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Hikes and other outdoor activities listed below represent some of the activities published in our newsletter, Trail Markings. If you are interested in hiking, and/or other volunteer opportunities, you are encouraged to join GVTA. If you join, you receive the complete listing of hikes and other outdoor activities and more. A membership application form is available for download via the Membership web page. We welcome new members so please join us and help to maintain the Grand Valley Trail, a community resource. NOTE: 
This maple leaf symbol beside a person's name denotes a certified hike leader - see "Working Toward Hike Leader Certification".
Levels 1 to 3 and Speed (e.g. moderate) - explanation
Thursday, June 3, 2010 – Mount Trashmore Walk & Hill Workout. Level 1/2, Moderate, ~ 9 km
Leader: Jamie . Join Jan and me on this urban loop walk along a combination of community trails & some sidewalks. At Mount Trashmore (McLennan Park) we will do "the hill" about 6 times but a couple of other options (e.g. Tim Horton's) will be available if you don't like hills. 
Then we regroup & return to the cars via a different trail. Leashed dogs are welcome and stoop/scoop/carry-out-the-poop applies. No smoking. Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are recommended (no sandals, etc.). Meet before 9:00 a.m. in the south east corner of the parking lot at the Canadian Tire store, 1400 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener (intersection of Ottawa St S & Fischer-Hallman Rd at the Sunrise Shopping Centre) [43.415939,-80.512689].
Saturday, June 5, 2010 – Lafarge Trail. Hike 1 of 2 Level 2: Moderate ~ 11 km
Leader: Sue .
Meet at 10:00 a.m. Travel east on Hwy 401 to exit 299, south on h\Hwy 6 to Concession Road 11 west, Gore Road, to park on Meddaugh Road, right angles to Gore Road. Celebrate International Trail Day hiking along an unique Carolinian area! This trail enters the Beverly Swamp on a boardwalk allowing exceptional views of native plant and animal life and great views following a steep climb. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen and bug repellent. See Lafarge Trail Brochure Page 1 | Page 2 (PDF) | Page 2 (PDF) | Lafarge Website at Hamilton Conservation Authority
Saturday, June 12, 2010 – Rim Park. Level 1: Moderate ~ 8 km
Leader: Ruth . Walk out-and-back on a paved portion of the Walter Bean Grand River Trail along the river at RIM Park. Meet for an 9:30 am start at the southeast corner of the RIM Park Sportsplex parking lot, 2001 University Ave., Waterloo. Hiking boots not needed. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Be prepared for bugs.
Saturday, June 12, 2010 – Guelph Trail E2E Hike 2 of 3 Gordon Street to Fourth Line and Sideroad # 30 Level 2: Moderate ~ 17 km
Leader: Jim . Meet at 9:00 a.m on Sideroad 30 immediately east of its intersection with Fourth Line. This point is one concession road east of 30 Side road and Guelph Line in the area south of the Village of Rockwood (Guelph Hiking Trail Handbook-Section Four-Radial Line Trail). Today we will continue our hike along the banks of the Eramosa River from the City of Guelph through the rolling countryside east of the city. This hike will commence the Radial Line Trail which at times will follow the old electric railway right of way that briefly connected Guelph and the City of Toronto from 1917-1931. This trail will meet the Bruce Trail at the village of Limehouse (we will be there at the end of day 3). Again, we will hike through cedar and maple forests and swamps and through the spring grounds that supply Guelph with most of its water via an aqueduct. We then enter the “spillway” valley of Blue Springs Creek, a stream rated by Environment Canada as having the finest water quality of any watercourse in Southern Ontario. Refreshments afterwards in the town of Acton.
Saturday, June 12, 2010 – Oak Ridges Trail E2E Hike 5 of 10. Level 3: Moderate ~ 23.5 km
Leaders: Arthur and Georgia .
Meet at 8:30 a.m. at 7th Concession, near Ball Road. The Oak Ridges Trail Association wesbite.
Sunday, June 13, 2010 – Oak Ridges Trail E2E Hike 6 of 10. Level 3: Moderate ~ 18.5 km
Leaders: Arthur and Georgia .
Meet at 8:30 a.m at Simcoe St. E and Coates Road N. The Oak Ridges Trail Association wesbite.
