Sheffield Conservation Area - Erinsville, Ontario - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

A beautifully rugged place to hike through the southern reaches of the Canadian Shield. Many small lakes also make it a nice spot for a paddle with kayak or canoe. Motorboats are permitted on the lake next to the parking area.

The Conservation Area is also a designated dark sky reserve for astronomers - the southernmost of its kind in Ontario.

Sheffield CA was established in 1975 with Quinte Conservation's purchase of these 467 hectares (1,154 acre).

Quinte Conservation's website describes the area as such:

Spectacular granite outcroppings, deciduous forests and extensive wetlands typify this area of the Canadian Shield. Songbirds,
waterfowl, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals like beaver and muskrat are common here. Ontario’s only lizard, the five-lined skink, is also a resident.

For those who love to stargaze, this Conservation Area offers the southern most dark sky in all of Ontario. For wildflower enthusiasts there is plenty of colour from the brilliant orange of the wood lily to the delicate pale corydalis along the trails.

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 467 hectares Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: The trail system is stated to be 4.5 km. There seems to have been a recent change to the trails as the loop is now entirely in the northern part of the conservation area and the southern loop is no longer being maintained. What points of interest are there?: several lake vistas, bare granite outcroppings, rare amphibians, active waterfowl, dark sky viewing area, more than a dozen geocaches What activities are available?: hiking, geocaching, paddling, boating, fishing, star gazing, bird watching, picnicing, interesting geology Hours of accessibility?: dawn to dusk List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): the rugged hiking terrain is not for everyone Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

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