Backus Woods - Sugar Bush Trail

Adjacent to the Conservation Area is Backus Woods, renowned as Canada's largest remaining example of Carolinian Forest. Visitors can hike or ski along the 12 km of self-interpreting trails winding through 700 magnificent acres.

This trail features many uncommon southern hardwoods. See the tall Tulip Trees, the beautiful Flowering Dogwood, Sour Gum, Sassafrass and American Sweet Chestnut trees as well as many ferns and wild flowers.

The trails are open to the public year-round. On the 148-acre Charles Sauriol Carolinian Forest Property, the Conservation Authority is attempting to recreate a Carolinian Forest habitat. This property provides an important protective buffer for Backus Woods. The Sugar Bush Trail is a sidetrail branching off the main Wetlands Trail. It connects to the Floodplain Trail, permitting an extended hike of more than 12-km. Signage featuring the trail map is present at this trail's link to the Floodplain Trail, and also at the 4th Concession Road crossing.

Watch for specific mountain and winter biking trails on the property.

Characteristics & Access

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Upcoming Events

• Owl Prowl - LPRCA: 2020-11-01 - 2020-11-30
  Owls are amazing birds! Meet in the Conservation Education Centre to learn some fascinating facts about owls before a guided walk to look for and call owls.
• Fall Interpretive Walk: 2020-10-19 - 2020-11-19
  Enjoy an interactive fall hike to discover the types of trees and wildlife commonly found in this forest region.
• Amazing Amphibians: 2018-04-14 - 2018-04-14
  This “ribbiting” adventure starts inside the Conservation Education Centre with tips to help you identify local frogs, toads and salamanders.
• Celebrating Earth Day: 2018-04-22 - 2018-04-22
  Family-friendly activities with an environmental theme include pond dipping, bird banding demonstrations, waste reduction games and guided nature walks.
• Mother's Day Wildflower Walk: 2019-05-12 - 2019-05-12
  Celebrate Mom’s special day with a guided nature and wildflower walk.
• Firefly Walk: 2018-06-23 - 2018-06-23
  Join us on an adventure to learn about the interesting life of fireflies and watch as hundreds of them dazzle in the night sky.
• Long Point Conservation Events: 2019-04-01 - 2020-12-01
  Enjoy butterfly and dragonfly identification hikes, pond studies, a nature craft, “Spread Your Wings” parade and more outdoor fun.
• Nature Experience Hikes: 2020-01-01 - 2020-12-31
  Meet at the Conservation Education Centre to learn the basics of map reading and navigation.
• Owl Prowl: 2019-11-03 - 2019-11-03
  This hands-on introduction to bird watching and identification will help you become a bird detective.
• Creatures of the Night: 2018-08-18 - 2018-08-18
  Meet at the Conservation Education Centre to learn about some of the animals that become active when we are asleep, including bats and opossums.
• Living from Plants: 2018-07-31 - 2018-07-31
  Join us on a walk to learn about the benefits of local native plant species, for humans and wildlife.
• Insect Safari: 2018-06-30 - 2018-08-31
  Join us for an afternoon of fun as we celebrate insects!
• Nature Journaling: 2020-06-30 - 2020-09-03
  This hands-on workshop will introduce you to the concept of nature journaling through examples; inspiring views and guided journal time outside.
• Chickadees: 2019-06-01 - 2019-10-25
  Chick-a-dee-dee-dee. Learn about the lives of chickadees, practice their calls and see them up close.
• Outdoor Education Programs at Long Point CA: 2019-01-01 - 2020-12-31
  Spend a few hours celebrating the earth and the start of spring! Participate in eco friendly crafts and games, join an interpretive forest walk, embark on a scavenger hunt and enjoy the warmth of an outdoor bonfire. Admission is $2.00/child; $4.00/adult; $10.00/family. Meet at the Conservation Education Centre.

Why donate?

By supporting the Ontario Trails Council, you will support trails, enabling delivery of services such as trail promotion, advocacy, creation and maintenance. The Ontario Trails Council is a provincial organization and registered charity. Every donation of $25 or more will receive a tax receipt. Thank you for your support!

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