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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:
Level 1- Well defined trails, gentle inclines. Hiking boots not required, but trails may be wet, good 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 & sleeves recommended.
Speeds: Leisurely – 2-3 km/hr., Moderate – 3-4 km/hr., Brisk – 5 km/hr or more.
Weekly walks
TUESDAY TROMPERS – Every Tuesday 9AM / ~1hr
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, sections of the Maitland Trail or 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. various levels.
Every year we start a winter schedule that avoids trails used for skiing and has available parking.
Wendy starts a Tuesday Gliders Group for those who wish to cross country ski. If you want to be on her list please e-mail her at: wennig@hurontel.on.ca
Car Pooling
Clinton - Betty Cardno Centre at 8:35 for the hikes.
Jan. 10 - Sifto Loop (meet by Big Rock, North Harbour Road)
Jan 17 - Maitland Woods (meet by MTA trailer north side of KofC Centre)
Jan. 24 - Sifto Loop
Jan. 31 - Maitland Woods
Feb. 7 - Sifto Loop
Feb. 14 - Maitland Woods
Feb. 21 - Sifto Loop
Feb. 28 - Maitland Woods
Mar. 6 - Sifto Loop
Mar. 13 - Maitland Woods
Mar. 20 - Sifto Loop
January Hikes
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th Kimbercote Weekend in the Beaver Valley
Stay at KIMBERCOTE FARM (between Kimberly and Heathcote in the beautiful Beaver Valley). Come for the weekend, or turn it into a 3 or 4 day weekend. Accommodation costs are approximately $35 per person per weekend night and $20 per weeknight. The farmhouse sleeps 20, and you can hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski from the door, or drive to nearby trails and cross-country and downhill areas. If you are interested, we need to know by Jan. 8th. We will then work out our communal food costs, which can be paid at the farm. We also organize some potluck items. Last minute registrations are possible IF room permits. We always have fun - do join us. You can get more details by calling Marg at 524-7734 or email margbushell@gmail.com. All levels possible.
21st – Saturday
Beth Ross
519 524-8144
Ski or Snowshoe the Ross Trails Enjoy an afternoon of skiing on the Ross property’s scenic trails, adjacent to the Maitland Trail near the Morris Tract and area. Independent off-track snowshoers also welcome. The location for this event is on private property. If you plan to take part, call Beth by the day before. Level 2, moderate pace. 2 – 2 ½ hours ~~ MTA Members Only~~
Lantern Making Workshop Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd 10AM – 4PM
At the Town shed on Parson's Court across from The Knights of Columbus parking lot
Make your lantern(s) and take them home with you. This is the lantern-making workshop prior to the annual Winterfest Candlelit Walk (at 7:30 pm on Friday, February 3) that kicks off Winterfest activities. Karen Melady is the instructor. Cost: $8 for materials to be paid directly to Karen at the workshop. Sign up for one session or both by calling Karen at 524-7518. If you want to display your lanterns at the walk on February 3, come early with your lanterns to the Candlelit Walk, and install your lanterns somewhere along the trail, and take them home with you after the walk! **Please call Karen to confirm the location!
29th – Sunday
~3 hours
Level 2/Moderate
Sjani Craig
519-524-9136
Pinery Hike or Snowshoe - Enjoy a leisurely snowshoe/ hike over scenic trails and through different terrains. Bring a small back pack as we will park at the Lambton Museum and walk across to the Pinery.
Bring a lunch , a drink, and a snack as the birds enjoy eating out of your hand.
Call Sjani 524-9136 for times and meeting place for carpool.
