Sudbury Fall Hikes: Best Trails for Waterfalls, Birdwatching, and Scenic Views

Sudbury is Ontario’s largest municipality by land area, so you can be sure to find plenty of hiking trails to explore. With over 200km of trails across the city, there is something for every level of hiker, from a casual stroll to something more challenging.

This fall, grab your hiking shoes and head to a trail to enjoy the colourful leaves, stunning views, and get lost in the forest (*ahem*)—get lost in the beauty of the forest (not the trail itself).

Here are some trails to consider this fall:

Blueberry Hill: Sunrise Hike With Views of Minnow and Ramsey Lakes

Difficulty: Moderate

Maybe one of the best spots to catch a sunrise in Sudbury.  Hike up to the gazebo and you’ll be rewarded with views of both Minnow Lake and Ramsey Lake. The trail is short and has a climb, but the view makes it work it.

Onaping Falls: AY Jackson Lookout and High Falls Trail

Difficulty: Easy hike to AY Jackson Lookout. Challenging hike along the falls.

Officially called High Falls, but locals know it as Onaping Falls.

This is a view for the books, one of the best in Ontario if we do say so ourselves. A short walk down from the parking lot brings you to the AY Jackson Lookout, named after the Group of Seven painter who captured the falls in his “Spring on the Onaping River” painting.  A stunning direct view of the cascading falls.

From there, you can hike along the falls to the bridge and cross the bridge to stand over the force that is High Falls. Cross the bridge and find a 1 km loop through the forest.

Fielding Park and Kelly Lake Trail: Birdwatching in a Sudbury Sanctuary

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Part of the Trans Canada Trail, this easy-to-moderate trail runs from Fielding Park to Kelly Lake Road.  Walk through the shaded forest, across a couple of boardwalks through marshlands and along Kelly Lake. You will find a few clearings on higher ground with views of Kelly Lake. If you don’t feel like a long hike, take a stroll around Fielding Park and sit and watch the ducks and geese from the landing. Keep your eyes and ears open, as the park is a bird sanctuary and home to a wide variety of resident and migratory birds.

For an extended hike, cross Fielding Road and stroll along the river on the Hillfield Trail, heading towards Hillcrest in Lively, with winding roots and stairs that will help you feel like you're escaping the city.

Lake Laurentian Conservation Area: Trails From Easy Loops to Lookout Platforms

Difficulty: Easy to Challenging

Over 2,400 acres of green space and many trails with varying difficulties to choose from. Choose from the easy Chickadee Loop, follow the NASA Trail to a former satellite observatory once used by NASA, or head up Nancy’s Way to the newly updated lookout platform offering sweeping views of Lake Laurentian.  Venture along the main gravel path of the Moonlight Beach trail from the Nature Chalet towards Moonlight Beach. Crossing over streams and eventually the floating dock along the way. You will find trails from 500 m to 10 km throughout the conservation area, ranging from gravel paths to rocky footpaths.

Kivi Park Linton Lake Trail: Challenging Hikes With Forest and Lake Views

Difficulty: Challenging

For a challenging hike, try Kivi Park’s new Linton Lake Trail.  Choose from 9 km or 13 km trails around Linton Lake for a mix of forest and lake views. Along the trail, look for the huge Lily Fielding Tree, a dedication to the late philanthropist.

Jane Goodall Reclamation Trail: A Walk Through Sudbury’s Regreening Story

Difficulty: Easy

This trail is dedicated to Sudbury’s regreening project. Over 12 million trees have been planted since 1978 to transform Sudbury’s landscape from the damage left by early mining. Along the path, once black and barren, it's now lush green. You will find a plaque with before and after images that showcase the regreening efforts. The trail is named after Dr. Jane Goodall, who attended the ribbon-cutting recognizing Sudbury’s global leadership in land rehabilitation and planted a tree herself.

Rotary Park Trail: Panoramic Fall Views Over Junction Creek and New Sudbury

Difficulty: Easy + Challenging on the way to the lookout

If you’re all about the views, the Rotary Park Trail is one to add to your list, but be ready for a steep climb. The main trail takes you from New Sudbury to Downtown along a slightly windy path along Junction Creek.  For those who want the view, you can choose from a steep hill climb or take the stairs (with another hill to climb).  Once you’ve reached the top, the panoramic view of New Sudbury’s wetlands and beyond will be worth it.

Plan Your Fall Hiking Adventure in Sudbury, Ontario

Sudbury has dozens of trails waiting to be explored.  Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, bird watching or simply soaking up the fall colours, you'll find no shortage of places to breathe fresh air and connect with nature. Sudbury is a place to get outside this fall.

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