Taylor Creek + Warden – Park Trail

Length – 6 km (one way)

80% park path
10% gravel path
10% roads, crossings, detours

Elevation – Flat, with a few dips at the water and a gradual incline up from the creek.

Terrain – Mostly asphalt and smooth soil, with some gravel and sandy patches; alternate water crossing.

Skill – Easy to Intermediate

Traffic – Well-used by bicyclists, hikers, and dog-walkers.

Maps – A map is found at the trailhead, as well as signs along the trail.

Facilities – Four parking lots, as well as washrooms and benches along the trail.

Highlights – Bridges, ponds, and lovely colours in the fall.

Trail Fee – Free

Phone – Toronto 311

Website – City of Toronto

Similar Trails – Highland Creek, Humber Valley, Morrison Valley

Local Clubs – Toronto Bicycling Network (TBN)

Access – Find parking lots at: Pharmacy Rd., Dawes Rd., the bottom of Haldon Ave., and by the DVP when entering from Don Mills Rd. (but check a map, as the entrance has no sign!). From the other end, the subway stops at Warden Woods if you wish to use the TTC.

Taylor Creek and Warden Woods are beautiful stretches of parkland trail that continue from the Don Valley trail system. Although short, it has interesting bridges, alternate paths through the ravine, and gorgeous colours in the fall.

The trail is mostly paved and well-used, but there are some spots that are sandy or have water runoff. Set in a small valley, enjoy an ever-changing landscape as you follow the water.

Starting from the west end, where the trail meets the Don Valley, riders leave the drone of the highway as they ride along the winding creek.

The path also contains some wooden bridges, and a few new metal ones that should last longer (in the past, flash floods have taken out a few).

An unusual part of this ride are the alternate paths through the creek. Rather than take a bridge, riders can take a route across the water along the concrete waterways built for park maintenance vehicles.

One is covered by only a trickle of water, but the other two cross the main creek and are typically ankle-deep. If the water is low they are easy enough to traverse; cross in a straight line, at moderate speed and in a low gear. Otherwise, if you go too fast or too slow, you will get wet or fall. It’s your call and fun too!

Halfway along the trail, on the north bank of the creek, is a wide dirt path that provides a good loop back for hybrid bikes.

Beyond Dawes Rd….

Read more of this review in my trail guidebook, plus 64 others. Featuring better maps, more parking locations and elevation graphs. Available as an eBook or paperback.