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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". Any event listed below without the maple leaf symbol is considered an Independent Outing and
The Grand Valley Trails Association accepts no responsibility. Such notices appear for the convenience of the members.
Levels 1 to 3 and Speed (e.g. moderate) - explanation
NOTE: This is page 2 of 2 for May 2011 hike listings. To return to page 1 of 2 of the May 2011 hikes click here.
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Saturday, May 14, 2011 – Hockley Valley Loop Hike.
Level 3: Moderate ~ 14 km
Leaders: Jim and Lynn .
Meet at 9:00 at parking lot beside Guelph's covered bridge on Gordon St. just south of Wellington. Or meet at 10:00 in parking lot on north side of Hockley Road immediately east of 2nd line EHS (at 60.2 km of Map 18 in Ed. 26) Come and join us for a challenging spring hike in beautiful Hockley Valley. We will be hiking the Bruce Trail between Hockley Road and Dunby Road through fields and forests, enjoying the sights of spring.
Saturday, May 14, 2011 – Stratford: Lake Victoria & T. J. Dolan Natural Area.
Level 2: Moderate ~ 10 km
NOTE: At the request of the leader, this hike will not occur today and is moved to Monday, May 23rd.
Sunday, May 15, 2011 – Bruce Trail, Iroquoia. Level 2/3. 3 km/h. Hilly, rocky terrain. 18.4 km
Jamie , Greg & Jeanette . BT Map 7/8, ed. 26. Meet before 9:00 am for a 9:00 am departure at km 33.9 [approx. lat/long = 43.243386,-79.861594] (Map 7) a parking lot off Concession Street, east side of Jolley Cut (Sam Lawrence Park Side Trail). Today's walk, from Dundas to Hamilton, traverses Dundas Valley, Tiffany Falls & Iroquoia Hts Conservation Areas before passing through Chedoke Park to the Jolley Cut. Hiking boots are a must and trekking poles are recommended. No dogs and no dropouts. Directions: From Hwy 403 West/Hwy 6 South take the Hwy 8 East/Main Street exit, merge onto County Road 2/Main St West & continue to follow Main St West, right at James St South, left at Charlton Ave East, right at John St South, continue onto Arkledun Ave, continue onto Jolley Cut, keep right at the fork, left at Concession Street. Google Maps for Meeting Place and Google Maps Driving Directions from Kitchener. Alternate Google Maps Driving Directions from Kitchener
How to enter the latitude/longitude (coordinates) in a Garmin Nüvi.
Sunday, May 15, 2011 – Thames Valley Trail Hike 1 of 6. Level 2: Moderate ~ 19 km
Leaders: Jim ,
Steve and Larry .
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the east side of Springer Road north of the dam at the Sharon Creek Conservation Area (Reference Map # 2 of the Thames Valley Trail Guidebook)
On our first hike we will start at the northerly terminus of the Elgin Hiking Trail and the southerly Terminus of the Thames Valley Trail on Southdel Road near the hamlet of Southwold to the west of the city of London. This hike is a combination of rural roads and off-road sections through stream valleys (could be wet) and alongside hardwood forest lots. Alongside the roads there will be various opportunities for drop-outs.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 – “The Lady Hikes the Blues” Level 3: Moderate ~ 28 km
Leaders: Diane and Jim .
The meeting place will be at the cairn at Queenston Heights National Park at kilometre 0.0 in the Bruce Trail Guidebook (Map # 1). (Map Art 19, R-35). The meeting time will be 9:00 A. M. Today is another marathon blue hike with some ups and downs, some flat sections, a visit to at least one winery for a mid-hike pick me up, a lunch stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake and some marvellous views across the Niagara River. We will hike along the former route of the New York Central Railway on the Upper Canada Heritage Trail (11.5 kilometres) into the historic community of Niagara-on-the-Lake (formerly Newark) and return to Queenston Heights on the General Brock Side Trail (12.3 kilometres). In conjunction with the main Bruce Trail this will give us a hike of approximately 28 kilometres. Those who survive will have bragging rights. There will be drop-out points along the route if required.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 – “Go to Blue Blazes” Level 3: Moderate ~ 16 km
Leaders: Diane and Jim .
