The best walks and hikes around Ramara

Part of the Simcoe County Forest, Silver Creek Tract protects a large area of mixed woodland, pine plantation, wetlands, and rolling terrain. A network of multi-use trails and forest roads criss-crosses the property, making it a popular destination for walking, cycling, horseback riding, and winter recreation. Despite its proximity to several communities, the tract feels surprisingly secluded, with long stretches of forest and very little development visible from the trails.

Spanning more than 13,000 hectares across over 150 properties, the Simcoe County Forest is one of the largest municipal forest systems in Ontario. Originally established in the early 1920s to restore worn-out farmland and sandy wastelands, it has grown into a network of forests, wetlands, and recreation areas used for walking, cycling, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Today, the forest continues to be actively managed for conservation, habitat protection, recreation, and sustainable forestry, making it a unique example of large-scale reforestation success in Ontario.

Grant’s Woods Trails are a network of short, colour-marked loops that make it easy to explore the reserve at your own pace, with routes ranging from short woodland walks to longer connected circuits. The gently rolling paths cross small bridges, pass through shady forest, and skirt wetland edges, creating variety without steep or difficult terrain. Quiet and well-maintained, the trails are a popular spot for an easy nature walk in a beautiful and peaceful forest setting.

Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve protects a quiet stretch of mature forest, wetlands, and small ravines, creating an important refuge for native plants and wildlife. Managed by the Couchiching Conservancy, the reserve includes stands of maple, oak, ash, and eastern hemlock, helping preserve one of the region’s remaining natural woodlands. The area is dotted with benches, bridges, and interpretive signs that invite visitors to slow down and explore the landscape while preserving the environment.

The Kahshe Lake Barrens Conservation Reserve protects a rugged landscape of granite outcrops, forests, and wetlands just south of Gravenhurst. Visitors can explore trails that wind past marshes, swamps, and bogs rich with rare plants and wildlife, while rocky viewpoints offer sweeping views across the patchwork of barrens and water. It’s a destination that blends the Muskoka region’s natural beauty with ecological significance, making it ideal for hiking, photography, and quiet nature escapes.

From these rocky outcrops in Kahshe Lake Barrens, you get a fantastic view over the wetlands before you. Marshes and swamps stretch out in a patchwork of colours, with winding water and pockets of forest breaking up the scene. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to pause, take a photo, and soak in the mix of rugged rock and quiet wetland beauty.

Kahshe Lake is one of Ontario's Muskoka region’s largest lakes, known for its tea‑coloured waters, rugged shoreline, and rich history. Located near Gravenhurst, the lake is dotted with islands and cottages, offering boating, fishing, and scenic views. Its name comes from a First Nations term often interpreted as “Lake of Many Ducks,” reflecting the area’s natural abundance.

Covering over 3,100 hectares north of Gravenhurst, the Kahshe Lake Barrens Conservation Reserve protects a mix of granite bedrock ridges, forested slopes, wetlands, and the distinctive Muskoka “barrens” landscape. It’s managed under provincial regulation to preserve natural and cultural features while allowing low-impact recreation.