A 52-hectare old-growth forest in the Don Valley that is one of Toronto's best-kept secrets. Crothers Woods features the city's largest remaining stand of mature forest, with trees over 150 years old, 10 kilometres of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildflower meadows, and a rare sense of wilderness within city limits.
Free: Redway Rd, Toronto (access near Laird Dr & Eglinton Ave E) · Season: year-round
Crothers Woods is Toronto's most significant remaining old-growth forest — a 52-hectare woodland in the Don Valley that contains the city's largest stand of mature trees, some exceeding 150 years of age. For hikers, mountain bikers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking an authentic forest experience within Toronto's city limits, Crothers Woods is an extraordinary free destination that feels surprisingly remote despite its urban location.
The Forest Ecology
Crothers Woods is designated as an Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) by the City of Toronto, recognizing its exceptional ecological value. The forest contains:
Old-Growth Oak-Hickory Forest: The southwestern section of the woods contains mature oak, hickory, and beech trees that have never been logged. Some specimens exceed 150 years in age, with massive trunks and canopy heights of 25-30 metres. This is the closest thing to pre-settlement forest that exists in Toronto.
Red Pine Plantation: A stand of red pine planted in the 1960s that has grown into an atmospheric cathedral of straight trunks and filtered light. The plantation creates a distinctly different aesthetic from the natural forest.
Wetland and Floodplain: The eastern edge of the woods follows the West Don River, with seasonal wetlands, floodplain forest, and riparian habitat that supports frogs, salamanders, and waterfowl.
Wildflower Meadows: Open meadow areas within the woods support prairie-style plantings and native wildflowers, including butterfly milkweed, black-eyed Susan, and New England aster.
Bird Habitat: The diverse forest structure supports an exceptional variety of birds. Warblers, vireos, thrushes, woodpeckers, and owls are regularly recorded. The woods are a critical stopover for spring and fall migrants.
The Trail System
Crothers Woods contains approximately 10 kilometres of trails that serve both hikers and mountain bikers. The trail network is well-developed and offers options for all skill levels:
Hiking Trails: The main hiking routes follow the forest ridges and river valley, offering 2-5 km loop options. The trails are unpaved, with some rocky and rooty sections. Hikers should stay on marked trails and yield to cyclists on shared routes.
Mountain Bike Trails: Crothers Woods is one of Toronto's premier mountain biking destinations. The trails range from beginner-friendly flow trails to technical singletrack with jumps, berms, and rock gardens. The Don Valley Mountain Bike Association maintains the trails and provides maps and etiquette guidelines.
Trail Etiquette: Hikers yield to cyclists on shared trails. Stay on marked paths to protect the sensitive forest ecology. Dogs must be leashed. The trails can be muddy after rain.
Seasonal Experiences
Spring (April–May): The most magical season in Crothers Woods. Spring ephemeral wildflowers — trilliums, trout lilies, jack-in-the-pulpit, wild ginger, and bloodroot — carpet the forest floor before the canopy closes. Migrating birds fill the woods with song. The wetland areas come alive with frog choruses.
Summer (June–August): The canopy is fully closed, creating deep shade and a cool microclimate. The meadows are in bloom. Bird nesting activity is at its peak. Summer evenings offer the most pleasant hiking temperatures.
Fall (September–October): The forest canopy turns brilliant gold, orange, and red. The oak and hickory trees provide the most spectacular colours. Fall migration brings different bird species through the woods. The trails are at their driest and most pleasant.
Winter (November–March): The bare trees reveal views that are hidden in summer. The forest is quiet and atmospheric. Snow transforms the trails into a winter wonderland. The red pine plantation is particularly beautiful with snow on the branches. Ice can make trails slippery.
Getting There
Crothers Woods is in the Don Valley, with multiple access points:
- **Main Access:** Redway Road, near the intersection of Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue East. A small parking area is available at the trailhead
- **TTC:** The 51 Leslie bus stops at Eglinton and Laird; the 34 Eglinton East bus serves the area
- **Car:** Limited parking is available at the Redway Road trailhead. Additional street parking is available on nearby residential streets
- **Cycling:** The woods connect to the Lower Don Trail, which runs south to the lake and north to the Don Mills area
Nearby Attractions
- **The Evergreen Brick Works:** A 15-minute walk south through the ravine — free outdoor areas, trails, and Saturday farmers market
- **Sunnybrook Park:** A large free park to the north with additional trails and open space
- **The Lower Don Trail:** The paved multi-use trail connects Crothers Woods to downtown Toronto
- **Todmorden Mills:** A historic site and natural area a short distance south
Practical Tips for Tourists
- The trails are shared with mountain bikers — stay alert and yield to cyclists
- Spring wildflowers are at their peak in late April and early May
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes — the trails are unpaved and can be rocky and rooty
- Bring insect repellent — mosquitoes are present near the wetland areas in summer
- The woods are surprisingly remote-feeling — bring water and a charged phone
- Dogs must be leashed to protect the sensitive ecology
- The trails can be muddy after rain — check conditions before visiting
- No facilities in the woods — plan accordingly
Visitor tip
The trails are popular with mountain bikers — hikers should stay alert and yield to bikes on shared trails. The red pine plantation and mature oak forest are the ecological highlights. Spring wildflower season (April-May) brings trilliums, jack-in-the-pulpit, and wild ginger.