Spring Birding on The Great Trail

View or save the Google Map and go birding!

Here's a fun trip that is scenic and even better before the leaves on the trees start to block out some of the views.

Begin your journey coming into Hastings from the south side (Cty Rd 45 or 25) and before you cross the Hastings bridge turn right at Water Street.

You are heading east out of the village and approx. 5km you'll be passing Valley View Lane on your left hand side. You'll rise to the crest of the hill and on your left side you'll capture an incredible "valley view" of the Trent River.

As you come down from this hill, slow down because you should be able to see the Osprey nesting on a pole on your left. This is also a good place to get out of your car and hike the Hastings/Campbellford portion of The Great Trail (abandoned rail line) that goes north to the Trent River for a gorgeous panoramic view and southeast to Campbellford.

Continue east (the road has now become Conc. Rd 13 East and then becomes 10th Line West as soon as you approach the first main highway – Cty Rd 30.) Keep heading east beyond Cty Rd 30 (not well signed) passing IXL Road and then you'll come upon another main highway – Cty Rd 50.

Turn left on 50 heading north for a lovely view again of the Trent River as you pass over the bridge and make a right turn at 12th Line East. Turn right at Crowe River Rd for yet another lovely view of the Crowe River rapids from the bridge (no parking on bridge).

You're heading south now and a stop about 4 km down the road will have you enjoying a free beer sample at Church-Key Brewing (Methodist Church turned brewery!). Pull in front of the brewery so you're heading in the right direction.

West on Cty Rd 38 will take you alongside Trent-Severn Waterway (visit one of the locks – Crowe Bay and Campbellford) and then into the Town of Campbellford. If you want to stay in Campbellford for a while, give the chamber a call at 1-888-653-1556 for more ideas.