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NOTE: Trail organizations make it a priority to maximize their risk management procedures. These range from the initial planning and construction of their trails, and the upkeep of these trails once they are created, to the planning and carrying out of their events. We know that it is important that the hike leaders know how many participants are expected for an event, so that they can plan properly (i.e. having two hike leaders on hand if the group is large). So – in most cases – we aren’t providing the starting point or car shuttle arrangements. This means you will have to phone the contact person to get this information (leave your name and phone number if they are out – they will phone back). Remember that our hike leaders are all volunteers, people who are willing to spend their free time in order to provide safe, pleasant outdoor experiences for both those who live in our community and visitors.
Also, please realize that a hike leader does not have to include everyone who shows up. If someone arrives and either has a physical problem that would make their participation unsafe, or is not properly prepared for the nature of the excursion (i.e. wearing sandals for a rugged trail; having no food or water for a day trip; not properly dressed for the weather) they can be asked to come to a later event instead, when they have been able to obtain the appropriate equipment.
Terrain Rating: We have extended our descriptions so that hikers will be more likely to make a wise choice as to whether they are ready. Obviously none of our routes have a beaver dam to cross (see Level 3), but it allows people to understand terrain levels for other trail areas also. Now, here are the 3 levels explained:
Level 1: Well defined trails, gentle inclines. Hiking boots not required, but trails may be wet. Suitable for beginners.
Level 2: Generally on trail. May be hilly, light bushwhacking, some rough spots or obstacles. Boots recommended.
Level 3: Rough terrain. One or more of extensive bushwhacking, steep sections, long climbs and descents, beaver dams or other obstacles, rock scrambling. Boots required. Fit, experienced hikers only. Long pants and sleeves recommended.
Speeds: Slow or Leisurely – 2-3 km/hr
Moderate – 3-4 km/hr
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Brisk – 5 km/hr or more
Please arrive ahead of time to sign in, adjust equipment, and get instructions
Tues. 9AM TUESDAY TROMPERS Approx. 1 hour
Are you retired? Working shift work? Got some time off from work? A work-at-home parent?
Perhaps you are interested in having a specific time and place during the week where you could
meet other 'walk -minded' people and walk in different locations - around the town/village, perhaps
sections of the Maitland Trail or other conservation areas for an approximately one hour hike/walk.
Group members with e-mail addresses are notified each week where the next week’s destination will
be. If you wish to be on this list, e-mail Al Sanders at webtrail@hurontel.on.ca. Level 1 – 2.
Sat. Sept. 4 at 9:30AM BLACK HOLE LOOP 2 hours
Join us for a 3 – 4 km. hike in this unique geographic and geological area. Learn about the mysterious black hole in the
Maitland River. Walk the ‘hog’s back’, enjoy the river views and listen to a tale of historic intrigue… Directions: From Hwy
#21 north of Goderich, turn onto County Rd. # 31 at Saltford and drive to Black Hole Road (at Jenkins Autowreckers
corner). Turn right, drive to the end of the road, and park at the top of the hill on the grass. ‘The best,
the most exquisite automobile is a walking-stick; and one of the finest things in life is going a-journey with it.’
~ Robert Holliday. Contact Cole Currie 524-2250, Level 1-2, moderate speed.
Sun. Sept. 5 Hike, Bike or Run for JOINTS IN MOTION, and Pig Roast, Holmesville 12 noon – 6PM
The Crawfords are hosting a 5 or 10 km run/walk/hike/bike on an off-road trail along the Maitland River, starting and
ending at their home. Registration from noon until 2pm, dinner 5pm. Pig roast tickets are: Without sponsors - $20; With
more than $100 in sponsors - free. Children under 10 - free. Proceeds to Arthritis Society, Joints in Motion program.
Bring your family and come out for a day of fun. Please call Joan at 482-3249 by Aug.21 to advise the number of dinner
tickets required, & for sponsor sheets, or e-mail thecrawfs@tcc.on.ca. Level 2.
Sat. Sept. 11 at 9AM TAYLOR & MAVIS TRAILS, west of Varna 1.5 hours
This hike (formerly the Stanley Trail) starts at the Stanley Twp. Complex, just west of the village of Varna. It
meanders through planted fir trees and deciduous woods towards the Bayfield River where we get a good
view, before looping around and hiking back to the starting point. Leader: Patrick Capper 524-9209, Level 2,
Casual - Moderate speed.
