A Guide To The Trails Of Oxford County

A Guide To The
Trails Of Oxford
County
24
8
TAVISTOCK
16
84
RD
FO
OX
EMBRO
RD
3
17
INGERSOLL
RG
WOODSTOCK
RD
9 Chesney Wilderness Area
10 John Lawson Park & Trail
13
19
H RD
McBET
10
11 Thomas Ingersoll Scenic
Trail, Ingersoll
NORWICH
18
VILLE
OTTER
27
12 Trillium Woods
ROAD
19
13 Lawson Tract
DEN L
CULLO
McLaughlin Way Trail
59
INE
14
14
15
20
TILLSONBURG
20
Conservation Area
5 Pittock
Husky Trail
6 Roth Park
8 Vansittart Woods
59
46
D2
7 The Pines
403
SW
13
2
E
BU
EA
3
HIP R
40
59
12
22
3 Millennium Trail System
4 Hickson Trail
S
TOWN
N
LI
10 11
12
8
6
401
M
IU
401
4
IP RD
L
IL
7
7
5
#17
4
TR
2
DRUMBO
H
33
2
29
S
TOWN
E
AD
22
LIN
6
RO
9
D #29
RD R
OXFO
RD
H
11T
E
119
INNERKIP
2 Embro Conservation Area
RD #
8
LIN
25
RD
OXFO
1
H
29T
28
5
59
D
DFOR
BLAN
T
PER
D
DR
FOR
X
H-O
1 Avon Trail
8
14 Veterans' Memorial Walkway,
and Kinsmen Participark Trail
Borden Crescent Trail and
15 Tillsonburg Golf Course Trails
21
Avon Trail
Avon Trail
The Avon Trail is a hiking trail that runs from St.
Mary’s to Conestogo. Providing a link between the
Thames Valley and Grand Valley trails, the Avon Trail
stretches approximately 104 km through scenic
countryside. A small section of the trail is in Oxford
County.
A detailed guide to Avon Trail can be purchased from
the contact address listed below.
19 km
Length:
Location:
The west end of the trail in Oxford County
starts at Wildwood Conservation Area.
Cross Hwy 7 & 19 at south end of
Wildwood Dam. The trail then skirts the
shore of Wildwood Lake. This portion of
the trail is also part of Wildwood
Conservation Area’s 18 km Loop Trail.
Further information may be obtained at
W.C.A.’s Visitor Centre, on the north side
of the Lake, near the Highway. Gate fees
are charged for day use and camping.
It exits Oxford County at the intersection
of Embro Road (Perth County Rd. 113)
and Fairview. At this point the trail goes
north up Perth County Rd. 113.
Contact:
The Avon Trail
Box 21148
Stratford, ON
N5A 7V4
Whole Hearted Living Tip
HARRINGTON
31ST LINE
29TH LINE
KE
Hiking
27TH LINE
LA
Trail Uses:
33RD LINE
PERTH-OXFORD ROAD
Easy – moderate
35TH LINE
TOWNSHIP OF PERTH SOUTH
Difficulty:
1
ROAD 96
11
OD
WO
LD
WI
25TH LINE
23RD LINE
Be active most,
if not all days of the week.
6
7
22 Embro Pond Conservation Area
This well-maintained trail is packed earth and
has wood chips on large sections. There are
several loops, so hikers can go as short or long a
distance as they desire. A great place for a family
picnic and hike.
Length:
2.4 km
Difficulty:
Easy, family
Facilities:
Parking, outdoor toilets,
picnic tables, picnic shelters
Trail Uses:
Walking, cross-country
skiing
Location:
County Road 6 north of
Embro, turn west onto Road
84.
Contact:
Upper Thames River
Conservation Authority
(519) 451-2800
Embro Conservation Area 22
4
D8
ROA
EMBRO
POND
Whole Hearted Living Tip
Walk, bike or ski!
Enjoy nature at its best!
