Highland Creek – Park Trail

Length – 7 km (one way)

90% park path
10% roads, crossings, parking lots

Elevation – Ride the hill down to get to the bottom of the valley; then a flat path with a slight slope down to the lake.

Terrain – A wide asphalt path with some sections of gravel and sand, as well as crossings at both metal and wooden bridges.

Skill – Easy

Traffic – Cyclists, walkers, dogs, strollers; never too busy.

Maps – There is a map at the trailhead, as well as signs on the trail. (Note that some were missing.)

Facilities – Plenty of parking lots and a few washrooms, as well as park benches and picnic tables. There are no food stores close by.

Highlights – Views of Lake Ontario, beaches, bridges, and a quiet ravine valley; Morningside Park and University of Toronto, Scarborough campus.

Trail Fee – Free

Phone – Toronto 311

Website – Toronto Conservation

Similar Trails – Humber River,  Taylor Creek

Local Clubs – Toronto Bicycle Network

Access – Find parking on the west side end of Greenvale Terrace, central Morningside Park, or on the east side at Old Kingston Rd. and Highland Creek Dr.; also access from the Waterfront Trail at the lake, or park in the east at the other side of the treatment plant.

Highland Creek Park is a favourite local getaway. Explore the ever-changing landscape as you ride this 7 km trail, especially when the fall colours are out.

This bike path curves up and around Kingston Rd. to Morningside Park then back down to Lake Ontario.

I recall the path as smooth and paved, flowing back and forth over the creek via bridges and on to the lake.

The route never seems too busy, and feels as though you are riding out of the city.

Looking up from the path at the treeline it’s not hard to imagine you are in the country, as the houses are just out of sight.

The park has a half-manicured parkland, half-wild ravine feel. Two creeks meet in the valley, and flash floods seem to damage the path every year.

There may be detours set up, as the city is always working on the problem.

Once down in the valley, there are no monstrous hills—until you need to get out. The signage keeps you on track, but a few more markers would be nice.

In the middle of the route is Morningside Park, a large woodland that can be a starting point or the perfect picnic stop. With families coming here for BBQs, it has plenty of picnic tables and washrooms.

East, and up the north bank of the valley, sits the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus. These modern, architectural builds are worth a look, but the path there starts as a gradual climb and soon ends at a flight of stairs. (Hmm, not so bike friendly. Time to hike-a-bike….)

Watch for the two large road bridges you pass under, as you ride farther down…

Read more of this review in my trail guidebook with better maps, and suggested parking available as an eBook or paperback.