Our region has hundreds of kilometers of fine hiking trails, some local and others that are part of larger networks. The Grand Valley Trail is a marked footpath stretching about 275 km between Rock Point Provincial Park on Lake Erie, south of Dunnville to the town of Alton near Orangeville. It is located in the watershed of the Grand River. Parts of this trail also belong to the much larger Trans Canada Trail which stretches from coast to coast.
Highway 401 is the major roadway that runs the width of southern Ontario, from Windsor to the Quebec border. It is one of the widest and busiest highways in the world. Half of Canada's population lives along its corridor and that of Autoroute 20 which continues through to Quebec City.
The very first pedestrian bridge across the 401 was opened in our region on October 21 this year. It is part of the the Trans Canada trail system and the Grand Valley trail system and links two neighbouring cities near our large community college. I visited it the weekend it opened and walked a distance on the trail on either side of it. The first picture is of the Pioneer Tower which stands above the Grand River near Doon. The trail passes this picturesque spot and continues to the college and the pedestrian bridge. It then follows a road that leads to the village of Blair where this sheave tower stands (see previous post). The Sheave Tower is even more striking with a background of fall colours.
The trail is linear so it is best not to get carried away and walk too far from your vehicle. (My daughters remember a spring day we walked and walked and the return to the car was long, unhappy and blister-producing!) These trails are well groomed and biking would be a great option to cover more territory. I really have to look into getting a bike rack for my vehicle.
The motorists will continue to fill the highway, but hikers now have a safe route above the traffic as they take time to enjoy a leisurely tour of the region.
That is neat that there are walking trails to connect these areas, but I can imagine they are long to walk. :c)
ReplyDeleteWe have a little section of the TC Trail near us, but after it stops, I don't know where it goes. I think there's a big interruption before it picks up again.
ReplyDeleteI love to walk and enjoy exploring all kinds of trails-marked and unmarked.Looks like you have some good ones.
ReplyDeleteThat pedestrian bridge is just wonderful - the most I've seen out here are rather ugly cement "runways".
ReplyDeleteI find myself wondering further than I should be! LOL great post!
ReplyDeleteJayne- I do like long walks but it is easy to go too far on a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteAC- There are a number of gaps in the TC trail awaiting "sponsers". But I think overall, it is an extensive network of trails.
Larry- You seem to be a good walker. Unmarked trails are interesting for sure. I like the narrow footpaths I find off the main track.
Jean- You are right. This bridge is aesthetically pleasing for a structure that had to be completely enclosed.
Monarch- I keep wandering farther than I should on my lunch hour. Then I rush back to work flushed and out of breath.
That's a nice trail system, Ruth, and very convenient that you can take a little walk during your lunch break. I can see where it would be easy to go too far and then have to rush back!
ReplyDeleteThe top and bottom pics look like paintings - beautiful! Must be a wonderful place.
ReplyDeleteRuthie- Working half days would be perfect for me! At least that is what I always say when I have to return from a noon hour walk.
ReplyDeleteLaura- The Pioneer Tower and the Sheave Tower are favourite subjects of local artists and photographers. It is a beautiful trail.