Dalewood Conservation Area

The Details

• 10.2 km total
  
• Moderately trafficked from point to point
  
• Good for all skill levels
  
• Encompassed by 25 hectares of provincially significant wetlands
  
• Several access points along Dalewood Reservoir Trail making the length of your hike variable
  
• Used for hiking, walking, and nature trips
  
• Best time to travel is from April to October
  
• No permit required
  

Gear

• Hiking boots or trail running shoes​
  
• Backpack Food - some snacks to keep you going
  
• Water
  
• Sun protection
  
• Insect repellent depending on time of year
  
• Camera
  
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
  
• Comfortable clothes depending on season
  

DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAP

Highlights

• Dalewood Reservoir Views
• Deciduous Forest
• Wildlife spotting
• Canoe/kayak rentals available

Hiking the Trail - July 30 2019

​At the Railway City Tourism Office, we often give out a lot of information to visitors about Kettle Creek Conservation Area, and more specifically, the Dalewood Reservoir Hiking Trail, located just outside the city of St. Thomas. Being located so close to the city, Dalewood Conservation Area suggests that hiking the trail is easily incorporated into a day trip, or a weekly exercise routine, so we decided to test that theory out ourselves!

​My name is Chloe, and I will be your virtual tour guide today, taking you along the 10km Dalewood Reservoir hiking trail from the comfort of your own home!

​On July 30, 2019, it was decided that I needed to experience the hiking trail for myself, and take in everything the Dalewood Reservoir Trail has to offer! 

​I have always heard great things about this trail, but finally got to experience it for myself. Being an amateur hiker myself, I was a little nervous about my hiking abilities, but I found the trail to be straightforward and manageable the entire way. And now, I am much more informed and knowledgeable about Dalewood Conservation Area. So, what are we waiting for?! Let’s get hiking!

​There are many access points along the Dalewood Reservoir Trail for you to choose from, making the length of your hike variable, but we decided to begin at the very start in order to get the full experience and check out the new bridge that was just finished! This new bridge brings a number of benefits including a sidewalk for safer pedestrian and cyclist access. After admiring the new bridge, we entered the trail and began our journey!

​There are numerous walking bridges throughout the trail that provide some ease to your hike as you continue along the Dalewood Reservoir. The trail is also very easy to navigate, as there are trail markers and the walking bridges are numbered to keep you going in the right direction.​

Once we hit the old bridge near Dalewood Road, it was definitely time for a snack break! This is a great rest stop as it provides some shade and great views. At this point, you’re over half way around the Dalewood Reservoir.

​Nearing the end of the trail, we were refreshed and ready to conquer some kayaking! Canoes and kayaks are available to rent hourly, or for a half or full day at the gatehouse in the campground. Using this watercraft is a great way to experience the reservoir you just admired from afar. We suggest bringing a camera (at your own risk) to capture this memorable experience, lots of water to keep yourself hydrated, and a kayaking partner who will do most of the paddling for you!

When kayaking the reservoir, it was very enjoyable and relaxing. Everything was so still and the nature surrounding the reservoir was so peaceful. It is a great way to clear your mind and become one with nature.

​We saw a lot of wildlife, including various species of birds, beavers, and fish jumping out of the water. Be sure to not only keep your eyes on the water, but also up in the trees because as we continued we spotted a beautiful bald eagle perched high up in a pine tree! We admired its beauty for about 5 minutes until it showed off it’s impressive wingspan and continued across the reservoir. For the bird enthusiasts out there, be sure to bring binoculars to get a better look at some of the cool species that call the Dalewood Reservoir home!

​Overall, I was impressed with this hike, and I got to experience firsthand everything the Dalewood Reservoir Trail has to offer. After today, I feel extremely accomplished and I will definitely incorporate this hiking trail into a weekly exercise routine, so I can take advantage of the nature that is so close to home!