With the fall colours in full bloom, a long weekend fast approaching—and in honour of this being Ontario Hiking Week—it is time to think about going out on a hike with friends and family.

Here in the Patch, we have some gems:

Jackson Park offers a 4.2k trail that stretches past a playground, picnic tables, a creek, numerous benches, a large pond and a beautiful pagoda bridge. Located North of Parkhill Road, Jackson Park has three entrances. One is on Fairbairn Street, the second is on Bonacord Street and the third is on Ackison Road.

Mark S. Burnham Park has a double-loop trail that is 2.3k long. There is a big shelter for larger gatherings, a washroom and only one hill on the 1.4k loop. There are plenty of trail signs with interesting little Peterborough factoids about the park itself. Mark S. Burnham park is located on Highway 7 East.

Trent Nature Areas and Promise Rock Nature Area Trail are both off Nassau Mills Road near Trent University. The Trent Nature Areas have Red, Yellow and Blue trails all offering different lengths and difficulty. Promise Rock Nature Trail is a 2.4k trail that runs between the Otonabee River and an abandoned railway.