Thursday, June 17, 2010 – Cycling Brantford to Hamilton Rail Trail. Level 2-3: Moderate ~ 26 km
Leader: Jane . Meet at 10:00 a.m. To reach the Jerseyville parking lot, from HWY 401 take HWY 24 South to HWY 403 EAST. Exit at Garden Ave South, and turn left onto HWY 2/53 - Colbourne Street towards Hamilton, turn left onto Jerseyville Road (HWY 17), this will take you back across the 403. The parking lot is on Jerseyville Road approximately 7 km along on the right hand side. We will bicycle from Jerseyville to Hamilton and back on part of the Toronto, Hamilton, and Buffalo railway. The trail follows the Grand River, Fairchild Creek and ambles across pasture and woodlots. (Reference: Grand River Country Trails - Katherine Jacob. pages 24- 25). All cyclists must wear a helmet, bring lunch, water, and bug spray.
Friday-Sunday, June 18-20, 2010 – 8th Annual Orchid Adventure, Tobermory. Level 1: Leisurely
Leaders: Greg and Jeanette .
You are invited to join Jeanette and Greg as they explore the "Tip o' the Bruce", Tobermory, in search of orchids and other flowers. Our search will extend to Flower Pot Island (cost about $35.00 for the glass bottom boat and Parks Canada fee). The spring wildflowers in the Tobermory area are wonderful and our walks will focus on these flowers and the area's great views and geology. These walks are slower paced and shorter than regular hikes. We will have our meals and stay in a very comfortable Princess Hotel in Tobermory that overlooks Little Tub Harbour. Reservations required. If you would like to reserve a room, please call Tessie the manager at the Princess Hotel 1-877-901-8282. The number of participants is limited to 25, full the past few years. For more details see Greg's website or contact Greg.
Saturday, June 19, 2010 – Lafarge Trail Hike 2 of 2. Level 2: Moderate ~ 11 km
Leader: Sue .
Meet at 10:00 a.m. Follow highway 401 east to exit 299 south, highway 6 south to Concession Road 6 west. Watch carefully for the road's access. Continue some distance to Middletown Road on left to park on Middletown Road A chance to continue hiking in this unique area! This part of the trail offers more great views with another steep climb. Bring lunch water, sunscreen and bug repellent. See Lafarge Trail Brochure Page 1 | Page 2 (PDF) | Page 2 (PDF) | Lafarge Website at Hamilton Conservation Authority
Saturday, June 19, 2010 – Guelph Trail E2E Hike 3 of 3 Fourth Line and Side Road # 30 to Limehouse. Level 2: Moderate ~ 19 km
Leader: Jim . Meet at 9:00 a.m at the terminus of the Guelph Hiking Trail in the hamlet of Limehouse at the intersection of Fifth Line and Sideroad 22 in the Town of Halton Hills (west of Georgetown). This location is south of Highway # 7 and west of Trafalgar Road (Guelph Hiking Trail Handbook-Section 8-Radial Line Trail). Today we will finish the Radial Line Trail and the Guelph Hiking Trail where it meets the Bruce Trail (Toronto Section) at the Village of Limehouse. This section also has its share of cedar forests but it is significantly higher and hillier than previous sections. Be prepared for some good climbs through stunning hardwood forests. Congratulations and badges will be presented to those successfully completing the full series of hikes at a refreshment stop in the town of Georgetown.
Saturday, June 26, 2010 – Oak Ridges Trail E2E Hike 7 of 10. Level 3: Moderate ~ 26 km
Leaders: Arthur and Georgia .
Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Darlington/Manvers Townline, north of Hwy 20. The Oak Ridges Trail Association wesbite.
Saturday, June 26, 2010 – Adirondack Mountains: Avalanche Pass. Lake Placid Region, New York State. Map: Avalanche Pass (Pre-registration)
Leader: Charles .
No dogs. Trail is steep. Hiking boots are a must. Excellent rain wear is required. Poles highly recommended. ADK regulations limit the group size to 15, so pre-registration is essential.
