Upcoming Events – Maitland Trail Association

Please remember….

register for all hikes and bike rides
every participant will need to have completed our annual online waiver before participating in one of our scheduled events
Be prepared to show proof of signing the waiver (carry the wallet card with you)
Helmets are required for all bike rides
Be prepared for rain or sunshine 🙂

——- Click here to sign our online waiver for 2023. ——-

HIKING
(scroll down to see the list of biking opportunities)

APRIL

Saturday April 15, 10am
Where: Falls Reserve Conservation Area.
Meet in Benmiller by the bridge and walk this lovely trail along the Maitland River. Be prepared for a few hills and ensure you wear sturdy footwear and bring water.
Rating: Level 2-3, leisurely paced hike, approximately 2 hrs
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance please contact Gena Lowe genalowe24 [at] gmail.com

Sunday April 16, 9am
Where: Boundary Bridge to Auburn Bridge.
Start at the Boundary Bridge, and end at the south-west end of the Auburn Bridge and end of the trail. Easy terrain – dress for the weather wearing proper footwear.
Rating: Level 2 hike, leisurely pace, 3.5 hours.
Registration: For car shuttle arrangements and to confirm your attendance, please contact Sally Brodie at sallyjbrodie [at] gmail.com.

Saturday April 22, 9am (incorrectly noted originally as Sat.23rd)
Where: This is a private property near Dublin – 7277 Highway 8.
Walk through this delightful property of farm fields, across the railway tracks and back to the bush and a cabin. The walk takes you along the Bayfield River and up through the bush of old growth and recently planted bush.
Rating: This is a Level 1, easy pace, 1.5 – 2 hours.
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Anne Melady at jamelady [at] hotmail.com

Saturday April 29, 10am
Where: Millennium Trail in the Town of Goderich. This is a lovely trail in Goderich with some hills and water to navigate. You will need to provide your contact information as the type of hike and exact starting location is weather dependent.
Rating: This is a Level 2 hike, leisurely pace, 1.5 hours.
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance please call or text Hugh McGregor at 519 955-6318.

MAY

Saturday May 6th, 9am
The secret to well-being? A Meditative Walk in the Woods!
Walking mindfully, our experience of walking trails we know well changes. Pause and explore Mindfulness Techniques, Walking Meditation and Forest Therapy. Designed for those who want the benefits of meditation but prefer to move! Dress warmer than usual as we will be moving slowly, please leave your pets at home (dogs are already very Zen!).
Where: Naftel’s Creek, Hwy 21, Central Huron
Rating: This is a Level 1, easy pace, 1.5 hours.
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Janie van Essen via email jvanessen [at] hotmail.com.

Saturday May 6, 1:30pm
Where: Lobb’s Trail.
Come out to discover the early wildflowers that decorate the woods before the leafy canopy obscures the sunlight. This kind of walk tends to be slower than most hikes because of the frequent pauses to view and help each other identify the blossoms – but a photographer’s paradise. The variety and quality of these gems may vary depending on what the weatherman has provided up to this date. Lots of scenery, forest and riverfront, a couple of inclines on this private property near Holmesville. Remember your water/juice, hat and camera.
Rating: This is a Level 2, leisurely pace, 1.5 hours.
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Faye Ribey at 519 524-2070 or fribey [at] hurontel.on.ca

Saturday May 13, 9am
Where: Bishop’s Road to Cherrydale.
Come out and enjoy a leisurely hike from 37153 Bishop’s Road to rest/outhouse area near Cherrydale, and return for coffee afterwards on riverside deck. Note: some hills on trail.
Rating: This is a Level 1-2, leisurely pace, 2.5 hours
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact George Cantin at streamsideinc [at] gmail.com or 519 871-1686.

Thursday May 18th, 6:30pm
Where: Bird Lovers mark your calendars for a slow bird watching walk.
Meet at the big rock, North Harbour Road. Bring binoculars so you don’t miss out on spotting the birds.
Rating: This is a Level 1, slow pace, 1.5 – 2 hours.
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Roger Goddard at 519 612-1236 or rggsmg [at] hurontel.on.ca.

Thursday May 25th, 6:30pm
Where: Bird Lovers mark your calendars for a slow bird watching walk.
Meet at the big rock, North Harbour Road. Bring binoculars so you don’t miss out on spotting the birds.
Rating: This is a Level 1, slow pace, 1.5 – 2 hours.
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Roger Goddard at 519 612-1236 or rggsmg [at] hurontel.on.ca.

JUNE

Saturday June 3rd, 9am
The secret to well-being? A Meditative Walk in the Woods!
Walking mindfully, our experience of walking trails we know well changes. Pause and explore Mindfulness Techniques, Walking Meditation and Forest Therapy. Designed for those who want the benefits of meditation but prefer to move! Dress warmer than usual as we will be moving slowly, please leave your pets at home (dogs are already very Zen!).
Where: This hike is at the Maitland Woods, meet at the Knights of Columbus Parking Lot, 390 Parson’s Court, Goderich.
Rating: This is a Level 1, easy pace, 1.5 hours.
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Janie van Essen via email jvanessen [at] hotmail.com. Please register and sign the online waiver at the MTA website before coming on this hike.

