Woodlots
Norfolk County proudly manages over 930 hectares of forested land across 34 woodlot properties that are open to the public for low-impact recreation and nature appreciation.
On this page
- Before you visit
- Maps
- Etiquette
- Rules and prohibited activities
- Permitted activities
- Safety and wildlife awareness
- About the woodlots
- Contact us
Before you visit
- No formal facilities or parking are available at woodlots. Please park responsibly.
- All woodlots are signed and gated for public access.
- Woodlot trail networks are not formally maintained—use at your own risk.
- This guide outlines general permitted uses and safety tips. Review the woodlot signage when you arrive.
Maps
Featured property: DeCloet Forest
DeCloet Forest is a 124-acre parcel of land characterized by rolling hills and a cold water creek winding through the mature deciduous and hemlock forests that cover the property. Read more.
Etiquette
- Respect trail signs and permitted uses.
- Pedestrians have the right of way.
- Stay to the right, pass on the left with a clear signal.
- Do not litter, damage vegetation, or create new trails.
- Keep off private property.
- Step aside for horses.
Rules and prohibited activities
To protect these natural spaces, the following are NOT allowed:
- Paintball
- Open fires
- Camping
- Unauthorized structures or signage
- Permanent tree stands
- Entry between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Snowmobiling
- Not currently permitted in County woodlots.
- To request access, contact the County to arrange a user agreement and trail designation.
Permitted activities
Dog walking
- Dogs must be leashed at all times.
- Uncontrolled dogs can pose risks, especially around horses.
- Hunting dogs are exempt during hunting season.
Mountain biking, ATVs and dirt bikes
- Helmets are required.
- Stay on designated trails.
- Announce your presence when approaching others.
- Permitted in Charlotteville Tract (some areas) and the North Walsingham Tract
- No unauthorized trail structures (e.g., ramps, bridges) unless approved through a formal Land Use Agreement with the County.
Equestrian use
- Stay on marked trails.
- Park trailers considerately—no formal parking areas.
- Dogs must be leashed when riding.
Hunting and fishing
- Permitted in most woodlots—safety is a top priority.
- Must follow Ministry of Natural Resources licensing and seasonal regulations.
- Hunting is not allowed in woodlots: WD1, WD3, and T1.
- Only portable tree stands are allowed during hunting season.
- Rabbit and pheasant hunters must also obtain a Municipal License.
- Always comply with requests from enforcement officers.
- View Tentative dates for the deer and moose hunting seasons
Safety and wildlife awareness
Poison ivy
Common along trails and forest edges.
- Symptoms:
- Itching, redness, swelling, and blisters (within 24–48 hours).
- Identification:
- Three pointed leaves (middle leaf has a longer stem)
- Green in spring, red in fall
- May have greenish-yellow berries
- Treatment:
- Wash skin and pets with soap and cold water
- Remove and wash clothing separately
- Seek medical help for severe reactions
Mosquitoes and ticks
- Mosquitoes may carry West Nile virus.
- Ticks (especially black-legged ticks) can transmit Lyme disease.
- Prevention Tips:
- Wear long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, and closed shoes
- Use insect repellent with DEET
- Stay on trails
- Remove ticks promptly and safely
About the woodlots
- Norfolk County began acquiring forest tracts in the 1920s, with the most recent addition in 2021 (DeCloet Forest).
- Many properties were managed initially under the Agreement Forest Program with the Ministry of Natural Resources.
- Early efforts focused on tree planting, especially conifer species like red pine, white pine, and spruce.
Contact us
To report non-permitted activities or for more information, call 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 0.
Contact Us
ServiceNorfolk
50 Colborne Street South
Simcoe, Ontario
N3Y 4H3
Phone: 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 0