Hiking and Cycling
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The County of Brant trail system runs through the Grand River Valley, the largest watershed in southern Ontario. The County has one of the most beautiful and conveniently connected trail systems winding through the only tract of Carolinian Forest found in Canada.
Hiking trails
Cambridge-to-Paris Rail Trail - 18 km
The Cambridge-to-Paris Rail Trail follows the old railbed of the Lake Erie and Northern Railway between Cambridge and Paris. The trail follows the Grand River through Carolinian forest with spectacular river overlooks en route. The trail is level, finished with fine gravel and provides an easy path for cyclists and hikers. Food and washrooms are available in Cambridge, Glen Morris and Paris.
Grand Valley Trail - 275 km
The main Grand Valley Trail is a marked footpath stretching about 275 km between Port Maitland on Lake Erie, south of Dunnville to the town of Alton near Orangeville. You can identify the main Grand Valley Trail by the white blazes about 5 cm wide by 15 cm high.
Newport Bridge to Tutela Heights
The north part of the loop reaches 7 km up to Cainsville; the south part another 7 km down to the Newport Bridge.
Paris to Glen Morris
View the Town of Paris from the heights of the SC Johnson section of the trail.
TH and B Trail - 14 km
The TH and B Trail was developed on the former trail bed of the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo rail line. Travel the trail from Brantford to Port Dover (45.5 km). This section of Trans Canada Trail joins the Waterford Heritage Trail (18 km) and Norfolk Sunrise Trail (3.75 km) to the final 10 km along the Lynn Valley Trail to complete the link to Port Dover.
LE and N Trail
This trail follows the path of the former LE and N Electric Rail Car route that travelled from Galt, through Brantford and Mt. Pleasant to Port Dover. The stone dust trail travels through the City of Brantford ending at the back of the Mount Pleasant Nature Park.
Cycling routes
Cainsville to Onondaga Route – 7.7km
An on-road journey from the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail beginning at Papple Rd and ending in Onondaga. The route travels through picturesque farmland, across Fairchild Creek to the village of Onondaga on the Grand River, next to the Six Nations Reserve. From Papple Rd turn East on Colborne St E. Head South on Brant School Rd to Old Onondaga Rd E. Turn left to make your way towards HWY #54. Cross HWY#54 onto Brantford St. where you can connect to the Grand Valley Trail at Front St.
Grand River Loop Signature Cycling Experience – 56 km
Experience all the splendor of Brant through this 56km cycling loop that visits the scenic Grand River shores and weaves through downtown Paris and through the City of Brantford. This route is paved with segments of unpaved trails.
Paris - Ayr Loop – 33-35 km
Start/End: Downtown Paris
The route travels parallel to the east bank of the Grand River before crossing it in Glen Morris and looping back to Paris. Head East on William St towards Willow St./East River Rd. Turn left and make your way to Glen Morris via East River Rd. Take a left on Glen Morris Rd W until you reach Pinehurst Rd.
Option 1 (within the County): Cross Pinehurst Rd and head West, continuing on Brant/Waterloo Rd until Ayr Rd. Turn South on Ayr Rd until you reach Keg Lane/Silver St. Turn left and follow this road back to Grand River St N and travel South down the hill into downtown Paris.
Option 2 (extending to North Dumfries): Head North on Pinehurst Rd/Spragues Rd and turn left on Wrigley Rd taking you into Ayr. Turn left on Main St and take Swan Street South to return to Paris.
Paris / Falkland Loop – 22 km
Start/End: Paris Fairgrounds
A rural and urban mixed route. Head West on Silver St./Keg Lane to Brant-Oxford (Puttown Rd). Take a left and travel over the Nith River before turning East on King Edward St / Hwy #2. Follow #2 and turn onto Bishopsgate Rd. Turn left onto Bethel Rd, which will lead you to Rest Acres Rd. Head North on Rest Acres Rd over the 403 and past the Brant Sports Complex. Continue on the Rest Acres Rd multi-use pathway before taking a right on Hanlon Place. Turn right on King Edward St, a quick left on Dundas St W, followed by a quick right on Laurel St. Head down Laurel St (steep slope) and make a hairpin turn onto the Lion’s Park pathway heading back towards the Mechanic St Bridge. Dismount your bike to cross the bridge. Turn left on Broadway St W which takes you through downtown Paris. Continue straight to go over the train tracks. Turn left when you reach Silver St. to return to the Paris Fairgrounds.
Paris / Glen Morris Loop – 30 km
Start/End: Paris District High School
Head E on Paris Links Rd/Bendemere Rd and follow the west bank of the Grand River until you reach West Dumfries Rd. Follow West Dumfries Rd to Pinehurst Rd and go N past Pinehurst Conservation area, before heading E on Glen Morris Rd W, across the Grand River arriving into Glen Morris. Turn right on East River Rd followed by a right on Forbes St which will connect you to the Cambridge-Paris Rail Trail and back to Paris. Cross Willow St and take the downtown Paris connection at William St to get back to Grand River St N. Turn right and pass the many historic homes on Grand River St N, before arriving back to the high school.
St. George / Glen Morris Loop – 30 km
Start/End: St. George Municipal Parking Lot on High Street
A rolling route connecting to a gravel rail trail. Take High St to Brant Hwy #5. Proceed West on Brant Hwy #5, cross Hwy #24 and continue on Blue Lake Rd.
Option 1: Turn right onto East River Rd and continue to Glen Moris. Hop on the Cambridge-Paris Rail Trail at Forbes St in Glen Morris. Continue on the trail to Maple Manor Rd, near km marker 73 on the trail. Travel E to Cheese Factory Rd/St. George Rd and head South back to St. George.
Option 2: Navigate through the former rail corridor to Murray Outlook overlooking the Grand River. Continue towards Cambridge on the on the Cambridge-Paris Rail Trail, exiting the Trail at the same location as Option 1 to proceed back to St. George.
Outdoor Adventure Map
View our online Outdoor Adventure Map to view trails, cycling routes, parks and more.