8
9
Millennium Trail System, Woodstock 3
The Millennium Trail System includes trails developed by the City
of Woodstock, Woodstock Rotary Club, Woodstock Lions Club and
Youth Start and is maintained by the City. The trail follows the banks
of the Thames River, through mixed hardwood and softwood forests,
marshland and some retired agricultural areas, some of which are
slated for reforestation. Hikers may spot the occasional deer, beaver,
blue heron and other interesting wildlife. Black berries may be ripe
for the picking. Though the trails are not connected, they are in close
proximity to each other.
Length:
Rotary: 5.9 km,
Lions: 1.72 km,
Youth Start: 1.40km
Contact:
City of Woodstock (519) 539-2382 Ext 4101
SEH ST
TECUM
IVE
R
AM
ES
R
BULL
R
OXFO
D ST
TH
R
ER ST
Entrance
LIONS
T
DAS S
DUN
Y
HW
#2
YOUTH
START
ER ST
HUNT
D
Rotary Trail: North on Hwy 59. Immediately
after crossing the bridge over the tracks and
Thames River, turn left on to Tecumseh St.
(Oxford Rd. 48). The trail entrance is on the
right. The Roth Park Trail starts on the other side
of Tecumseh St., across from the Rotary Trail.
Another entrance is on the east side of the 11th
Line, ½ km north of Hwy 2.
Lions Trail: Take Hwy 2 (Dundas St.) to the
west end of Woodstock. Trail entrance is on the
north side of Hwy 2, 200 metres west of the
railway bridge. Another entrance is at Bexley and
Hunter streets, at the railway overpass
Youth Start Trail: Take Hwy 2 (Dundas St.) to
the west end of Woodstock. Trail entrance is on
the south side of Hwy 2, 60 metres east of the
railway bridge.
CP
Location:
OL
LR
Walking, cycling, cross-country skiing, dog
walking, snow shoeing (No Motorized Vehicles)
ST
Trail Uses:
GE
RS
Parking, outdoor toilets, benches
MAIN ST
IN
Facilities:
E
LIN
Easy
ROTH PARK
(see map 6)
H
11T
Difficulty:
ROTARY
Y
BEXLE
3 Millennium Trail System, Woodstock
Whole Hearted Living Tip
10
Cover up and use DEET to avoid
mosquito bites
See page 36 for more information
11
4
Hickson Trail
Once a piece of rail line from Stratford to Port
Dover, it was purchased by the Ministry of
Natural Resources. Now it is used by cyclists,
walkers, and birdwatchers. This trail goes from
Pittock Park Rd., north to Braemar Side Rd.
Length:
5.5 km
Difficulty:
AD
R S
A
AEM
BR
UD
M
K
EE
CR
City of Woodstock:
(519) 539-2382 ext 4101
Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources: (519) 773-9241
D
OA
R
RD
FO
#17
OX
E
LIN
1/2 Km east of Hwy #59, north of
Woodstock, on Pittock Park Rd. at
Frederick St., or County Rd. 17 or
County Rd. 33
H
13T
Location:
#33
FO
59
Walking, dog walking on leash,
bicycle, cross-country skiing.
RO
RD
OX
#
AY
HW
Trail Uses:
AD
HIG
Off road Parking at Braemar Side Rd
and Fredrick St. On road parking at
County Rd. 17 and County Rd. 33.
4
RO
IDE
Easy
Facilities:
Contact:
Hickson Trail
Y
USK
K/Hp 5)
C
TO ma
PIT (see
K
PAR
TH p 6)
ROee ma
CK
TO AD
(s
PITK RO
R
PA
MILLENNIUM
(see map 3)
Whole Hearted Living Tip
Walk with a friend or your family.
It’s more fun!
12
13
Pittock Conservation Area,
Husky Trail
Pittock Conservation Area has picnic and
overnight camping facilities on the north side of
Pittock Lake. The trail goes through a pine
plantation and then swings back, near the railway
tracks. The park is open from about the third
week in April until the week after Thanksgiving
in October
3
CPR
A Day Use Pass is required
from Pittock Conservation
Area to use the trail.
