Upcoming Hikes 2018
You are welcome to join any of the following hikes but you do so at your own risk.
Please consider joining and supporting an hiking organization such as the
Grand Valley Trails Association, the
Avon Trail, the
Guelph Hiking Club, the
Bruce Trail Conservancy, the
Thames Valley Hiking Association, and the
Elgin Hiking Trail Club. See
Hike Ontario and the
Ontario Trails Council for other suggestions.
Smoking is not permitted on hikes.
Dogs are not allowed on most hikes unless otherwise stated.
Hikes usually proceed "rain or shine". Exceptions would be if there is severe weather with road closures or imminent lightning storms.
Note that it states "Depart at ..." in each description. That means you must be at the designated meeting place well ahead of time.
Some hikes are loops while others are linear. Linear hikes require a car shuttle at the start of the hike and at the end of the hike. If it is a car shuttle hike, we usually meet at the end point.
Come prepared to participate in the car shuttle and ensure there are at least two to three empty seats in your car. Also, you need room in the car trunk for back packs, etc.
Some of these hikes may be offered through a hiking organization in which case you must be prepared to sign a "Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk" form before the hike starts.
Hike Rating
To help you decide if a hike is suitable for you, I tend to use a hike rating system similar to that used by organizations such as the Bruce Trail Conservancy, Hike Ontario and the Grand Valley Trails Association. There are three aspects that describe or rate the hike.
Pace (or Speed)
Leisurely = less than 2 km/h Slow = 2 to 3 km/h
Moderate = 3 to 4 km/h Fast = 5 km/h or greater
Level of Difficulty (LOD)/Terrain
Easy or Level 1 – Well–defined trails, gentle inclines. Hiking boots not required, but trails may be wet. Is suitable for beginners. This level is recommended for newcomers
if the distance is suitable.
Normal or Level 2 – Generally on trail. May be hilly, light bush whacking, some rough spots or obstacles. Sturdy hiking boots are necessary.
Strenuous or Level 3 – Rough terrain with one or more of the following: extensive bushwhacking, steep sections, long climbs and descents, beaver dams,
rock scrambling or other obstacles. Boots, Level 2 experience, and a high level of fitness essential. Long pants and sleeves recommended.
Distance
Distance is stated in kilometres (km). [1 kilometre = 0.621371192 mile].
Thursday, June 07, 2018 - Hwy 7 to Ebycrest Rd & Back, Grand Valley Trail. Level 2. Pace: 3-4 km/h. ~10 km
Leaders: Jamie & Jan. Depart at 9:00 a.m. from the Walter Bean, Peter Hallman Family Trail parking lot at
Kolb Park located at the east end of Centennial Court, Kitchener
(43.476276,
-80.426746). We will walk the GVT to Ebycrest Road (near Rosendale) & back. South of
Bridge Street the GVT meets Rosendale Creek (43.480700,
-80.442330).
This is the area where the new Hwy 7 will bisect & pass over the GVT.
Sturdy hiking boots are a must & trekking pole(s) suggested. Bring
water, snack(s), sunscreen, insect repellent (or equivalent) & camera.
Directions (Google
Maps):
From the traffic light at the intersection of Ebycrest Rd & Victoria St North (Hwy 7) follow Hwy 7 into Kitchener,
keep in the left lane, about 0.7 km after crossing the Grand River turn left on Centennial Road & left on Centennial Court. Check here for any last-minute changes.
Saturday, June 09, 2018 - Pinnacle Hill-Upper Doon
Loop, Kitchener. Level 2/3. Pace: 2-3 km/h. 10 km
Leader: Jamie. Depart at 10:00 a.m. from the
Walter Bean Grand River Trail parking lot at the
intersection of Homer Watson Blvd & Doon South Dr
(43.389818, -80.421629).
This walk takes us to great heights in the Pinnacle Hill
Natural Area, through Topper Woods, along community trails &
boardwalks in Doon Creek N.A. before circling back along old
Tilt Dr (closed & now a trail) on the eastern portion of the
Strasburg Creek drainage system and then into Upper Doon.
There will be hilly spots, so the pace will be slow to
moderate to accommodate the group. Wear sturdy hiking boots,
bring water and a snack. Check here for any last-minute changes.
Thursday, June 21, 2018 - Summer Solstice on the Grand Valley Trail. Level 2-3. Pace: 3-4 km/h. ~11 km
Leaders: Jamie & Jan. Depart at 9:00 a.m. from the parking lot at the Elora & District
Community Centre & Arena, 21 David St, Elora
(43.683083,
-80.435662). The hike requires a car shuttle. About half the cars will be left at the arena & we all proceed to the start of the hike in the other half of the cars. Be sure to have room in your vehicle
for at least two hikers. We hike from Woolwich-Pilkington Townline northward on the west side of the Grand River, near
Wilson Flats & pass through Elora Gorge before reaching Elora. Sturdy hiking boots are a must & trekking pole(s) suggested.
Bring water, snack(s)/lunch, sunscreen, insect repellent (or equivalent) & camera.
Driving directions [Google
Directions]: From West Montrose take Middlebrook Rd north
for about 11.5 km, straight across Wellington Rd 7 onto David Street &
the community centre is on the right. Check here for any last-minute changes.