The H.R. Frink Conservation Area at 381 and 384 Thrasher Road, Plainfield ON, has hiking trails on the north side and south side of Thrasher Road for a total of 12 km of trails. The north side of the area contains an education centre where outdoor education programs are delivered by local school boards as well as Quinte Conservation. The north side features a network of forested trails leading visitors along the Moira River, around a silver maple swamp, through a mature hardwood forest, and to Parks Creek. The south side of the area contains several more kilometers of trails, including the popular Wetland Ecology Boardwalk. A graveled trail can be found leading from the parking lot to the wetland boardwalk for ease of access throughout the year.

Public parking for this area is located on the south side of Thrasher Road.

Take a virtual tour with our guided hike story map.

Trail map

View the trail map for the H.R. Frink Conservation Area.

Use this native tree guide to compliment your walk along the H.R. Frink Centre Woodland Trail highlighting over 25 tree species.

 A smartphone enabled trail map is also available via the free app Avenza Maps. Once the map is downloaded, you can track your location on the trails without the use of mobile data. Instructions for use are as follows:

  • Install Avenza Maps onto your smartphone (available on iOS and Android).
  • Tap the + button on the bottom right of the "My Maps" page, then select "Download or import a map".
  • Tap the QR icon on the top right and scan QR code provided below.
  • Alternatively, you can search for the Conservation Area in the keyword bar of the app's "Store" page.
  • Tap the "Free" button on the map's page, then confirm the download.
  • Use the map offline at the area, ensuring that location services are turned on.
Avenza Maps  Map QR Code 

Things to look for

  • The Wetland Ecology Boardwalk and a variety of wetland fauna and flora
  • Spring wildflowers
  • The Moira River
  • Cedar Creek lookout on Parks Creek

Activities

  • Birding
  • Hiking
  • Nature photography
  • Dog walking (dogs must be leashed at all times)

Amenities

Parking through PayByPhone 

You must pay to park at this conservation area. There is a daily parking pass that you can use between areas. A daily pass is valid on the day of purchase between sunrise and sunset. Yearly parking passes are also available. Visit our parking page to learn more. 

See an issue?

Help us keep our outdoor spaces clean and our wildlife safe! Please report a non-emergency issue or a concern.

Things to keep in mind during your visit

When visiting Quinte Conservation's areas, please make sure to:

  • Keep your pets leashed and clean up after them at all times
  • Stay on marked trails
  • Take everything with you, including your pet's waste – there are no garbage bins
  • Never remove natural items

Please note:

  • Overnight camping is not allowed
  • Alcohol is not allowed
  • Campfires are not allowed

Cross-country trails and motorized vehicles

The cross-country skiing trails are not groomed and motorized vehicles are not permitted outside of designated parking areas.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • All-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes
  • Motorized or electric bikes
  • Snowmobiles
  • Cars and SUVs
  • Motorized aerial devices such as drones