Trail Conditions

Current as of January 5, 2022

CURRENT TRAIL STATUS

  • All of the main trail and all of our side trails are 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)
    • Be sure to read #3 below.  If you don’t have an MTA membership to use the MTA-permitted trails, you must purchase an FRCA permit.
  • The Maitland Woods – 3.2km through our urban forest
  • The Millennium Trail – accessible from the east end of Nelson St in Goderich
  • The Sifto Loop – accessible from the north side of the Menesetung Bridge
  • Be sure to check out the Menesetung Trail, the lime kiln, and Colborne Riverside Park
  • And if you haven’t cycled the G2G Rail Trail yet, it has been resurfaced and is great. Go see for yourself, it’s awesome.

General Conditions:

  • From October 15 – April 15, MTA members are permitted to park at the gate of Falls Reserve Conservation Area and access the Maitland Trail and 1 side trail from there (see map with #3 below). Leave your MTA membership card on your dash.
  • Please adhere to Trail Etiquette and Covid-19
  • Here is current information from the Provincial Government regarding COVID-19.
  • Physical distancing of 2m
  • As always, dogs must be leashed.  This is a requirement of the people who own the land on which our trail passes. 
  • Until restrictions are lifted, physical distancing will have some impact on the amount of trail work we can complete.  Work will be prioritized based on safety for hikers and our Crew.  As always, use the trails at your own risk.
  • Hikers are asked to be responsible, respect land owners’ wishes, and stay up-to-date on these trail use conditions.
  • G2G:  Please consider donating to the G2G Rail Trail to support their ongoing trail development. Bridges are expensive!!

 

2.  RE-ROUTE BETWEEN PINERY LINE and SCHOOL RD/HERON LINE

This section has been re-routed around the field, adding an additional 2km approximately to the total trail length. 

Watch for the new signs and blazes.

Map 7 of the trail guide is updated.  Click HERE to see the new route. 

 

 

 

3.  MTA MEMBER USE OF TRAILS WITHIN FALLS RESERVE CONSERVATION AREA (FRCA)

Year-round Trail Usage for MTA members:

  • Includes only the MTA Trail Use Area shown on the map with the yellow highlight. Does not include other trails or other areas within FRCA.
  • Includes the use of the washroom at the north west, also highlighted (opened seasonally from April to October).  Currently closed due to health restrictions.
  • Trail use is for foot traffic only (hiking, running, skiing, snowshoeing). No motorized vehicles.  Cycling is permitted 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

Additional Winter Usage for MTA members for the period from Oct 15 – April 15:

  • Allows parking at the gatehouse with MTA membership card on the dash of the vehicle
  • Includes walk-in access from the gatehouse to the orange trail near the pond to access the Maitland Trail and Blue trail sections with yellow highlight.

FRCA Permits:

  • To have full access to the FRCA property (all trails, playground, parking, etc.), MTA members can purchase an FRCA Season Membership Pass and get $25 off, OR 25% off a Daily Pass. All overnight use is excluded from the discount. Click here to see the current FRCA Fees.
  • Any users outside of the designated MTA Trail Use Area shown on this map with the yellow highlight must purchase an FRCA permit.
  • Permits can be purchased at the park during open hours, or by an eTransfer to payment@mvca.on.ca. Then, email your name and contact information to falls@frca.on.ca indicating you made this purchase of a permit.

 

4.  RE-ROUTE of the MENESETUNG TRAIL

WHEN:  For the foreseeable future
WHERE: The west end of the Menesetung Trail
The trail will no longer be accessible from the Sifto Loop. The new western access point is on the G2G (SEE THE MAP), and the rest of the trail eastward is unchanged.  The reason for the closure is due to erosion along the river, and slumping of the slope. New signs have been posted and blazes have been updated.