Spanning more than 13,000 hectares across multiple tracts throughout the county, Simcoe County Forest is one of the largest municipal forests in Ontario, protecting a diverse mix of pine plantations, hardwood forest, wetlands, and other natural areas. Established through large-scale reforestation efforts beginning in the 1920s, the forest now includes an extensive network of trails popular for hiking, trail running, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. While each tract has its own character, the forest as a whole is a patchwork of natural areas that preserve green space and wildlife habitat across much of Simcoe County.