ROAD
Admission
SHIP
TOWN
Pittock Conservation Area:
(519)539-5088
59
Contact:
ROTH PARK
(see map 6)
Y
HW
TO
Pittock Conservation Area,
north side of Pittock Lake
(east of Hwy 59, north of
Woodstock)
D
FOR
OX
Location:
#17
Walking, cycling, (gates
closed in winter)
AD
RO
Trail Uses:
PI
Washrooms, picnic areas,
parking (summer only)
CK
Facilities:
TT
O
Easy, family
S
Difficulty:
4
IR
4-5 km
OX
5
O
Length:
OAD
DR
FOR
RE
Pittock Conservation Area,
Husky Trail
ER
V
5
Whole Hearted Living Tip
14
Wear appropriate clothing such as
layers in cool weather, a hat in
summer and reflective clothing at
night.
15
Easy, family
Facilities:
Parking, picnic tables, washrooms
(summer seasonal)
Trail Uses:
Walking, bicycle, cross-country
skiing, snow shoeing, dog walking
Location:
South side of Pittock Lake; take
Huron St. N. to the end, turn right
and drive to the parking lot
Contact:
City of Woodstock:
(519) 539-2382 Ext 4101
Upper Thames River Conservation
Authority (519) 539-5088 ext 21
Whole Hearted Living Tip
Drink cool water before starting out
and carry water with you.
16
AVE
E
NSHIR
DEVO
IR
KR
Difficulty:
ON
KS 4)
HICe map
(se
C
TO
PIT
6.75 km approx
LAN
O
RV
ESE
Length:
E
E AV
WN
SDO
CPR
Roth Park is on the south side of Pittock Lake. There
are picnic facilities and is home to the Woodstock
Rotary Dragon Boat. The trail is wide with hard packed
dirt and granular and provides a lovely view over the
lake. There are also side trails, which branch through a
pine plantation and go up and down some gentle
inclines. These side trails link back to the main trail. At
Lansdowne Ave.
The trail going west from Huron Street, goes by the
dam and then along the Thames River. A new section of
trail has been completed that allows the hiker to go
under the railway bridge and Hwy # 59 and arrive at
Tecumseh St. Across the street is the entrance to the
Millennium Trail System.
Roth Park, City of Woodstock 6
SKY
/HU
CK ap 5)
O
T
PIT (see m
6 Roth Park, City of Woodstock
T
ON S
HUR
9
Y #5
HW
MILLENNIUM
(see map 3)
17
Difficulty:
Challenging, difficult
Facilities:
Large parking area up the driveway.
Washrooms available further up the
driveway @ Flying Club.
Trail Uses:
Mountain Biking
Location:
Blandford-Blenheim Twp. Rd. 4 (north
side), 1 Km east of Oxford Rd. 4
Contact:
Woodstock Cycling Club:
519-539-3681
www.woodstockcyclingclub.ca
7
D4
These trails, through beautiful pine forest, are primarily
maintained for people who like a challenging cycling
experience, although easier trails are marked. The property is
owned by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and
leased by the Woodstock Cycling Club (W.C.C.) who construct
and maintain the trails. The area is partially fenced and access
is through the main gate only. More information and a map are
available at www.woodstockcyclingclub.ca and the parking
area.
Permitted Users:
1. - If you’re a member of an O.C.A. affiliated club (carry your
card with you when riding) and ride the Pines a couple of times
a year you’re OK.
2. - If the same as above but ride the Pines more frequently you
need to join the W.C.C. and get the trail sticker for your
bike/helmet (you will not pay for insurance portion twice).
3. - All other riders are taking their chances as the U.T.R.C.A.
will be doing random checks at the parking area and throughout
the trails just as they do at Fanshawe Lake in London. Riders
found in the Pines without proper membership card or W.C.C.
sticker may be subject of a fine of under the “trespass to property
act”.
Length:
Red Trail - approx.10 km.
Black Trail (technical add on loops) approx.13 km.