Sun. Sept. 12 CYCLING from GODERICH to BENMILLER 4 hours
The Lambton Outdoor Club will be here from Sarnia for this excursion to Benmiller Inn, where they will stop for a
lovely lunch. If you enjoy cycling and want to participate, contact Lynne McGowan 519 542-5823 by Sept.10 at
the latest. Moderate pace.
Sun. Sept. 19, 10AM til 12:30PM SPCA Walk, HARBOUR PARK to SIFTO LOOP .75 hour
The Ontario Society for Protection of Cruelty to Animals is holding a walk-a-thon which will start at Lions
Harbour Park, cross the scenic Menesetung Bridge, circle the Sifto Loop and return. Leashed dogs
welcome, but you don’t have to have a dog to participate. The walk will raise funds for the animal shelter in
Huron County to pay for vet care, food & housing costs. Here’s your opportunity to help the animals in our
local SPCA adoption centre that are waiting in hope of finding someone to share life with, someone to love
them and be loved back. You can collect pledges or just pay $25 to participate in the walk. Lots of great prizes, free
t-shirts. To sponsor someone for this worthy cause, call 440-0250 or see www.huroncounty@ontariospca.ca.
"Saving just one pet won’t change the world, but surely the world will change for that one pet”. Level 1, leisurely.
Sat. Sept. 25 at 2PM PINERY LINE to AUBURN and back 2 hours
This trail meanders along the riverbank here and there, as well as winding through pine forests. Directions: Between
Carlow & Auburn on #25 (Blyth Rd), turn south on Pinery Line & park at the end of the road by the dead end sign.
‘I saw old Autumn in the misty morn stand shadowless like silence.’ ~Thomas Hood.
Contact: Roger Goddard, 524-7400. Level 1, slow/moderate pace.
Sun. Sept. 26 at 2PM SARATOGA SWAMP 2 hours
Join us for an early fall hike in a gorgeous mixed forest/swamp. Bring snacks, water, and your camera. Cancelled if
raining. ‘Walks. The body advances, while the mind flutters around it like a bird.’ ~Jules Renard
Contact: Leslie Bald 519-291-3407 for meeting point. Level 2, leisurely.
Sat. Oct. 2 at 10AM LOBB’s TRAIL near Holmesville 1-2 hours
This is a wonderful trail in any season of the year. We are able to enjoy it thanks to the generosity of the riverside families
in this area, who created and maintain these trails, and who welcome hikers to explore their wooded, river-bordered trails.
The colours are fantastic here in the autumn…come and see it for yourself! ‘There is something in October sets the gypsy
blood astir.’ ~A Vagabond Song, Bliss Carman. Contact: Mava Holland, 482-9349, Level 2, moderate pace.
Sun. Oct. 3 at 1 til 3PM BANNOCKBURN C.A. Fall Hike, also WAWANOSH C.A. Fall Colours Tour
Both of these beautiful conservation areas are planning events on the same day, same time. At Bannockburn you can
walk the trails and enjoy the fall colours. Bring a mug for cider and savour fresh apples; donations appreciated (see
www.abca.on.ca). Wawanosh will have wagon rides, guided walks, hot apple cider and children’s activities. The
Wawanosh Nature Centre will be open all afternoon til 4pm; donations accepted (see www.mvca.on.ca).
Sat. Oct. 9 at 9AM BAYFIELD WOODLANDS & SAWMILL TRAILS 2.5 hours
These two natural environment Bayfield trails offer lots of scenic beauty, ravines, glacial hills,
quarry roads, lumber paths and deer trails. Meet on the north side of Clan Gregor Square. ‘It is
in solitude, contemplation and a connection with nature that we transcend the frenzied and
desperate existence imposed upon us by the distortions of a commodity culture.’ – Chris
Hedges, 2010. Leader: Patrick Capper, 524-9209. Level 2, moderate pace.
Sat. Oct. 16 at 10AM THE JOHN GOLDIE RESERVE 1.5 hours
This area has lovely trails that wind through reforested areas, along a high bank with spectacular views over the Maitland
River, and through open woods. If you would like to join other trail members to walk along this lovely trail, contact
Monique Baan, 887-6998 or Wendy Hoernig, 524-6976 for details. Level 1, moderate pace. (Rain date Oct.17)
Fri. Oct. 22 at 9PM MOONLIT HIKE at LITTLE BRUCE TRAIL 1 hour
Enjoy a hike by the light of the full moon. Watch the interplay of shadows and light on the trail, the moon’s image reflected
in the ponds and stream, and the Hallowe’en sounds of owls and other scary things in the night. ‘Nothing beats a haunted
moonlit night...’ ~Kim Elizabeth. Contact Bruce Utley, 519 529-7515 or Leslie Bald, 519 291-3407. Level 1, leisurely.