The meeting place will be the parking lot north of kilometre 39 of the Bruce Trail, Map # 3, off the Pelham Road. (Map Art 19, R-33). The meeting time will be at 9:30 AM (Please note later start time). Today we hike on the main trail and many of the side trails at the Short Hills Provincial Park near the City of St. Catharine’s. We will hike the Black Walnut Side Trail and many of the provincial trails within the boundaries of the park. The trail will be hilly but the hills are short. We will hike approximately 16 km and there will be opportunities for drop-outs for those who need them.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 – Kissing Bridge Trail Hike 3 of 3.
Level 1: Moderate ~ 2 hours
Leader: Jane S .
Meet at 9:45 a.m. at KB Trailhead parking spot on Wellington Road 39/Silvercreek Parkway, Guelph. We will car shuttle to Weisenberg Road. This hike starts at Weisenberg Road and ends at Silvercreek Parkway/ Wellington Road 39 with the finishing option to walk the Marden Tract. The wildflowers will be out this time of the year.
Thursday, May 19, 2011 – Spencer Gorge, Two Waterfalls & Lookout. Level 2: Moderate ~7 km
Leader: Jamie . Explore part of the Spencer Creek Watershed near Dundas. Meet before 10:00 a.m. at the Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area/Tews Falls parking lot off Harvest Road (Bruce Trail Map 8; lat/long ~ 43.281791,-79.979766 Google Maps for meeting place); do not confuse this with the Webster's Falls parking lot. The 2011 entrance fee is $8/vehicle. Experience the Niagara Escarpment as we do a loop hike in this Y-shaped gorge as the waters from Valens & Beverly Swamp rush along Spencer Creek. Take pictures of Webster’s and Tews Falls & experience stunning views from Dundas Peak. We might see walking ferns, chinquapin oak & sassafras. Be prepared for hilly & some rocky terrain. Hiking boots are a must & trekking poles are recommended. Bring lunch, water, bug repellent & camera. No dogs & no smoking. Directions: From Peters Corners (intersection of Hwys 8 & 5) follow Hwy 5 East, right at Brock Rd/Regional Road 504, left at Harvest Rd & travel about 850 m to parking lot entrance. Google Maps directions from Peters Corners. How to enter the latitude/longitude (coordinates) in a Garmin Nüvi.
Friday-Monday, May 20-23, 2011 – Victoria Day Weekend in the Lower Bruce Peninsula. Level 2: Moderate
Leaders: Greg and Jeanette .
We will enjoy the trails of the lower Bruce Peninsula, whenever possible we will use side trails to form loop hikes. The views and spring flowers are as good as the Bruce Trail gets! Our hikes will be 15 km or less each day. A comfortable lodge at Red Bay provides our accommodation and meals. Group size is limited to 25 and has been full the past few years. New to hiking? We will help you. For details about accommodation and how to book a room see Greg's website.
Saturday, May 21, 2011 – Hillside Park Loop Hike.
Level 1: Moderate ~ 6 km
Leaders: Sue .
Meet at 10:00 a.m parking on Marsland Drive off University Avenue, Guelph. Discover this naturalized setting hiking away from while amidst the hustle ‘n bustle along Laurel and Forwell Creeks. Beware that the mosquitoes may appear though not invited. Bring water, snacks and lunch.
Saturday, May 21, 2011 – Bruce Trail, Peninsula Section, Hike 1 of 12. Level 2/3: Moderate 18 km
Leader: Cathy Johnstone johnstone_cathy@hotmail.com. Map 36. Departing 9:00 a.m. from the end of Wright’s Crescent near the Purple Valley Access Trail accessing the Main Trail at km 17.1. Approximate lat/long GPS coordinates = 44.836398,-81.054298, Google Maps. How to enter the latitude/longitude (coordinates) in a Garmin Nüvi.