The Pines
P ROA
NSHI
W
O
T
The Pines
7
Whole Hearted Living Tip
18
Second-hand smoke, in any amount,
is harmful to your health.
19
Parking
Trail Uses:
Off-trail snow-shoeing, cross
country skiing, walking, dog
walking
No motorized vehicles or
bicycles. No hunting.
Location:
Blandford Road, north of
Hwy #2. Located on the
west side just north of the
Highway 401 overpass.
Contact:
(519) 467-5468
Note:
Users must call ahead first
to obtain a permit to use
the trail.
OCK
ODST
D
ROA
Facilities:
3
ORD
NDF
Easy, family
ROAD
8
BLA
Difficulty:
SHIP
TOWN
1
The trail loops through hardwood and pine
forests. There is one long incline, but the rest is
relatively flat. It is hard packed earth. This is great
for cross-country skiing, although it is not
formally groomed. This is an outdoor education
centre for the students of the Thames Valley
District School Board. The public is welcome to
use the trails, but are asked to contact the centre
first and obtain a permit for trail use.
Length:
4.2 km
Vansittart Woods
40
Vansittart Woods
HI
GH
W
AY
8
SHIP
TOWN
ROAD
2
O
TO W
Whole Hearted Living Tip
Start with five minutes of light
activity before stretching.
22
23
9
Chesney Wilderness Area
Chesney Wilderness Area
The trail starts on a long wide grassy lane,
which goes into a mature hardwood bush. It then
goes into an array of vegetation: pine, cedar,
wetland and field. There is one steeper hill, but
is not overly difficult. A wonderful hike,
particularly in its autumn glory.
Facilities:
Parking
Trail Uses:
Walking, cross-country
skiing
Location:
Oxford Rd. 29 (north side),
just west of Oxford Rd. 22
Contact:
Grand River Conservation
Authority:
(519) 621-3697
D 29
D ROA
ERKIP
R
OXFO
D 22
Easy to moderate
ROA
Difficulty:
8
ORD
4 km
ROAD
OXF
Length:
SHIP
TOWN
9
N
TO IN
Whole Hearted Living Tip
24
Choose Your Own Speed.
Walk at a pace that suits you.
Enjoy your walk!
25
10 John Lawson Park & Trail, Ingersoll
This wide easy trail follows the south side of
the Thames River. It includes many internal
loops. The Park is naturalized, which provides
walkers with the joy of seeing a variety of
vegetation and the opportunity to do some bird
watching.
Length:
2.75 km
Difficulty:
Easy, family
Facilities:
Parking, benches
Trail Uses:
Walking, dog walking (on
leash), cycling, cross-country
skiing, snow shoeing
Location:
Accessed from Charles St.
West, at the bottom of Wonham
St. South, Ingersoll
AM
ST
H
ON
W
S
ST
TT
RI
ER
M
ST
W
ST
BO
AR
G
IN
ST
T
HI
W
R
CP
KI
NG
ST
W
CH
T
DS
AN
cKE
CN
ME
THA
ER
S RIV
M
R
Ingersoll Recreational Trail
Committee:
(519)425-1181
ND
LE
S
Contact:
John Lawson Park & Trail, Ingersoll 10
Whole Hearted Living Tip
Show you care.....
Choose smoke-free air
26
27
CANTERBURY ST
EL
N
W
ST
ST
IN
L
EL
W
N
LI
EL
Ingersoll Recreation Trail
Committee: (519) 425-1181
GS
KIN
T
Contact:
ON
T
G
N
1. Ingersoll Cheese Museum,
Plank Line
2. Wellington St (west side),
north of Victoria Community
Centre
SO
Location:
TO
G
Walking, dog-walking, cycling,
cross-county skiing,
E
AV
Trail Uses:
N
Parking
ST
Facilities:
L
(P
LL
Easy, family, wheelchair
N
LI
T
Difficulty:
K
AN
SS
2.5 km
ST
AR
H
E)
HA
Length:
S
RI
NI
This trail extends from the Cheese Museum on
Plank Line to the Gazebo in downtown Ingersoll.
