Ten Things -- Why I Love the 'Seaton Trail'

The Seaton Trail is located in Pickering and follows the West Duffins Creek. It runs about 13 km from 3rd Concession near Brock Road in Pickering to Highway 7 at Green River.  There are a few trail entry points, but my favourite is at Whitevale in North Pickering.  Not only is it close to my home, but there are a few picnic tables, a shelter, a playground with swings and all, and even a field for soccer and such. 

Today's Hike

Today we walked with our hiker-buddy and her little girl.  We went from the Forestream entry point to Whitevale.  Although the weather was cloudy and the forecast threatened rain, it made for a great hiking experience -- no sunburn and no overheating.  There and back was about 9 km in all.

Checking out Duffins Creek from the Seaton Trail

Ten Reasons to Hike the Seaton Trail (between Whitevale and Clarkes Hollow)

1.  Good challenge for avid day hikers and trail runners. There are many hills in this portion. My calves ache even as I write this.  Find out more about the Seaton Trail at http://www.seatontrail.org/ .

2.  Family-friendly play area at Whitevale -- This area is maintained by the City of Pickering.  There is usually a portable toilet, but there are also picnic tables, benches, a swing set, a playing field, parking lot, and a good view of the creek.  This was a good rest area (see below) on my hike with Hiker Katy.  I can see this as an awesome picnic spot for us in the years to come.
3.  Super views of Duffins Creek from hill and river levels -- I even saw a turkey vulture the other day hanging out on a fallen tree overhanging the creek.  The bluffs created from erosion (booo!) provide dramatic vistas (yaaay!).
4.  Much less foot traffic compared to the other more popular trails in the region, so you are often alone in your serenity
5.  Plentiful flora -- fields of trillium, may apple, wild ginger, bloodroot and other native plants.  It it good that the Seaton Trail flora is respected and that there are few signs of foraging or of invasives.
6.  Many shady spots -- good deciduous and evergreen mix to provide shade and sun when you need it.  Only a couple meadows that are upland from the river.
7.  Multiple entry points -- Whitevale and Forestream/Clarkes Hollow are a couple. Check the map for more on that: http://www.seatontrail.org/maps/
8.  Location -- not too far from Toronto and just a few km from the 401.  Yet, you really have a sense that you are in a wilderness area.
9.  Many resting points on logs -- if you are interested in resting. Hah!  The TRCA is in very often managing the trails for step and bridge maintenance.  There is also a good management of fallen trees, so there are many dotting the sides of the trail.
10.  Ample parking at all entry points for this section of the trail.  Don't forget to carpool if you are expecting a large group.

Chilling with Hiker Katy before the return walk to Forestream Rd.

If you hike on the Seaton Trail,
or if you have questions about hiking on the trail,
 feel free to ask.