Trail Conditions & Info

Click here for more trail information and detailed maps

Fall 2023

  • The main Maitland Trail will be CLOSED for hunting season from November 6 to November 12; and December 4 to December 10.  Click here for more details.
  •  Due to the risk of falling trees, hiking is not recommended during high winds, heaving rainfall or heavy snowfall. Hiking trails may be used year-round at your own risk, and safety should be your priority.
  • Sifto Loop – Invasive Buckthorn Removal Project – Please click here for more details

If you wish to report a trail issue, please email mta@maitlandtrail.ca.

 

Current Trail Status

  • All trails are currently open and in good condition.
  • As always, be aware of possible loose branches dislodged by wind.
  • Be prepared for mud and/or ice.
  • Falls Reserve Conservation Area – MTA trails only (SEE THE MAP)
    • See important information below.  If you don’t have an MTA membership, you must purchase an FRCA permit.
  • Maitland Woods – 3.2 km through an urban forest
  • Millennium Trail – accessible from the east end of Nelson St in Goderich
  • Sifto Loop – accessible from the north side of the Menesetung Bridge

General Conditions:

  • As always, dogs must be leashed.  This is a requirement of the people who own the land on which our trail passes. 
  • Hikers are asked to be responsible, respect land owners’ wishes, and stay up-to-date on these trail use conditions.

 

Re-route Between Pinery Line and School Rd/Heron Line

This section has been re-routed around the field, adding an additional 2 km to the trail length.  Watch for signs and blazes. Map 7 of the trail guide shows the update.  Click HERE to see the route. 

 

 

 

 Menesetung Trail

The western access point of the Menesetung Trail is on the G2G Trail (SEE MAP). Signs are posted at the access areas. Due to erosion, the trail is no longer accessible from the Sifto Loop.  

 

 

 

 

Falls Reserve Conservation Area (FRCA)

FRCA Rules for Year-round Trail Use for MTA members:

  • MTA members may use the MTA Trail Use Area shown in yellow on the map (use of other trails or other areas within FRCA is not permitted).
  • MTA members may use the (highlighted) northwest washroom (open seasonally from April to October).  
  • Trail use is for foot traffic only (hiking, running, skiing, snowshoeing). No motorized vehicles.  Cycling is only allowed with an FRCA permit.
  • Parking at the gate is not permitted from April 15 – October 15.
  • Follow the Trail Users Code and the Rules and Regulations of the Conservation Area.


Winter Usage for MTA members (October 15 – April 15)

  • Parking at the gatehouse is permitted with an MTA Membership Card displayed on the dash of the vehicle
  • Walk-in access is permitted from the gatehouse to the orange trail (near pond) to access the Maitland Trail and Blue trail sections

FRCA Permits:

  • For full access to the FRCA property (all trails, playground, parking, etc.), MTA members may purchase an FRCA Season Membership Pass and receive $25 off, or 25% off a Daily Pass. Overnight use is excluded from the discount. Click here to see current FRCA Fees.
  • For use of areas outside the designated MTA Trail Use Area shown in yellow on this map, an FRCA permit must be purchased.
  • Permits may be purchased at the park during open hours, or by an eTransfer to payment@mvca.on.ca. After completing the eTransfer, email your name and contact information to falls@frca.on.ca stating that you purchased a permit.