Saturday, June 10, 9am
Where: This is a private property near Dublin – 7277 Highway 8
Walk through this delightful property of farm fields, across the railway tracks and back to the bush and a cabin. The walk takes you along the Bayfield River and up through the bush of old growth and recently planted bush.
Rating: This is a Level 1, easy pace, 1.5 – 2 hours.
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Anne Melady at jamelady [at] hotmail.com.

Saturday June 17, 10am
Where: Bishop’s Road to Cherrydale
Come out and enjoy a leisurely hike from 37153 Bishop’s Road to rest/outhouse area near Cherrydale, and return for coffee afterwards on riverside deck.
Note: some hills on trail.
Rating: This is a Level 1-2, leisurely pace, 2.5 hours.
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact George Cantin at streamsideinc [at] gmail.com or 519 871-1686.

JULY

Sunday July 9, 10am
Where: Hike part of the Maitland Trail from the end of the trail at Auburn and then loop back to the starting point. Easy terrain, bring plenty of water.
Rating: This is a Level 1, moderately pace, 1.5 – 2 hours.
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Paula Deering at paula_deering [at] hotmail.com.

Sunday, July 16, 9:30 am
Where: Hike part of the Maitland Trail from River Line to Sharpes Creek Line. Meet at 80918 on Sharpes Creek Line to carpool to River Line.
Note: this hike has 3 significant hills to climb.
Rating: This is a Level 2, moderate pace, 2 hours.
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99 [at] gmail.com.

Saturday July 29, 9:30am
Where: Hike part of the Maitland Trail from Cherrydale to Sharpes Creek Line.
Meet at Bishops Road on Sharpes Creek Line to carpool to Cherrydale Road.
Rating: This is a Level 2, moderate pace, 2.5 hours.
Registration: For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99 [at] gmail.com.

BIKING (7 opportunities!!)

MAY

1. Saturday May 6, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Point Farms Provincial Park
Start the season with Point Farms. Good for beginners as a variety of trails and real easy off trail paths. Can easily spend 1 1/2 to two hours depending on energy of the group
Ride Details: Start at front entrance to Point Farms Provincial Park 82491 Bluewater Highway (Hwy #21)
Difficulty: Beginner, combination of paved roads, gravel roads and hard packed dirt paths. Can coast down to the beach on paved road and walk the bike back up a dirt path. The one path has a few roots to go over or walk the bike over.
Average speed 10 kph. The distance is approximately 10 kms but can keep exploring depending on time remaining. After an hour plan on a rest stop or sooner as needed or to view the lake scenery
Highlights: Mostly shaded trails, spectacular views of the lake, roads and paths fairly level.
Important: for all bike rides waivers must be signed on the MTA website before commencing the ride. Helmets are a must and be prepared for the weather, rain or shine and bring water to each ride.
Registration: For more information and to register for this event, please contact Donald Andrew at 519 530-9019 call or text.

2. Saturday May 13, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Menesetung bridge in Goderich to Maitland River at Auburn G2G trail
Ride Details: Start at Menesetung Bridge at Goderich and bike to Maitland River near Auburn and then return. Meet at parking area at Menesetung Bridge on North Harbour Road W, Goderich
Difficulty: Beginner, crushed gravel trail, Average speed 10 kph, bring water. The distance is 12.5 kms one way. After a rest then head back to the start
Highlights: Mostly shaded trail with fall colors, a bridge over Maitland River and bridge over a creek, trip back has nice gentle downslope towards Goderich.
Important: for all bike rides waivers must be signed on the MTA website before commencing the ride. Helmets are a must and be prepared for the weather, rain or shine and bring water to each ride.
Registration: For more information and to register for this event, please contact Donald Andrew at 519 530-9019 call or text.

3. Saturday May 27, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Auburn to Blyth on G2G Rail Trail
Ride Details: Start at 113 km to Guelph marker at Auburn. Go to parking area at south end of Hardwood Line. From Main Street (Goderich Street) of Auburn turn south on Hardwood Line go past Auburn Park to end of the road at the G2G Trail
Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate, crushed gravel trail, two parts of trail to walk the bike down and up a steep incline
Average speed 10 kph. The distance is 10 kms one way and after a rest then head back to the start to the start. However, can add 7 km when back to vehicles by going west to the Maitland River and back, depending on interest.
Optional off trail track along the creek in Blyth for a short distance and another option back at the start to go 3.3 km on G2G to the Maitland River.
Highlights: Mostly shaded trail with fall colors, a bridge over a creek, then the unique train tunnel and bridge in Blyth.
Important: for all bike rides waivers must be signed on the MTA website before commencing the ride. Helmets are a must and be prepared for the weather, rain or shine and bring water to each ride.
Registration: For more information and to register for this event, please contact Donald Andrew at 519 530-9019 call or text.

