Attractions and Places To See around North Middlesex - Top 3

Pinery Provincial Park protects one of the largest remaining oak savanna ecosystems in North America, along with freshwater coastal dunes, forests, wetlands, and more than 10 kilometres of beautiful, sandy Lake Huron shoreline. The park’s diverse landscapes support an impressive variety of plant and animal life, including many rare and endangered species, making it one of Ontario’s most ecologically significant protected areas. The park is very popular for its beaches and extensive trail network, and if you’re lucky enough to be here in the evening, you’re in for a treat, as the park is ranked as one of the top ten best places in the world to watch the sunset by National Geographic.

The riverbed at Rock Glen Conservation Area is famous for its Devonian-era fossils, dating back more than 350 million years, long before dinosaurs existed. At that time, this region was covered by a shallow tropical sea. As Rock Glen Falls and the Ausable River erode the surrounding rock layers, fossils are continually exposed along the creek bed. Visitors often spot remains of ancient marine life such as brachiopods, horn corals, and crinoid stems embedded in the limestone. Fossil collecting is allowed here, but only one fossil per person may be taken and digging or tools are not permitted.

The Rock Glen Conservation Area near Arkona is a day-use nature area set within the scenic Ausable River valley. The park features a network of trails, boardwalks, and stairways that lead through Carolinian forest and into a dramatic gorge carved by the river. You can explore several natural attractions within the park, including waterfalls, fossil-rich rock layers, and riverside viewpoints. Facilities include parking, washrooms, picnic areas, and the Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre. A small admission fee is required to enter the conservation area.

The South Huron Trail is a fantastic multi-use route that winds for roughly eight kilometres through the Ausable River Valley, connecting Morrison Dam Conservation Area with MacNaughton Park in Exeter. The trail follows both sides of the river, crossing via Jones Bridge and looping through mixed forest, pine plantations, wetlands, and open farmland. Within Morrison Dam, the trail runs along the north side of the reservoir, offering peaceful views and interpretive signage along the way. The surface is mostly crushed gravel and compacted soil, with gentle grades and several access points, making it an ideal route for hikers and cyclists to enjoy this beautiful area.

The Ausable River Trail is a shaded path through southern Ontario’s Carolinian forest, with steep banks, tall trees, and quiet stretches along the river. The route includes some muddy sections and minor bushwhacking, especially near Mystery Falls, a secluded 5-metre waterfall tucked beneath an overhanging rock ledge just a few steps off the trail. It’s a relatively moderate trail with a few scrambly spots, so it’s best tackled with good footwear to enjoy exploring this beautiful area.