Sat. Oct. 23 at 10AM TRAILS OPEN ONTARIO – BALL’S BRIDGE 1.5 – 2 hours
Park on County Rd 8 (Baseline Rd) at Little Lakes Rd. Walk down to Ball’s Bridge and meet an interpreter who will
explain the architectural significance of this elegant bridge. Hike along the Maitland Trail to Boundary Bridge and return
on the same trail. Contact Marg Bushell 524-7734 or Cole Currie 524-2250. Level 1, moderate pace.
Sun. Oct. 24 at 1PM TRAILS OPEN ONTARIO – TIGER DUNLOP’S TOMB
Starting from the CPR Station down by the beach, you will be met by an interpreter at the tomb who
will give a historical review of Tiger Dunlop. See the newly installed historical plaques, then hike back
along the same trail. Following the hike we’ll have a brief celebration of the MTA’s 35th Anniversary!
Contact Marg Bushell, 524-7734 or Roger Goddard 524-7400. Level 1, moderately. 1.5 hours
Sat. Oct. 30 from 10AM til 3PM MYSTERY HIKE
A slow fun hike. Bring your lunch, water & camera for this mysterious hike with mysterious location! Car shuttle not
required. The distance covered will not be great, but the fellowship and experience will be top notch. Most of this hike will
not be on trails of any sort. No dogs please. Contact John Hazlitt, 524-5927. Level 2, some bushwhacking, leisurely.
Sun. Oct. 31 at 2PM Hallowe’en Hike, BRUSSELS BUSH/STEVENSON TRACT
Relaxing Pre-Hallowe’en before-the-ghoulies-and-ghosties-get-you Hike. Kids and dogs on leash
welcome. Contact Leslie Bald, 519 291-3407. Level 2, leisurely. 1 hour
Sat. Nov. 6 from 7PM til 9PM OWL PROWL at MORRISON DAM, EXETER
Come out to the Morrison Dam near Exeter to learn about the exciting world of owls! Be prepared
to hear the haunting cry of the screech owl. Also bring a mug to enjoy hot chocolate.
Contact: Julie Hicks 519 235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610, or visit the website, www.abca.on.ca.
Sun. Nov. 7 at 2PM LINFIELD WILDLIFE AREA 1 – 2 hours
These trails (off Pavillion Rd., south of Bayfield) use an old, tree-lined farm laneway which leads to a beautiful maple
beech forest, babbling brook and ponds. Birds abound in the wide diversity of trees and shrubs; scenic vistas of
countryside and Lake Huron. ‘I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least
. . . sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements.’ ~Thoreau.
Leader: Patrick Capper, 524-9209. Level 2, Moderate pace.
Sat. Nov. 13 at 2PM POINT FARMS 2 hours
Enjoy the enchantment of a frosty walk through the old farm area at this park, which has a little bit of everything – level but
curving trail, a long incline down to the beach, lakeside section, a slow climb, sheltered by trees, back up to the top of the
bluff and more mostly level trail. Call Roger Goddard at 524-7400 to find out the meeting spot. (Rain date Sun.Nov.14)
Level 2, Moderately.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19, now earlier at 7:30PM
M.T.A. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
See details in our next newsletter. Note the earlier start time, and put it on your calendar now.
Sat. Nov. 20 at 9PM FULL MOON Hike on the G.A.R.T. 1.5 hours
If the weatherman humours us with a clear sky on the night of Nov.20, we’ll have a moonlit walk along the GART. It is
enchanting to hike by the light of the full moon, and always amazing just how bright it is. Watch the interplay of shadows
and light on the trail, and the moon’s image reflected in the river. We will also need your name and phone number so that
if that night is cloudy/rainy, we can hike on Sunday Nov.21. "The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas." -
Alfred Noyes, The Highwayman. Contact Wendy Hoernig, 524-6976 for meeting place. Level 1, Moderate pace.
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Keep an eye on Trail Talk in FOCUS for other possible events.
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