JUNE

4. Sunday June 11, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Blyth to McNabb Line on G2G Rail Trail
Ride Details: Start at Blyth and go to McNabb Line then return
Meet at parking area at Blyth Greenway Trail which is off of Hwy 4 by the bridge in Blyth
Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate (due to distance and endurance), crushed gravel trail. Will rest when needed.
Average speed 12 kph, bring water. The distance is 18 kms one way or 36 km return. After a rest then head back to the start. If speed is faster can extend the distance before we head back.
Important: for all bike rides waivers must be signed on the MTA website before commencing the ride. Helmets are a must and be prepared for the weather, rain or shine and bring water to each ride.
Registration: For more information and to register for this event, please contact Sally Brodie at 226-378-1648 call or text.

5. Sunday June 25, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Point Clark Lighthouse to End of Bruce Beach Road
Ride Details: Start at Point Clark lighthouse and ride along the beach roads to the end of Bruce Beach Road and then return to the Lighthouse.
Meet at parking area at Point Clark Lighthouse
Difficulty: Beginner, crushed gravel, some pavement, some off road trails.
Average speed 12 kph, bring water. The distance is approximately 17 kms one way. After a rest then head back to the start.
Highlights: Views of the lake and fascinating cottages/homes
Important: for all bike rides waivers must be signed on the MTA website before commencing the ride. Helmets are a must and be prepared for the weather, rain or shine and bring water to each ride.
Registration: For more information and to register for this event, please contact Sally Brodie at 226-378-1648 call or text.

JULY

6. Saturday July 8, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Naftel Creek Conservation area
Ride Details: Start at parking lot of Naftel Creek Conservation Area south of Goderich on Bluewater Hwy 21 (Hwy #21)
Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate, some small hills, forest double wide paths. The distance is approximately 8 kms but can keep exploring depending on time remaining.
Highlights: The forest
Important: for all bike rides waivers must be signed on the MTA website before commencing the ride. Helmets are a must and be prepared for the weather, rain or shine and bring water to each ride.
Registration: For more information and to register for this event, please contact Donald Andrew at 519 530-9019 call or text.

7. Saturday July 22, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Lockhart Street to Hay Lake Road north of Lucknow
Ride Details: Almost no traffic side roads. Start at corner of Grey Ox Avenue and Lockhart Street. Bike north to Kairshea Avenue then on paved road for two kms to Walkers Line then north to Hay Lake Road. One way is about 13 kms
Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate, some hills, some loose gravel and wet areas, maybe.
The distance is approximately 8 kms but can keep exploring depending on time remaining.
Highlights: Quiet country roads with virtually no traffic, horse and buggy, treelined roads.
Important: for all bike rides waivers must be signed on the MTA website before commencing the ride. Helmets are a must and be prepared for the weather, rain or shine and bring water to each ride.
Registration: For more information and to register for this event, please contact Donald Andrew at 519 530-9019 call or text.

Instructions for Joining MTA Events:

Pre-register with the Event Leader as conditions may change up until the day before.
Sign our online waiver for 2023 events
Please follow the current Public Health Ontario requirements such as avoiding unnecessary travel.
Event Leaders will ensure that health recommendations are followed at all times, e.g. social distancing and mask wearing.

Terrain Rating:

Level 1: Well defined trails, gentle inclines. Good walking shoes recommended.

Level 2: May be hilly, some rough spots or obstacles. Boots recommended.

Level 3: Rough terrain, steep sections, long climbs and descents, beaver dams or other obstacles, rock scrambling. Boots required. Fit, experienced hikers only. Long pants & sleeves recommended.

Hike Speeds:

Leisurely: 2-3km/hr

Moderate: 3-4km/hr

Brisk: +5km/hr

A Reminder:

Click here to sign our online waiver for 2023.

All participants of any MTA activity are required to sign a waiver which states:

I acknowledge that Maitland Trail Association activities, in which I am participating, and may include but are not limited to any or all of activities such as hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, cycling, trail work, and/or trail-related maintenance, involve risks that are beyond the control of the Association. Notwithstanding the acknowledgement of such risks, I hereby release the Maitland Trail Association, Hike Ontario, and their contractors, employees, volunteers, agents, assigns and executors from all claims for the damage howeverso arising as a result of my participation in any activity organized by the Association.

I agree to pay the costs of any emergency evacuation of my person or belongings that may be necessary.

While participating in MTA activities, I agree to follow the directions of the MTA organizer(s).

I affirm that prior to participation, I will be aware of the nature of each activity, its distance, duration and degree of difficulty, and that I will be properly equipped and physically able to participate.

I have no medical or other conditions that might preclude my participation. I am not known to have or suspected of having COVID-19, nor am I in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, prior to participating. If, at any time during the year for which this waiver applies, my condition changes or I am in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, I will refrain from participating in any MTA activities until I am cleared to do so by the Provincial Public Health Unit.

By selecting ‘Yes’ below, I am confirming voluntarily that I have read this document, that I fully understand its effect, and that I am at least 18 years old. Each adult accepts full responsibility for all persons under 18 that may be in their care. I understand that this document must be properly completed before I will be allowed to participate in MTA activities.