Sheffield Conservation Area

Sheffield Conservation Area at 8032 County Road 41, Erinsville ON is nestled within the Canadian Shield. Part of the property is home to a dark sky viewing area that is maintained by the county of Lennox and Addington. 

Status: Gate closed for the Season. Access available through the Dark Sky Viewing Area.*

A scenic view of Sheffield Conservation Area featuring a vast expanse of lush greenery surrounding a serene blue lake, with rocky terrain in the foreground under clear blue skies.
A winding path lined with rocks leads through a sparse landscape with small bushes and a clear blue sky above.
Panoramic view of a serene lake under a clear sky at sunrise, with trees reflecting on the water's surface.
A narrow path leading through a lush green landscape under a partly cloudy sky.
View of a serene lake surrounded by trees with vibrant autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.
Autumn foliage surrounding a serene lake under a clear blue sky.
View of a sunny rock trail with scattered trees in autumn colors.
Scenic view of a calm pond covered with lily pads, surrounded by lush green forest under a partly cloudy sky.
Scenic view of a tranquil lake surrounded by lush green trees and rocky terrain, possibly in a nature reserve or national park.
Lush greenery and rocks along the shoreline of a calm lake under a clear blue sky.
Snow-covered landscape with surrounding trees and rocky terrain under a cloudy sky.

Explore Sheffield

The area offers an advanced 4.5 km trail that loops through the property and provides hikers with a birds-eye view of Little Melon Lake. The area also contains a water access point for launching a canoe or kayak. Inexperienced hikers may find the trail challenging. Proper footwear should always been worn. Depending on skill level, it may take up to 6 hours to complete the loop. Make sure to always have plenty of drinking water available before starting the hike.

Things to look for:

  • Little Melon Lake lookout

  • Hiking
  • Picnicking
  • Dog walking (dogs must be leashed at all times)
  • Fishing
  • Canoeing and kayaking

  • Parking lot
  • Portable washroom
  • Picnic tables
  • Water access point

Beginner Trails - 500 m

  • Relatively even terrain
  • Wide trail

Advanced Trails - 4.5 km

  • Elevation gain
  • Several long, steep sections
  • Rough terrain with muddy sections
  • Seasonal wet/water crossings
  • Narrow trail

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:

  • Areas open at sunrise and close at sunset
  • Overnight camping is not allowed
  • Alcohol is not allowed
  • Campfires are not allowed

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
Aerial map showing various color-coded trails with symbols indicating different amenities and landmarks around a central lake.

Trail Map

Avenza Maps Logo

Avenza Mobile Map

White canvas with 'Sheffield Conservation Area' written and the Quinte Conservation logo.

Parking

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. Annual parking passes are also available.

Visit our parking page to learn more. 

*Seasonal Closure

Sheffield is closed for parking from December (date varies with first large snow fall) to March (date varies with frost conditions). Winter conditions present safety concerns, and road repairs during this period are beyond Quinte Conservation's capacity, and spring conditions can't support vehicle traffic. Visitors can still access this area by parking at the Dark Sky Viewing Area and walking in.

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