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Dahl Forest: A Natural Retreat

Explore diverse habitats along the Burnt River at this 500-acre nature reserve in Haliburton County, perfect for hiking, skiing, and birding.

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Dahl Forest, a 500-acre nature reserve near Minden Hills, offers a tranquil escape with diverse habitats and well-maintained trails. Once barren farmland, the Dahl family transformed it into a thriving ecosystem, now protected by the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust. Explore forests, wetlands, and the scenic Burnt River on foot, skis, or snowshoes.

A brief summary to Dahl Forest

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the trails are natural surfaces.
  • Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no amenities on site.
  • Keep dogs on a leash to protect the sensitive flora and fauna.
  • Pack out everything you pack in, including pet waste.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Minden, take South Lake Road and turn right onto Gelert Road (County Road 1). After about 8 km, turn left onto Geeza Road. Follow the signs to Dahl Forest. There is a parking area near the trailhead. Parking is free. Be mindful not to block the gate or the snow plow turnaround in winter.

  • Public Transport

    From Haliburton, take a bus to Minden. Check local transit schedules for times, as they may vary. From Minden, a taxi to Dahl Forest (1307 Geeza Rd) will cost approximately $15-20 CAD. Alternatively, it is about a 5 km walk from Minden.

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Discover more about Dahl Forest

Dahl Forest, a 500-acre (202 hectares) nature reserve, is located in Haliburton County, approximately 5 km south of Gelert, Ontario. It features 2.7 km of the Burnt River. The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust protects the diverse habitats and species found within the forest. In the early 1950s, William Dahl purchased the land, which was then abandoned farmland with depleted soil and dilapidated fences. The Dahl family planted over 100,000 trees, including Red and White Pine, White Spruce and Larch, which covered approximately 40% of the property. The remaining acreage was left to regenerate naturally. In 2009, the Dahl family donated the property to the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust through Environment Canada's Ecological Gifts Program. The forest features seven named trails, totaling approximately 5 km in length. These trails wind through forests, wetlands and open areas, and are bisected by the Burnt River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, birding, plein air painting, and photography. The trails are well-marked with directional signposts and colored diamonds. Dahl Forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, including moose, deer, and various bird species. The Common Sanddragon, one of the rarest dragonflies in Canada, was found here in 2011. The forest also provides habitat for uncommon plant species such as Turtlehead, Blue Vervain, and Swamp Milkweed.

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