Sunday, May 22, 2011 – Bruce Trail, Peninsula Section, Hike 2 of 12. Level 2/3: Moderate 16.5 km
Leader: Cathy Johnstone johnstone_cathy@hotmail.com. Map 36. Departing 9:00 a.m. from Boundary Road, km 25.9 where the Jones Bluff Side Trail leaves the Main Trail at km 25.9. [Note: Boundary Road may appear as Hope Bay Road on some maps like the online Google Maps and in the MapArt Publishing Road Atlas.] Approximate lat/long GPS coordinates = 44.87772,-81.071002, Google Maps or MapQuest approximate latitude/longitude of the meeting place that has road labelled Boundary Road. How to enter the latitude/longitude (coordinates) in a Garmin Nüvi.
Monday, May 23, 2011 – Bruce Trail, Peninsula Section, Hike 3 of 12. Level 2/3: Moderate 13.7 km
Leader: Cathy Johnstone johnstone_cathy@hotmail.com. Map 37. Departing 9:00 a.m. from the parking lot south of Cedarholm Campground General Store in Hope Bay at km 44.9. Approximate lat/long GPS coordinates = 44.903078,-81.155604, Google Maps. How to enter the latitude/longitude (coordinates) in a Garmin Nüvi.
Monday, May 23, 2011 – Stratford: Lake Victoria & T. J. Dolan Natural Area.
Level 2: Moderate ~ 10 km
Leader: Sue .
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the hill top close to the Festival Theatre. What a great way to spend Victoria Day with a walk around Lake Victoria and in the woods of T. J. Dolan Natural Area. This is a beautiful city with interesting architecture to note along the way. Lunch is suggested at York Street Kitchen following the hike. NOTE: Originally sheduled for May 14th this hike takes place today at the request of the hike leader.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011 – GVT, "Bridges of Woolwich Township". Level 2: Moderate ~ 8 km
Leader: Robert . Meeting time is 10:00 a.m. at the corner of River Edge Drive and Letson Drive [1226 Rivers Edge Dr], in car park [Google Maps], just east of covered bridge, West Montrose, ON (Lat: 43.585542, Long: -80.479795). With the centuries-old and heritage Grand River almost always in our view and sometimes eagerly flowing beside us, we make our way through undulating scenic terrain toward the last covered bridge in Ontario, spanning the river at West Montrose. In other years, some of the land on which we tread offered family campsites for First Nations families. Bring a lunch and sufficient water. Yes, boots are essential. A hiking pole will help the many ascents and descents. Well trained dogs, content to be constantly on a leash, are welcome. A grand walk beside a Grand River!
Sunday, May 29, 2011 – Cambridge Trail Level 1: Leisurely ~ 11-12 km
Leader: Ferne . Meet at 2:00 p.m. in the Arena parking lot at the corner of Bishop and Hamilton Street in Preston (Cambridge). We will carpool to Sheffield Street in Hespler. Our walk will take us along the Speed River, through Riverside Park on groomed trails, boardwalk and roads within the park. If you bring sunflower seeds, you may get chickadees to eat from your hand.
Sunday, May 29, 2011 – Thames Valley Trail Hike 2 of 6. Level 2: Moderate ~ 18 km
Leaders: Jim ,
Steve and Larry .
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the off-road parking at the north-east end of the Komoka Provincial Park on the south side of Oxford Street (County Road # 14) just east of Kilworth. (Reference Map # 2 of the Thames Valley Trail Guidebook). More on and off road hiking as we pass through the stream valleys near the Sharon Creek Conservation Area, pass the village of Delaware and through the Komoka Provincial Park. This section should allow the opportunity to see water birds such as the Kingfisher and the Heron and mammals like the muskrat. There will be a drop-out at km 8 in the Village of Delaware and at 13 kilometres at the entrance to the Komoka Provincial Park.
NOTE: This is page 2 of 2 for May 2011 hike listings. To return to page 1 of 2 of the May 2011 hikes click here.
Go to June Hikes
Updated 2011 MAY 14 SATURDAY