February Hikes
Friday 3rd Winterfest Candlelit Walk
The Maitland Trail Association organizes this annual event as part of the Town of Goderich’s Winter Festival, and it is always a magical adventure. Participants can set out from the trail entrance at the east end of the Knights of Columbus Hall parking lot (Parson’s Court) anytime between 7:30 and 9:00 pm. A one kilometre portion of the trail in the Maitland Wo ods will be transformed by the flickering beauty of candlelight. After the walk, come in to enjoy a cup of hot cider or cocoa and a cookie (coin donation). Call Con Melady at 524-8730 if willing to help light the trail or assist with serving refreshments. Everyone who has their own candle lanterns (home-made or bought) is encouraged to bring them and set them out somewhere along the trail, to add to the magic of the experience. Come and find out for yourself why people are eager to take part year after year after year! Level 1. ¾ - 1+ hours
4th – Saturday
2:00PM-4:00PM
Roger Goddard
519-612-1236
‘All About Local Birds’ at the Goderich Library - Come to the library (52 Montreal St.) downstairs, and spend the afternoon learning all about bird identification, feeding, migration, and have your bird questions answered. Levels: Beginner & Intermediate. 2 hours
5th – Sunday
10:00AM-2.5 hrs
Level 2/Moderate
Susanna Reid
519-524-8916
Skiing the Ross Trail Enjoy an afternoon of skiing on the Ross property’s scenic trails, adjacent to the Maitland Trail near the Morris Tract and area. The location for this event is on private property. Directions: from Goderich, turn right onto Saltford Rd (Hwy #31), drive to and turn right onto Londesboro Rd.(Cty Rd #15), and proceed to the Ross home (farm) at 911# 36823 Londesboro Rd. on the right (south) side beside the green barn. Please park at the road. If you plan to take part, call Susanna Reid ~~ MTA Members Only~~
12th – Sunday
Patrick Capper
519-524-9209
Snowshoe Robertson TractSnow shoe down Pinery Line and through the Robertson Tract. Car pool at 1:40 in Goderich Gaol as limited parking. Easy fairly level loop through the area of about 1 1/.2 hours. Dogs welcome.
18th – Saturday
10:00AM -2 hrs.
Level1/Moderate
Cole Currie
519-524-2250
Point Farm Skiing- If you are a person who is a novice cross-country skier or who enjoys almost flat terrain, come and join us. Point Farms has a variety of deciduous and coniferous trees, small wildlife and a hill-top view of a wintry Lake Huron. Contact Cole Currie (519-524-2250) for meeting place and details. Level 1, slow/moderate pace, 2 – 2 ½ hours.
25th – Saturday
1:30PM – 1.5 hrs.
Wendy Hoernig
519-524-6976
Taylor and Mavis Trails, Varna The Bayfield River Valley Trail Assoc. has spent a great deal of time working on these trails over the last couple of years. Come and enjoy the results of their labour – one is a short, meandering trail over relatively flat terrain, and the other is longer, with a gully-crossing, but both have lovely scenery. Mode of travel (walking, on snowshoes or XC skis) will depend on the weatherman! Crummy weather alternate date is Sunday, February 26th. Levels 1 –2, moderate pace
29th –Wednesday
Jane Davidson Sawmill Hike or Snowshoe - Stay tuned for details closer to the date.
March Hikes
3rd – Saturday
Susanna Reid
524-8916
Cross Country Skiing at the Falls Reserve- Some long inclines. This event for intermediate skiers is another great opportunity for MTA members to take advantage of our free entrance to Falls Reserve Conservation Area! Remember: park by the gate house & leave your MTA Membership card visible on the dash to be exempt from the $5 day fee. Dress according to the weather.
10th – Saturday
1:00 – 1 hr.
Level 1/Leisurely
Jerry Stirling
519-482-7625
Naftel’s Creek Trail – A trail loved by so many, leads through mixed conifer plantations, hardwood and wetland areas. It is a rewarding place to spend time along at any time of year. Directions: Drive south of Goderich on Hwy 21 approx. 7 km. Naftel’s Creek access point and its parking area are on the left (east) side of the highway; carpooling is encouraged to reduce the number of vehicles there.
11th – Sunday
1:00PM – 1.5 hrs
Level 2/Leisurely
Sjani Craig
519-524-9136
Snowshoe or Hike Maitland Cemetary - Meet just inside the gates of cemetery. This snowshoe/hike will take us through mixed woods, up and down some hills and along the Scenic Maitland River where possible.
18th – Sunday
2:00PM – 1hr.
Patrick Capper
Anne Storey
Park House/Heritage Oak/Tiger Dunlop – Meet at the Park House parking lot. Hike will be approximately 1 hr. If you need more details call Patrick at 519-524-9209.
24th – Saturday
2:00PM – 1 hr.
Patrick Capper
519-524-9209
Maitland Woods Hike - Walk in Maitland Woods. Meet in Knights of Columbus parking lot. The trail is well used and, so snow shoes should not be necessary. Look at the 40 identified trees/shrubs. Level, moderate pace for about 1 hour. Dogs on leash welcome.
31st – Saturday
2:00 – 1 hr.
Patrick Capper
519-524-9209
Rail Trail - Start where GART meets the Westmount line. Sometimes at this time of year there are some icy sections of the trail so come prepared with proper equipment!
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Keep an eye on Trail Talk in FOCUS for other possible events.
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