Trail users will go through Centennial Park, walk
by the Creative Arts Centre and Victoria Park
Community Centre, enjoy the beauty of Smiths
Pond, enter Memorial Park and be able to relax in
the Gazebo at the end of the trail. Trail maps are
posted in the Gazebo and at the Canterbury St.
entrance to Smith’s Pond.
Thomas Ingersoll Scenic Trail, Ingersoll 11
TU
11 Thomas Ingersoll Scenic Trail, Ingersoll
T
SS
ME
A
TH
Whole Hearted Living Tip
28
Be Sun Safe
Wear a hat with a brim
Use sunscreen
Cover up
29
12
Trillium Woods
Trillium Woods
12
This wide, well-maintained trail is a single loop
through a mature maple sugar bush. It is a
pleasant walk for the whole family. This
delightful trail is located across the street from
Jakeman’s Maple Products.
Parking
Trail Uses:
Walking, cross-country
skiing
Location:
Trillium Line, west of Village
of Sweaburg,
1/2 km north of Sweaburg
Road
M
Facilities:
U
Easy, family, wheelchair
LI
Difficulty:
IL
1 km
TR
Length:
LI
E
N
Contact:
RG
U
AB
E
Port Burwell Provincial Park
(519) 874-4691
TO
SW
AD
RG
Whole Hearted Living Tip
Choose comfortable shoes for
walking. Shoes should be flexible
with roomy toes, have non-slip soles
and have good support at the heels.
30
RO
U
AB
E
SW
31
Lawson Tract
13
Lawson Tract
13
The public is encouraged to use the Tract for passive
recreation and nature appreciation. In a grassy, treeless
area of about one hectare, the Ingersoll Nature Club, in
cooperation with the Upper Thames River Conservation
Authority, undertook a wetlands creation project.
Ongoing maintenance of trails, the picnic area and bird
feeding stations provide club members with opportunities
to regularly support our stewardship responsibilities,
along with the compilation of natural history information.
Lawson Tract is in a mixed wood, which provides hikers
with the joy of seeing a variety of vegetation and the
opportunity to do some bird watching. There is one
steeper hill, but generally the terrain is easy-going. The
trail is wide and well-maintained. There can be wet spots
in the spring or if there has been a lot of rain. It is a great
hiking area. Please remember when walking your dog to
have it on a leash and to clean up after it.
2 km
Difficulty:
Easy to moderate, family
Facilities:
Parking, picnic tables, outdoor
toilets
Trail Uses:
Walking, dog walking,
cross-country skiing,
snowshoeing
Location:
Contact:
McBeth Road, 1km east of
Culloden Line
(Approx. 8 km south of Ingersoll)
Ingersoll Nature Club,
www.ingersollnature.ca
Whole Hearted Living Tip
L
ERSOL
NE
TO ING
DEN LI
CULLO
Length:
AD
TH RO
McBE
In winter, be aware of the
wind-chill factor.
32
33
Veterans' Memorial Walkway (Trans Canada Trail),
14 Kinsmen Participark Trail and Mc Laughlin Way Trail
12
Veterans' Memorial Walkway (Trans Canada Trail),
14
Kinsmen Participark Trail and Mc Laughlin Way Trail
The Mc Laughlin Way Trail starts behind the Lake Lisgar Waterpark
and extends to Lisgar Avenue. The trail will be extended in the future to
continue to Hardy Avenue and Lisgar Drive. The trail offers beautiful
views of Lake Lisgar with well placed benches for a rest.
The Veterans’ Memorial Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail
was renamed on July 1, 2006 and starts at Bridge and Rolph Street and
ends at Quarterline Road. The trailhead is landscaped with a large
limestone marker, gardens and benches. Parking is located across the road
from the trailhead. The Trans Canada Trail continues along Quarterline
Road south to Newell Road and south on Bayham Drive to Highway #3.
