Don Valley — Crothers Woods & Evergreen Brick Works

Crothers Woods is the 52-hectare Don Valley forest with dirt single-track, a 194-step staircase near Cottonwood Flats, and a trailhead behind the Redway Road Loblaws that still feels like a prank. Loop 5 km, pop out at Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview) for coffee and the weekend market, or keep going on the Lower Don. City park / urban forest, shared with mountain bikes — keep your ears open on blind corners. Mud after rain. Brick Works is the civilized end; the woods are the hike. TTC: 88 South Leaside to Redway, or the Bayview bus / Don Valley Brick Works shuttle patterns on market days. Free parking behind Loblaws; Brick Works lots are paid.