Countryside Preserve

Use and difficulty level

These trails are mostly easy, with some moderate slopes and uneven terrain. The trail isn't suitable for strollers, wheelchairs or scooters. The trail is best used for:

• Walking
• Running
• Cycling
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Horseback riding

Trail access and markers

You can access the countryside preserve trails in a variety of places:

• The main access point is at the end of a short road between Rona and Walmart on Highway 47 at Concession 6
• There is an access trail from Elgin Park Drive

While on the trail, you can follow the trail markers or numbered posts. These are placed at all trail intersections and mark key locations. Each post has a trail map that indicates your location. There are also blaze markers along the trail with directional arrows to help you navigate the trail system.

Please note

There is a small section of the Countryside Preserve Trail System which is shared with the Heart of Ontario Snowmobile Club during the winter season.

Bob Shepherd Woodland Trail

Bob Shepherd served as Ward Councillor for the Township of Uxbridge between 2004 and 2006. He was Mayor between 2007 and 2010. Mayor Bob was an ardent environmentalist and a champion of our local trail system. The Countryside Preserve was acquired and opened during his tenure, as was the Fields of Uxbridge property. Former Mayor Bob’s vision, passion and commitment to the preservation of nature in our Community is reflected in the greenspace and recreational trails in the Township of Uxbridge.

The Bob Shepherd Woodland Trail was named in his honour in 2019 to thank Mayor Bob for his years of service to the community.

Make a donation

You can make a donation to help us maintain the trails. We accept all donations at the Municipal Office located at:

51 Toronto Street South
Uxbridge, ON L9P 1T1

Please make your cheque payable to the Township of Uxbridge. We will issue a tax receipt for all donations over $25.

Trail rules

While using the countryside preserve, please follow our trail rules:

• Please stay on designated trails in forested areas and near wetlands and private property
• Do not create new trails
• Do not pick or damage vegetation
• Please keep your dog on a leash
• Cyclists must yield to hikers (sections of the access trail from Elgin Park Dr. are quite narrow and cyclists should use caution)
• Call out all garbage and litter
• Do not light fires
• Don't feed or aggressively approach wildlife, including birds
• No motorized vehicles on the trail

Plaque dedication program

The Township of Uxbridge offers a Plaque Dedication and Donation program for anyone wishing to honour a loved one at various sites throughout the Countryside Preserve. Consider commemorating a special event or loved one, honouring the service of members or staff, or creating a corporate dedication. Each 4"x5" metal plaque is finished with wood grain background, gold lettering and border and affixed to a post found on the maps of the Uxbridge Trails. All funds raised will be used specifically for Uxbridge trails. 

Fee

There is a $250 fee to purchase a dedication plaque in the Countryside Preserve. Tax receipts will be provided for your donation.

Locations

Go for a hike to pick your post location, or allow park staff to assist you to find the perfect location for your plaque. There are 26 posts to pick from inside the Countryside Preserve: choose from forest, open field, water locations or high traffic areas for maximum visibility.