Orchard Trail in Rouge National Urban Park


The Orchard trail is primarily through a mature forest next to the Little Rouge River. Perhaps there are apple or other fruit trees in the woods, but I only saw acorns on the ground. 

Lucy the Bernedoodle on the Orchard Trail, Rouge Park.

This hike is 2 km each way, but if you include the walk from the parking area, it's closer to 3 km if you park on Zoo Road. 

Suggested Route

Park along the road near the main entrance at 1749 Meadowvale Road. Walk east on the gravel road until you see the signs for the trailhead. The Orchard Trail takes you to Twyn Rivers Road, where you can connect with the Vista Trail to return to your car.

Map of the Orchard Trail, Rouge Park.

The hike begins beside a pond. There are side trails to the pond if you want to get close. Mid to late summer the vegetation is pretty thick, so you may wish to delay visiting the pond until another season.

Pond at the beginning of the Orchard Trail, Rouge Park.

Water Lily


The Trail

The trail is well marked with white blazes marked on trees. The main path is also pretty wide and well-worn.

Tree with white blazes on the Orchard Trail, Rouge Park

If you stay on the main trail, you'll hike through a forest, but if you like to visit the river, there are many side trails to explore. A narrow path is beside the river, so you can walk that for a fair distance before rejoining the main trail. I like staying on the smaller side trails for Lucy to play off-leash.

Lucy on a rock on Little Rouge River, Orchard Trail

The trail is well maintained with a boardwalk in some areas as well as handrails. 

Boardwalk on Orchard Trail, Rouge Park

The trail takes you to the Twyn Rivers Road. Cross the road and take a short hike along the river to get to the main parking lot for the Rouge Trails.

Hikers on the Orchard Trail, Rouge Park

Vista Trail

Instead of going back to your car the way you came, make a loop via the Vista Trail as marked in red on the map. The Vista Trail begins just west of the spot where the Orchard Trail met Twyn Rivers Road.

This hike starts out with a steep hill, but otherwise is a short, easy trail with a lookout deck. 

Beginning of the Vista Trail, Rouge Park

Extend your hike

To extend your hike, take the Mast Trail to the Glen Rouge Campground before taking the Vista Trail.

Instagram

Enjoy your hike! When you post photos to Instagram, tag us at @hikingtoronto or #hikingtorontowithlucy.


Location: Rouge National Urban Park, Zoo Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5W8, Canada

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