Perth Wildlife Reserve: Trail Report

Perth Wildlife Reserve is located on the marsh of a massive 257 hectare reserve. I think ‘wild’ is the right way to describe the place. Not only are some parts of the trails a little overgrown, but all the other areas seemed to be alive with different creatures especially in spring.

Suggested Stops

Stock up at Foodsmiths in Perth prior to coming home, still one of my favourite grocers in the area with every health food you could possibly want. I’ve also wrote up about stay at the Best Western and enjoying the Parkside Inn Spa which is more than worth the consideration.

Important Insights

Lots of long grass sections on this trail, following tick protocols is a must.

Pro Hint: if you drive through Franktown in the spring when the lilacs are in full bloom, visit ‘lilac lane‘. It is located where Hwy 15 and Route 10 meet up on Whippoorwill Rd. It’ll look like you’re driving on private residence (big old trees and brick chimney) but keep going and you’ll be rewarded with more white and purple lilacs than you’ve ever seen. Great spot for a photo shoot.

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) people.⁠ It is important as avid hikers and stewards of the land, to acknowledge and understand the full story our surroundings along with the people that care for her, both past and present. As sourced from native-land.ca, if there are corrections please send to victoria@girlgonegood.com.

Land Management

Perth Wildlife Reserve is managed by the TRideau Valley Conservation Authority.

GPS Coordinates

44.88889, -76.20336

Street Address

100 Wild Life Rd, Perth, ON.

Directions

A GPS would likely suggest taking hwy 417 to hwy 7 through Carleton Place to Perth. Of course you likely realize by now that I prefer the country roads and normal take Route 10 (Old Richmond Rd/Perth Rd/North St) through Richmond and Franktown, all the way into Perth.

Parking

Large parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Outhouses located at the parking lot.

Accessibility

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

All seasons. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from RVCA.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

Total Distance (km)

3.5

Elevation Gain (m)

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Marshlands, Interpretive Signs

Activities

Hiking, Birding, Snowshoeing

Dogs

No dogs permitted.

Trail Description

The Perth Wildlife Reserve has a 3.5km easy to follow loop trail. The RVCA website sates that the Perth Wildlife Reserve is located “on the Tay Marsh, this watery environment nurtures a variety of diverse plant and wildlife species. Deer, ducks, Canada geese, rabbits, bluebirds and wild turkeys are some of the wildlife that is found in this 257-hectare reserve. This conservation area is specifically geared to wildlife management. This is an area for quiet observations. Take your time and keep your eyes open.” The trails are fairly easy ranging from fields to forest and was well marked with interpretive signs along the way.

Other Hiking Trails

AOG Gallery Art Trail in Frankville: Trail Report

Perth Wildlife Reserve: Trail Report