear: Check all your gear at the end of your adventure for plant material, and clean it off before leaving the trailhead.

3. Groom your pet: Inspect your pet after a walk and wash off any mud that might be carrying invasive plant seeds.

4. Report all invaders: Take a photo and report any sightings of invasive species to the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or visit www.EDDMapS.org/Ontario

5. Spread the word: Motivate your friends and family to take action by sharing information about invasive species, and the implications an invasion would have on our environment and economy!

 

 

 

New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan

Refresh | Regrow | Recreate


County Council approved the outdoor recreation plan at its meeting on October 13, 2022.

If you wish to be added to our email notification list so you can keep up to date on County Forest news, go to http://eepurl.com/RtadP

For more information, contact the County Forest Manager at 519-941-1114 x 4011 or c/o Museum of Dufferin, 936029 Airport Road, Mulmur, ON   L9V 0L3.

 

Dufferin County Forest

The Dufferin County Forest consists of fourteen tracts that together form a 1,066 hectare (2,636 acre) forested area owned and managed by the County of Dufferin. The Forest serves important functions in terms of erosion and water control, natural heritage protection, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and support of the rural economy through timber production and employment opportunities. 

 

Dufferin County Rail Trail

The Dufferin County Rail Trail is the 38.1 km Dufferin portion of the former rail corridor running from Orangeville, through Amaranth, Shelburne and Melancthon to Dundalk.

Motorized Vehicles - Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I ride my ATV or dirt bike in the Dufferin County Forest?

    No. Motorized vehicles, other than snowmobiles on designated Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails, are not permitted in the Dufferin County Forest. See the Recreational Use Policy and County Forest By-Law 2017-39. There is an exception for electrically powered vehicles in the case of people who have mobility difficulties and/or who are retrieving game.

  • Can I ride my snowmobile in the Dufferin County Forest?

    Snowmobiles are permitted on designated Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails in the Dufferin County Forest. See the OFSC trail map here.

  • Can I hunt in the Dufferin County Forest?

    Please visit the Hunting information page here.