Level III Mountain Hike Trail. Round trip: 5/6 hours. Avalanche Pass is rugged due to the numerous scrambles that must be made over and around boulders. The hike through this pass is probably the most spectacular route in the ADK’s. Depart 09:45 am from Heart Lake Parking Area. Allow 7/8 hours driving time from Toronto/Kitchener-Waterloo Region. From the West of Lake Placid take Route 3 or Route 86 into Saranac Lake. Continue on Route 86 through Lake Placid. At the third traffic light, turn right on to Route 73 towards Keene. In 5 kms look for the High Peaks Trailhead sign and turn right onto the Adirondack Loj Road. It is 8 kms to the parking area. Parking is US$10.00/dy. No charge if staying at the Loj. This outing introduces seasoned hikers to the beauty and adventure of mountain walking. Lake Placid and surrounding area offer a variety of accommodations from camping to hotels and Inns. Unsure about your ability? Call or write to me (See GVTA newsletter).
Sunday, June 27, 2010 – Bannister Lake Walk . Level 2: Moderate ~ 6 -7 km
Leader: Ferne . Meet in the parking lot on Wrigley Road close to Sprague Road #75 at 1:30 pm [approx. 43.292252,-80.385870]. We will walk on foot-paths through wooded areas. There are a few hills. A lookout tower is close to the parking lot. This is a slower paced walk suitable for new hikers or seasoned hikers who want a leisurely couple of hours walking with friends.
Sunday, June 27, 2010 – Adirondack Mountains: Hurricane Mountain: Lake Placid Region. Keen Valley, New York State. Map: Hurricane Mountain (Pre-registration)
Leader: Charles .
ADK regulations limit the group size to 15, so pre-registration is essential. No dogs. Trail is steep. Hiking boots are a must. Excellent rain wear is required. Poles highly recommended. Level III Mountain Hike Trail. Elevation gain to Hurricane Mtn is 610 (m) or 2000 ft. Round trip: 5/6 hours. Big time views as well as a fire tower that stands at the summit. Pace: Moderate. Depart 09:30. Allow 7/8 hours driving time from Toronto/Kitchener-Waterloo Region. From the West of Lake Placid take Route 3 or Route 86 into Saranac Lake. Continue on Route 86 through Lake Placid. At the third traffic light, turn right on to Route 73 towards Keene, passing Keene and Keene Valley. In Keene Valley, park at the Nature Trail, a parking lot for hikers, approximately 100 meters south of Trail End Inn Road. Allow a 35 minute drive from Lake Placid.
This outing introduces seasoned hikers to the beauty and adventure of mountain walking. Lake Placid and surrounding area offer a variety of accommodations from camping to hotels and Inns. Unsure about your ability? Call or write to me (see GVTA newsletter).
Sunday, June 27, 2010 – Oak Ridges Trail E2E Hike 8 of 10. Level 3: Moderate ~ 15.5 km
Leaders: Arthur and Georgia .
Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Boundary Road, just off of Hwy 115 and just past Micro Road. The Oak Ridges Trail Association wesbite.
Monday, June 28, 2010 – The Brothers & Big Slide Mountain. Adirondack Mountains: Keene Valley, Lake Placid Region, New York State. (Pre-registration)
Leader: Charles .
ADK regulations limit the group size to 15, so pre-registration is essential. Level III Mountain Hike Trail. Elevation gain to top of highest Brother is 853m or 2800 ft. Hurricane Mtn is 610 (m) or 2000 ft. Round trip: 6/7hours. This was one of my first high peaks to climb, so well worth the re-visit. The trail from the Gardens to the summit is one of the most beautiful trails in the park. Allow 7/8 hours driving time from Toronto/Kitchener-Waterloo Region. From the West of Lake Placid take Route 3 or Route 86 into Saranac Lake. Continue on Route 86 through Lake Placid. At the third traffic light, turn right on to Route 73 towards Keene, passing Keene and Keene Valley. In Keene Valley, park at the Nature Trail, a parking lot for hikers, approximately 100 meters south of Trail End Inn Road. Allow a 35 minute drive from Lake Placid. This outing introduces seasoned hikers to the beauty and adventure of mountain walking. Lake Placid and surrounding area offer a variety of accommodations from camping to hotels and Inns. Unsure about your ability? Call or write to me (see GVTA newsletter).
Go to July Hikes
Updated 2010 MAY 11 TUESDAY
