Upper Credit Conservation Area

Stroll Along the Rolling Meadows

Connect with nature on this 400-acre property. Enjoy views of the Credit River which runs throughout the park. Experience different natural habitats from wetlands, to forests and meadows. See wildlife thanks to the green corridor that connects large areas of land and water.

Hike the first signed section of the Credit Valley Trail, a proposed 100-kilometre pathway from the along the length of the Credit River. Grab your binoculars and discover birds that call this area home. You might see a great blue heron near the water’s edge.

Paid parking begins June 23, 2025

Paid parking will be implemented at Upper Credit Conservation Area beginning June 23, 2025 at a daily rate of $8 (including HST) per vehicle. Payment can be made online or by phone.

Activities

Trails

Trail Name
Length
Rating
Dragonfly Park Trail
0.7 km
Easy

This narrow trail located in Dragonfly Park is managed by the Town of Orangeville. It provides great scenic views of the wetlands to the south.

Available Activities
Length
0.7 km
Hiking time
Estimated hiking time 15 minutes
Rating
Easy
Stroller Friendly
Hiking time
Estimated hiking time 15 minutes
Marsh Trail
2.6 km
Moderate

Take in the view of the Orangeville Wetland Complex. The wetlands act like a filter, cleaning the water. Be sure to take a deep breath as you walk through the fragrant cedar forest.

Available Activities
Length
2.6 km
Hiking time
Estimated hiking time 40 minutes
Rating
Moderate
Hiking time
Estimated hiking time 40 minutes
Safari Grassland Loop
1.7 km
Easy

This trail traces the perimeter of a restored grassland where you can spot grassland birds such as bobolink and eastern meadowlark. The trail also passes through an isolated sugar maple-rock elm forest. Trail surface is mown grass and soil. Rest areas are less than 1.7 km apart.

Available Activities
Length
1.7 km
Hiking time
Estimated hiking time 25 minutes
Width
Average: 1.9 m
Minimum: 1.4 m
Grade
Average: 3.0%
Maximum: 17.3%
Cross Slope
Average: 2.9%
Maximum: 15.3%
Rating
Easy
Hiking time
Estimated hiking time 25 minutes
Bobolink Trail
0.2 km
Moderate

This short trail has a long, steep rise that offers views of the restored grassland. Trail surface is mown grass. No rest areas on this trail.

Available Activities
Length
0.2 km
Hiking time
Estimated hiking time 5 minutes
Width
Average: 1.9 m
Minimum: 1.7 m
Grade
Average: 10.2%
Maximum: 44.7%
Cross Slope
Average: 5.6%
Maximum: 18.4%
Rating
Moderate
Hiking time
Estimated hiking time 5 minutes
Credit Valley Trail
1.1 km
Easy

Take your time on the rolling hills as you take in the spectacular views of the Credit River and surrounding landscape. This trail intersects with the Grassland Safari Loop. Trail surface is mown grass and soil. No rest areas on this trail.

Available Activities
Length
1.1 km
Hiking time
Estimated hiking time 20 minutes
Width
Average: 2.5 m
Minimum: 0.5 m
Grade
Average: 3.5%
Maximum: 15.1%
Cross Slope
Average: 4.4%
Maximum: 20.5%
Rating
Easy
Hiking time
Estimated hiking time 20 minutes

FAQ

What are my alternatives to paying a daily parking fee?

If you are planning a visit to Upper Credit Conservation Area you can:

  1. Buy a Credit Valley Parks Pass.
  2. Display a same day Credit Valley Parks admission receipt.
  3. Sign out a Credit Valley Parks Pass from your local library.
  4. Use Active Transportation to access the park. 

Same day admission receipts from Belfountain, Island Lake, Ken Whillans and Terra Cotta can also be used for free parking at Upper Credit Conservation Area. Simply leave your receipt face-up on the dashboard.

Why is CVC implementing paid parking?

Funds will help cover the expenses related to developing and maintaining this area, as directed by the approved Management Plan.

Don't my taxes pay for operations of the park?

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) receives a proportionate share of the municipal tax levy from all watershed municipalities, distributed based on population, to fund its full range of programs and services. Only a minimal portion—less than one dollar—is allocated directly to park operations, maintenance and capital development. The remaining costs for maintaining and enhancing our parks are expected to be covered through user fees.

Where does the money from parking go?

All user fees go back to conservation area operating expenses and continued improvement projects. Past examples include: trail work, wayfinding signage, information kiosks and the Upper Credit bridge replacement.

Can I visit any other Credit Valley Parks with my parking receipt?

Show your digital or printed parking receipt on the same day to receive up to $8 off admission to Island Lake or Terra Cotta Conservation Area, as capacity allows.

How do I use my Credit Valley Parks Pass or Conservation Ontario Pass to access parking at Upper Credit Conservation Area?

Simply leave your valid Credit Valley Parks Pass on your dashboard, with the barcode, expiry date and licence plate information facing up. Ensure the licence plate of the parked vehicle matches one of the licence plates listed on your card. Conservation Ontario Passes must have the expiry date facing up.

How do I use my digital Conservation Parks Membership to access parking at Upper Credit Conservation Area?

Please call 1-800-367-0890, press 0, to speak with a staff member to book your parking spot. You will be required to provide a licence plate and date of visit.

What payment methods will be accepted?

Visa, Mastercard and visa debit will be accepted online or by phone.

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