The Kinsmen Participark Trail runs through a picturesque river ravine
in the heart of Tillsonburg with access to Washington Grand Ave. and
Baldwin St. at the end of the trail.
Parking is located on site at the Concession St. entrance with a new
accessible entrance added to the Park. Picnic tables and benches as well
as a swing set are located in the park.
Town of Tillsonburg
519-688-3009 or visit
www.tillsonburg.ca
AVE
Contact:
R
LISGA
McLaughlin Way Trail: Parking on Park Street or at the
Tillsonburg Community Centre
Veterans' Memorial Walkway: Parking available at Bridge
and Rolph Street entrance
Kinsmen Participark: Parking available at Concession
Street entrance.
ST
Location:
H
Walking, Cross Country Skiing
LP
Trail Uses:
KINSMEN
PARTICIPARK
RO
Parking, benches, shopping near trailhead, picnic tables and
swing set.
N ST
ESSIO
CONC
E RD
Facilities:
AY
DW
McLaughlin Way Trail: Flat terrain with a limestone surface
Veterans' Memorial Walkway: Flat terrain with a paved
pathway on Veterans’ Walkway to Quarterline Road
Kinsmen Participark Trail: Flat terrain with a limestone
pathway
OA
Difficulty:
BR
McLaughlin Way Trail: 1 km
Veterans' Memorial Walkway: 3.6 km
Kinsmen Participark Trail: 1.2 km
N
TERLI
QUAR
Length:
McLAUGHLIN
WAY
GE
ST
ID
BR
VETERAN’S
MEMORIAL WALKWAY
IN
DW
L
BA
ST
BORDEN
CRESCENT
(see map 15)
Whole Hearted Living Tip
34
Reduce your risk for chronic
disease. Make healthy choices:
Be physically active,
Be smoke-free,
Eat a lower fat diet.
35
15
13
Borden Crescent Trail and
Tillsonburg Golf Course Trails
Borden Crescent: 1 km
Tillsonburg Golf Course: 5 km
Difficulty:
Borden Crescent: Gently sloping terrain with a gravel and
sand pathway until John Pound Road
Tillsonburg Golf Course: Easy
Facilities:
Borden Crescent: N/A
Tillsonburg Golf Course: Picnic tables and pavilion at
trail head
Trail Uses: Walking, Cross Country Skiing
Location:
Borden Crescent: John Pound Road and Borden Crescent
Tillsonburg Golf Course: Access at Coronation Park
Contact:
Borden Crescent:Town of Tillsonburg (519) 688-3009 or
visit www.tillsonburg.ca
Tillsonburg Golf Course: Rick Pero at (519) 842-4822 or
Kelly Batt at (519) 688-3009 x 4232
AY
DW
OA
Length:
15
BR
At the south end of Participark the trail goes up on to Baldwin St.
and goes a short distance, west on Baldwin St.. The trail continues
south off Baldwin St. to Border Cres. and John Pound Rd. It then
follows the south side of John Pound Rd. to Mabee’s Sideroad and
connects with Highway #3. There is a small secondary trail on land
owned by the Tripp family at the beginning of the trail. This area is
more challenging to traverse than most trails in the system.
The Tillsonburg Golf and Country Club along with the Town of
Tillsonburg is pleased to announce the opening of an expanded
eighteen hole golf facility and 5 kilometres of trails for the 2009
season. The major trail head located in Coronation Park will provide
full access to all trails. This scenic 2.8 metre wide trail will be
constructed of limestone screenings and asphalt in certain sections.
For more information on this project please contact Rick Pero at (519)
842-4822 or Kelly Batt at (519) 688-3009 x 4232.
Borden Crescent Trail and
Tillsonburg Golf Course Trails
KINSMEN
PARTICIPARK
(see map 14)
IN
BA
W
LD
ST
BORDEN
CRESCENT
JOHN
POUND RD
TILLSONBURG
GOLF COURSE
#3
WAY
HIGH
Whole Hearted Living Tip
Eat at least one dark green and one
orange vegetable each day.
36
37