Looking for a great place to enjoy some time outdoors but don’t want to drive for hours to get there? Plan a trip to Forks of the Credit Provincial Park! This park offers hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, picnic spots, waterfalls and more. In the winter, when weather permits, you can enjoy snowshoeing or cross country skiing.
Ultimate Guide Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
- Things to do at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
- How long is the Forks of the Credit Trail
- Best Hiking Trail at Forks of the Credit
- Can you bike at Forks of the Credit
- Cataract Falls at Forks of the Credit
- Forks of the Credit Fall Colours
- Winter Activities at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
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Things to do at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Picnic
- Snowshoeing
- Cross Country Skiing
Given this provincial parks proximity to the Greater Toronto Area it can get busy at times. Ontario Parks has implemented a reservation system. Make sure you book your vehicle permit if you plan to drive and park. Parking permits can be booked 5 days in advance of your visit.
There is no overnight camping at this park, it is day use only. There is no gate house or office at this park, but they do have an automated pay station, and also have staff stationed at the entrance to the parking at times.
How long is the Forks of the Credit Trails
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park has several trails that run throughout the park including the Trans Canada Trail. From the Parking lot you will be Meadow Trail or The Trans Canada Trail to head West towards the Credit River. Depending on the route you choose will impact the difficulty and length of your hike. The full loop of the Forks of the Credit Trail is 11.1km. However please check the Forks of the Credit website for updates as access from the Dominion Trail to the Meadow Trail at the Cataract Falls was closed for maintenance.
You can find the Forks of the Credit Trail map on the Ontario parks site. The Trans Canada Trail path offers the flattest route with fewer hills. Take note the Bruce Trail between the Meadow Trail and Dominion Trail is steep and not suitable for strollers/wagons.
I have taken my children (starting at age 5) to Forks of the Credit Park several times and they are able to manage the terrain and hills without issue. Make sure you print out a map or have your phone with you as you hike the park. The shorter loops can be done in as little as 30 minutes, or if you are looking for a longer stroll you can spend a couple of hours hiking and exploring the park by taking a longer route.
Best Hiking Trail at Forks of the Credit
For our family the Best Hiking Trail at Forks of the Credit includes beautiful views of Kettle Lake, meadow, forest, a walk by the Credit River and a peak at Cataract Falls. Note: If you are visiting this beautiful park in the winter months I highly recommend ice cleats as portions of the trail can be icy.
We start by parking in the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park parking lot. There are washrooms that are open year round at this spot. Then we take the Meadow Trail past Kettle Lake and Kettle Trail. If you are looking for a short hike you could take the Kettle Trail a loop back to the parking lot.
Forks of the Credit Hiking
Continue along Meadow Trail until you reach the junction with the Bruce Trail. Follow the Bruce Trail down the (steep) hill in the forest. Keep in mind that if you go down this hill you will need to hike back up to get back to your car. Once you are at the base of the hill on the Bruce trail you will come to the second set of washrooms that are open seasonally (closed during the winter months). This is a great area for a picnic. Make sure you bring a picnic blanket, yummy picnic food (if you need some inspiration check out these easy picnic ideas), and water bottles. And as always make sure you pack up any garbage you bring – leave no trace.
From here you can continue straight towards the Credit River. Then follow the path to the right to head towards Cataract Falls. Part of the path and viewing platform closest to the falls is closed, however you can still see the Falls from the trail. It should be noted that the access to the Meadow Trail from the Dominion Trail is closed. So you will need to return along the same path as your way to the falls.
We have completed this hike in about 2.5 hours from start to finish, but you could make it into a longer trek if you want with a picnic lunch.
Can you bike at Forks of the Credit
YES! You can Bike at the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. You can drive to the park with your bike, or enter via the Bruce Trail or Trans Canada Trail if you are starting elsewhere for a longer ride. All of the trails are open to biking, and shared with hikers as well. The Trans Canada Trail within the park is also shared with horseback riders as well.
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park offers mountain biking terrain from steep hills (bruce trail between meadow and dominion trail) to relatively flat easy rides along the trans Canada Trail.
Cataract Falls at Forks of the Credit
Cataract Falls in Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is part of the Credit River. It is a pretty view, however the viewing platform closest to the falls have been closed for safety reasons. You can still see the falls from the main trail. 
Forks of the Credit Fall Colours
If you are looking for some stunning fall colours then Forks of the Credit will not disappoint/ September and October offer beautiful views of the leaves changing colour along the many trails within the park. 
Winter Activities at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
Forks of the Credit offers day use winter activities that are less then 1 hour from the Greater Toronto Area. Weather permitting there is cross-country skiing (trails are not groomed) and snowshoeing. Winter hiking is also a great option, but make sure you check out the packing list below to make sure you are prepared as it can be slippery.
What to Bring On your Hike at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
Here are some important reminders of things to bring with you when you go on your hike at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park.
- Insulated Water Bottle
- Day Hiking Backpack
- Picnic Blanket
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Snacks/Trail Mix
- Hiking Boots
- Hiking Poles
- Crampons/Ice Cleats -important for winter hiking
Nearby Hiking Trails and Parks
There are many amazing hiking trails in the Peel Region. Make sure you explore these other parks.
- Professor’s Lake
- Heart Lake Conservation Area
- Stroller Friendly Hikes in Peel Region
- Best Hikes Near Brampton
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